Zip is a compression file format containing compressed folders and files to store, archive and transmit. The compressed files and folders are represented by the .zip extension.
If you want to give your computer extra space when your disk reaches its maximum limit or want to share large files, zipping or compressing files is the most convenient solution. Anything can be compressed, including documents, media, and photos.
Compressed files are smaller in size, making them easier to share and store. The zip format is usually used for sharing or emailing files over the Internet. Because compressed or zipped files take less disk space, they are useful for creating backups of your essential data.
Typically, zipped files can be unzipped in an instant. You can double-click the compressed folder or file to unzip them. On your Mac, there are different methods to zip and unzip files. For instance, you can use the in-built macOS utility, Archive Utility. Simply right-click on the zipped folder you want to unzip, select Open With, and choose Archive Utility. The zipped folder or file will be unzipped.
Also, you can use Terminal, but using Terminal commands might be a bit complicated. You have to learn the specific commands to know how to unzip files on Mac Terminal. You can enter unzip [filename] and then run the command unzip ziptest. You will see the progress of the file being unzipped.
Even though zipping and unzipping files on a Mac is hassle-free, sometimes users complain that they are unable to expand a zip file. This guide takes you through the common reasons that trigger this error and the effective methods to troubleshoot this trouble instantly.
Common Reasons Causing Issues When Expanding Zip Files
- Permission on the zip files
You cannot expand a zip file if you don’t have permission to do so. If the file has been downloaded from a website, it is likely that it won’t have any permissions. But if you have received the compressed file from a non-public source, you may need to ask them if there are permissions on the file. If so, they must grant you the permissions and then resend the file.
- The download is incomplete
One of the significant reasons why you are unable to expand the zip file is that the file is damaged. You must check if the file has been downloaded correctly.
If your Internet connection is unstable, it may transfer errors and make the zipped files unable to open. Hence, you won’t be able to extract the file even if it is present in the Download folder.
The issue can be solved quickly by downloading the file again without closing the downloading website or through the Terminal.
- The compression is incorrect
The file must be compressed properly, or you may not be able to extract the data in the file.
File compression might get affected due to several reasons, such as abrupt power failure, sudden system shutdown, etc. Hence, the file undergoing the compression process gets damaged. You won’t be able to open corrupted files.
- File size
If you are trying to decompress a huge file, you won’t be able to extract it using Archive Utility. This tool doesn’t let users unzip large files. You can use the Terminal app on your Mac to extract large files.
- Password protection
If the zipped folder or file is password-protected, you need the password to unlock it.
Troubleshooting the Unable to Expand Zip Files Error
- Unzip using Mac Terminal
Large files can be extracted using Terminal. You must double-click on the file and use Terminal to decompress them.
Press Command and Spacebar to open Spotlight and then type Terminal in the search bar. Press Enter to open Terminal. Use the unzip command to open the zip file and drag and drop the zipped file. Press Enter to start the unzipping process.
If you see the cannot find or no such directory error message on the screen, you can use the cd command to access the directory and extract the file. For instance, cd Desktop, Unzip timer.zip.
- Ask permission from the original user who zipped the file
If you see the Permission Denied message, it means you don’t have the required permissions to access the zipped file. Hence, you won’t be able to expand the zip file. The original creator or user of the compressed file must give you the required permission to decompress the file.
If you do have permission to open a zip file, you can move it to another folder. You can move the compression file to your Desktop, and you can read and write files stored there. This may fix the issue.
The Bottom Line
These are the fixes you can implement when you cannot expand zip files on your Mac.
