File Management

I've downloaded a file from Google Chrome (a .zip file) on my iPhone XR. My only options to "Open with..." were: Notes, which just put the file on a notes page rather than open it, and Snapchat, which did the same thing. I can NOT for the life of me find this .zip file ANYWHERE. I had to purchase this file and the website only offers a limited amount of downloads per purchase. Where is the file? Why is there no local file management on my iPhone? I just don't understand...

iPhone XR, iOS 12

Posted on May 26, 2019 9:33 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 26, 2019 9:56 AM

iOS devices like iPhone's do not have a traditional file system like computers. THere is no traditional file management on it. As such any downloads will not be visible anywhere else but in the browser used to download them.


On iOS devices, all apps must reside within an App. However, there is no native Zip management App or option in iOS, so the file cannot be transferred anywhere except those Apps you sited that have registered themselves as being able to manage zip files and as such will appear in the Open With dialog.


To manage things like Zip files you need to have an App than can open and view them. I would suggest something like Documents by Readdle, or File Manager. both are free and can handle Zip files. They will register themselves in the Open In / With dialog and will let you transfer the zip file to them, so you can open it and view the files inside.


‎Documents by Readdle on the App Store

‎File Manager & Browser on the App Store


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 26, 2019 9:56 AM in response to EasyParcheesi

iOS devices like iPhone's do not have a traditional file system like computers. THere is no traditional file management on it. As such any downloads will not be visible anywhere else but in the browser used to download them.


On iOS devices, all apps must reside within an App. However, there is no native Zip management App or option in iOS, so the file cannot be transferred anywhere except those Apps you sited that have registered themselves as being able to manage zip files and as such will appear in the Open With dialog.


To manage things like Zip files you need to have an App than can open and view them. I would suggest something like Documents by Readdle, or File Manager. both are free and can handle Zip files. They will register themselves in the Open In / With dialog and will let you transfer the zip file to them, so you can open it and view the files inside.


‎Documents by Readdle on the App Store

‎File Manager & Browser on the App Store


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

File Management

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.