Zip files are the most convenient ways to send or share files with large sizes when files are compressed for smaller sizes so that you can send and download more easily. In fact, a single file is always more manageable. However, if the contents inside your file are sensitive and you just want a few people to view the documents, the best ideal is to add password protection to ZIP file. Here is how to add a password to protect a ZIP file on Windows PC and Mac.
- Password Protect Zip File Method 1: WinZip
- Password Protect Zip File Method 2: TunesBro Folder Unbreak
- Password Protect Zip File Method 3: Command Line on Mac
- Password Protect Zip File Method 4: Add Password to ZIP Online
Method 1: Password Protect Zip File Using WinZip Software
WinZip is currently one of the most widely-used software for file compress and decompress. You might be no aware that it can also sets password to a ZIP file. If you had WinZip installed on your Windows PC or Mac, then this is probably the easiesy way to password protect a Zip file with a few clicks.
Step 1. Install WinZip software on a PC or Mac and open it after installation.
Step 2. In the Actions pane, click on Encrypt option.
Step 3. Drag and drop the selected files into the NewZip.zip area. When you see a dialog box, enter your preferred password and hit OK.
Step 4. Select Options in Actions tab and click on Encryption Settings. From there, set your preferred level of encryption.
Step 5. Click on Save to apply the new change. That's it! You have successfully added a password for your desired ZIP file. The steps are simple, right?
Cons:
- Password protection is not available on old versions.
- Password not in effect after encryption.
- Pop-up ads in free version.
Method 2: Easily Password Protect Zip File with TunesBro Folder Unbreak
Usually, file achiving software is the first choice when you planned to add password to Zip file. It sounds reasonable but the reality is not the same as you have expected. Actually, I tried to use WinZip and 7-Zip to password protect my file. Everything goes fine but when you open the Zip file, there is no password attached to it. Hence, everyone one can view the files in that Zip archive. So if this also happens to you, then I suggest taking a look at TunesBro Folder Unbreak, a more reliable solution without error.
TunesBro Folder Unbreak is a great tool for file security. It allows you to add password to a targe file or folder, hiden file from seen by others and lock a file or folder being copied, edited or deleted. So for Zip password protection, Folder Unbreaker is one of the best choices out there.
Step 1Install TunesBro Folder Unbreak
Download TunesBro Folder Unbreak software and install it on your computer. You need to reboot the computer after installation (required driver files to be updated during reboot).
Step 2Set Master Password
Open TunesBro Folder Unbreak and set a password, which is the password to protect the file. Make sure you have written down or keep a record of it in case of emergency.
Step 3Add Zip File for Password Protection
Now, click "Locking File" icon on left sidebar and load Zip file by clicking "Lock File(s)" on the right sidebar. Once the file is imported into the program, a password will be attached to it automatically.
That's it ! You have already password-protected your ZIP file and you have to input the correct password before opening the file.
Method 3: Password Protect ZIP File on Mac via Commands
Another way to add password protection to ZIP is to use command lines in Terminal on Mac. While macOS is more difficult to hack over Windows OS, you can still add an extra protection layer to archived files by adding a password. How, this method is a little complicated with those who have rarely used Terminal.
Step 1. To get started, you need to choose the file or folder you want to archive a ZIP file and right click on it. Hover your mouse "Compress" and choose Zip format.
Step 2. Click on Finder, select "Utilities" and open "Terminal" from it. Alternatively, you can also open Terminal from Spotlight. Simply Enter "Terminal" in Spotlight and double click on the result.
Step 3. Type in these following commands to encrypt the selected files:
zip -e archive_name target_folder
zip -er archive_name target_folder
Step 4. After that, you will see a popup prompting you to enter a password for your ZIP file. Simply click on "OK" and verify it by typing in the password again. that's easy right!
Method 4: Password Protect a ZIP File Online
If you feel that installing software or using Terminal commands on your Mac is too complicated, then you can try to use an online service that can easily help you add password protection to your ZIP file. The website we'd like to recommend to you is freetoolonline.com, which is great service in password protecting a ZIP file.
Step 1. Open any browser on your computer and visit this link (freetoolonline.com/zip-file.html).
Step 2. Once done, enter a name for your zip as well your preferred password.
Step 3. Drag and then drop the ZIP file from your computer into the box.
Step 4. Wait for it to complete adding the password to your ZIP file. When done, your ZIP is already set a password for better protection.
Step 5. Simply download the ZIP file with password protection on your computer and then send or upload it. All the process will take you a few minutes and you do not have to follow complicated steps to add a password to your ZIP file.
Cons:
- Maximum file size for uploading is 100MB.
- Downloading speed is pretty slow.
- Folder upload feature is not available on IE.
Verdict
If you usually work with a lot of files, it is not a surprise to see compressing them into zip files. Zip files can be seen everywhere, on website downloads, or even the documents you receive through email. They are popular since ZIP files can reduce the size of folders and make it easier to send to the receiver or share on the internet. While ZIP files are not secured by default, you can protect the content inside the file better by adding a password. Those who don't know your set password will be unable to open the ZIP file archive.
Now, you know how to set a protection password for a ZIP file. Simply follow one of the mentioned methods above and you can easily password protect your ZIP file. If you like simplicity then you can use an online website like freetoolonline.com for help. Otherwise, you should install software on your computer to add a password to the ZIP file in case a connection is not available.
