How to send Zip files in Gmail on Android

In case you frequently send emails with attachments, you are probably used to sending them in the Zip file format. Today, we’ll explain how to send Zip files in Gmail on Android.

There are various reasons why one would compress and send all Gmail attachments in Zip format. First of all, this format will ensure that files are compressed so they’ll take less space. And, due to size limitations (only 20 MB per email are allowed), you’ll profit from archiving files.

Secondly, if there are numerous files, it’s easier to extract them solely to a single folder instead of downloading hundreds of them individually. Finally, it’s the most secure way since you can encrypt files in RAR or ZIP format and only recipients with the code can access and extract files.

How do I attach a Zip file to Gmail?

If you thought that it’s impossible to attach Zip files as email attachments on Android, you were wrong. This is possible, although, by default, Gmail will offer solely multimedia files (images, audio, or video files) and documents.

However, if you open the “hamburger” menu and, presumably, have any file manager installed on your device, you can manually navigate to Zip files and attach them to your email. This applies to all non-regular files you want to attach to your emails.

Of course, thanks to Google’s integration of various services, you can also get files directly from Google Drive. Have in mind that Zip files (or any file for that matter) can take only up to 20 MB. Bigger files can’t be used.

Follow these steps to attach Zip files to Gmail on Android:

1. Open Gmail and make sure you are logged in with the preferred Gmail account.
2. Tap on the Plus sign at the bottom to create a new email.
3. Add recipient and subject. Also, any text if necessary.
4. Now, tap on the Paper Clip icon and then choose the Attach file.
5. Tap on the hamburger menu. You should see your device on the list. If you don’t see it, make sure to install any file manager from the Play Store. Although, most devices come with a built-in file manager.
6. Open your device from the list and navigate to the folder where the Zip file you want to send in Gmail resides.
7. Tap on the file and then tap Select at the top.
8. Send email.

In case you want to add the file from Google Drive, just select Google Drive after tapping on the Paper Clip icon. Select the file and wait until it downloads for sending.

How to create a Zip file on Android?

Now, you might have a certain batch of files and want to Zip them but can’t access your PC at the time. There’s certainly a way to do so on your Android, you just need the right app. And, like many other services, the likes of WinRar or 7Zip are available on Android, too.

If you want to zip a batch of files and send them that way via email on your Android, that’s a rather simple task. Follow these instructions to create a Zip file with WinRar on Android:

1. Download WinRar from the Play Store.
2. Open WinRar and allow it to access your Storage.
3. Locate and select files you want to add to a Zip archive.
4. Tap on the Plus Archive icon at the top.
5. Choose ZIP as the format. You can also check the “Delete files after archiving” if you want them gone after creating the Zip file.
6. Tap OK and that’s it.

After that, you can easily send the newly-created Zip file to Gmail with the steps we already mentioned in the above explanation.

That should do it. Thank you for reading and make sure to give us your feedback in the comments section below or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in November 2019. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.