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What to do if “Cannot expand ZIP” on Mac?

  • A ZIP file that cannot be decompressed is a headache for any user
  • On MacOS, you will eventually come across a glitch or error that says “Cannot expand ZIP”
  • What are the possible causes of the issue and how can we get it to unlock?

Due to how simple they are, compressed files do not usually give us problems most of the time, although occasionally we may find that one of them refuses to be opened, and that is a major inconvenience, especially if we have compressed files that we need already. otherwise we cannot access. Made the introduction Let’s see what you should do if you get the error “Cannot expand ZIP” on Mac, considered one of the main failures or errors of this format on Apple computers.

At first, you probably know that ZIP is one of the most popular item compression formats. When we use it, we get a folder whose ending is .zip, and users can take advantage of its functions to reduce the size and weight of the files that we save or share with others. Normally, when uncompressed, they return to their original size and weight. If they are uncompressed.

We put this conditional because there are many MacOS customers who comment that they have problems, and “Cannot expand Zip” message appears on your devices every time they try to uncompress them.

Basic Solutions for “Cannot Expand ZIP” on Mac

Almost always, problems with ZIP files have basic or general solutions, like these.

An incomplete download

Many times, the explanation behind this issue is that the ZIP file download has not been completed. When you download a ZIP file from the Internet you have to make sure it’s fully downloaded.

Try your luck downloading the file again and see if that fixes the problem you’re having.

Do you have the permits?

There are not a few cases in which you will need permission to expand ZIP files, so if you downloaded it from the Internet, check the portal where you obtained it, to see if there is not one password to access it.

Too big

If the original compressed file is too large, your Mac may not be able to uncompress it. You will have to use Terminal on your Mac to expand large files according to their conditions.

incomplete compression

File compressions are simple processes, which should not be left incomplete or unresolved. We know, however, that it is not uncommon for one of these procedures to fail to be fully completed.

In an incomplete compression the file will be damaged, so it will be impossible to access its interior.

Other error codes with ZIP files on Mac

Outside of the basic solutions we’ve listed, there are some specific error codes to consider.

Error code 1 related to ZIP file not opening on Mac

The first of the common error codes in this case is Error 1-Operation Not Allowedwhich will force you to open the file through the MacOS Terminal, as we are going to show you next:

  • Hold down the Command and Space keys until Spotlight opens
  • Type Terminal in the Spotlight search bar and press Enter
  • When the terminal opens, type “unzip filename.zip” and press Enter to confirm

Automatically the ZIP file should unzip and you should see inside.

Error code 79 related to ZIP file not opening on Mac

The second of the common error codes in this case is Error 79-Type or inappropriate file format, which will also force you to open the file through Terminal, as we are going to show you below:

  • Hold down the Command and Space keys until Spotlight opens
  • Type Terminal in the Spotlight search bar and press Enter
  • When the terminal opens, type “unzip filename.zip” and press Enter to confirm

Automatically the ZIP file should unzip and you should see inside.

Other frequently asked questions

Can’t expand zip file on Mac because of “permission denied”

If instead of the message that motivated this article you receive another one that says “permission denied”, the reasons are different. Surely you do not have access to that file because someone has denied it to you, or has not given you permission. You should contact the person who sent you this file to get a password.

In the meantime, if you created it yourself or are sure you should be able to access its content, try moving it to another folder. Sometimes that fixes the problem without much hassle.

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