Is that file a PDF or a Word document? A ZIP archive or a disk image? In the iPhone’s Files app, iOS has traditionally hidden file extensions for many file types, leaving you to guess from the icon alone. iOS 16 finally adds a simple toggle that reveals extensions for every file — both on your device and in iCloud Drive. Here’s how to turn it on and why you’ll want to.
Why file extensions matter
A file extension — the “.pdf”, “.docx”, or “.zip” at the end of a filename — tells you exactly what kind of file you’re dealing with at a glance. That’s genuinely useful when you’re sorting through downloads, deciding which app can open an attachment, renaming files so they make sense, or making sure you’re sending the right version of a document to someone. Until iOS 16, the Files app hid extensions for file types iOS didn’t natively recognize, with no way to override it. Apple’s iPhone User Guide has more on working with files and folders on iPhone.
How to show all file extensions in the Files app
- Open the Files app on your iPhone. (If you deleted it at some point, reinstall it free from the App Store.)
- Make sure you’re on the Browse tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the three-dots button in the top corner to open the menu.
- Choose View Options.
- Turn on Show All Extensions.
That’s the whole process. From now on, every file — stored on your iPhone or in iCloud Drive — displays its extension, including file types iOS would normally hide it for. If you enjoy tailoring how your Apple devices look and behave, our guide on changing folder colors and adding emoji on macOS covers similar customization on the Mac.
Bonus: check a single file’s extension
Don’t want extensions shown everywhere? You can still peek at one file’s full name without enabling the global toggle: touch and hold the file, open its Info screen, and you’ll see the complete filename including its extension. It’s handy for identifying the occasional mystery download without changing how the rest of your files look.
If the option doesn’t appear
Show All Extensions is new in iOS 16 — on older iOS versions, extensions stay hidden for unsupported file types and there is no toggle to change that, so updating is the only fix. If you’re on iOS 16 and still don’t see the option, make sure you’re on the Browse tab (not Recents or Shared) and that you’ve tapped the three-dots button in the top corner of the screen. The same toggle exists on iPad in iPadOS 16, in exactly the same place. MacRumors’ iOS 16 roundup documents more of these small-but-useful additions.
Frequently asked questions
Does this work for files in iCloud Drive too?
Yes. The toggle applies to everything the Files app shows — files stored on your iPhone, files in iCloud Drive, and files in connected third-party storage locations.
Can I hide extensions again afterwards?
Absolutely. Go back to View Options and switch Show All Extensions off, and the Files app goes back to hiding extensions for unrecognized file types. And if you want to get around your devices faster in general, see how to quickly open the installed apps list on macOS.
Conclusion
Showing file extensions is one of those tiny iOS 16 improvements that quietly removes daily friction. One toggle in the Files app’s View Options, and you’ll never again have to wonder whether that attachment is a PDF, a Word doc, or something else entirely.
