When Android users try to install an application through APK file downloaded other than Google Play Store, then they receive the error message “There was a problem parsing the package”. The error tells that there is a problem parsing the app package which indicates that the package (the APK) has some issue.
If you wish to install that app then you need to find some methods to fix this error. Here, we have mentioned different methods to fix “There was a problem parsing the package” error on Android.
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Now, we will look at the reasons first and then we will jump to the solution to solve this issue.
Reasons For “There Was A Problem Parsing The Package” Error
In Android Pie or older versions, this error is common. Below are the common causes why you receive this error.
- When web security or anti-virus app interfere with your app installation in the background.
- If the installed application or installation package is corrupted.
- The version of the app that you are trying to install is not compatible with your Android OS.
- If you have turned off the option “Install from Unknown Sources” in your Android phone’s settings.
- Maybe there is some error in the cache and cookies of your Google Play Store app or on your Android device.
- If Android OS update is interfering with the manifested files of the apps.
- When there are bugs and glitches in the “System UI”.
The above-listed reasons are not the particular app. The error may occur in any one or other of the above-listed causes, but whatever may be the reason we need the solutions to fix it right?
So, let’s go to the methods to fix “There was a problem parsing the package” error on Android.
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Method 1: Turn On the “Install From Unknown Sources” Option On Your Android Device
The Unknown Source option lets you install applications from outside Google Play Store. When, you encounter error while installing apps from unknown source then you can simply toggle off this option and then again toggle on.
You can change this option according to a specific app, which means if you are using Chrome browser to download APKs you only need to enable the option for Chrome in your phone’s settings.
Below, learn how to toggle on “Install From Unknown Sources” option on your Android phone’s settings.
Step 1: Run the phone’s “Settings”.
Step 2: Then go to Apps & notification > special app access.
Step 3: Now, tap on Install unknown apps > Chrome in settings.
Step 4: Toggle off Allow from this source option. Then wait for a few seconds.
Step 5: Now, toggle on Allow from this source option.
Step 6: Launch Chrome (or the app, for which you have turned on this option), download your APK and hit the APK to install your application.
Method 2: Install Latest Android OS
If the app that you are trying to install on your Android phone, is not compatible with your Android Operating System then you can face this error. In this situation, you need to install the latest version of Android OS on your phone.
Below, follow the simple steps to update your Android phone to the latest version of OS.
Step 1: Open Settings app on your phone.
Step 2: Then tap on System and then on System update.
Step 3: Now, your device will check the update, if the update is available then simply follow the on-screen steps to download and install it.
After this, open the file manager and hit on your APK to install the app on your phone.
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Method 3: Enable USB Debugging
Many users don’t consider USB debugging important or necessary but it gives you an extra feature while using your phone because it allows you to do many other works on your device.
Below, follow the simple steps to turn on USB debugging on your Android phone.
Step 1: Navigate to Settings > About Device.
Step 2: Then hit on “Build Number” 7 times.
Step 3: When you get the pop-up message “You are now a developer”, then simply return to “Settings”.
Step 4: Now, choose “Developer Options” and enable “USB Debugging”.
And then try to install the app and see if the error is gone or not.
Method 4: Turn Off Antivirus And Other Cleaner Apps
Antivirus apps or software and other cleaning apps block harmful apps from damaging your smartphone. Sometimes these apps also prevent you from other unsafe applications.
So, you can temporarily uninstall the Antivirus apps to fix parsing package error in Android.
Now, follow the below steps to do the same.
Step 1: Open Settings app on your phone and then tap on Apps.
Step 2: After this, choose the antivirus app and then click on “Uninstall” and then on “OK”.
Now, try to install the app and when the app is installed then again install the Antivirus app.
Method 5: Check APK File
The .apk file gets corrupted by the incomplete app installation. Hence, check that you have downloaded the file successfully. If not then remove the existing app or its .apk file and install it from Google Play Store (if available) so that it will be compatible with your phone’s software.
Method 6: Check App Manifest File
Manifested app files are .apk files which are improvised by the user. These modifications can cause this issue on your device. You can change the app file by modifying its app settings, name, and more advanced customizations. Ensure you roll back all modifications and restore the app file to its native condition so that it prevents it from getting corrupted.
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Method 7: Clear Cache Cookies From Google Play Store App
You can also clear the cache cookies of Google Play Store app. This will delete all the unnecessary data which will help to fix the Parsing error.
Now, follow the below steps to do the same.
Step 1: Launch the Google Play Store on your phone.
Step 2: Then go to its Settings.
Step 3: After that, hit on “General Settings” and then on “Clear local search history”.
Method 8: Re-Download The APK If You Have Corrupted APK File
It may be also possible that the APK file which you have downloaded is corrupted on the host site or it gets corrupted while downloading it.
In this case, you can first download the APK to your computer and then transfer it to your Android phone. This will fix any download corruption issue that your phone has. You should also try to download the older or latest version of the APK and check if that works on your smartphone.
Additional Reading: How To Fix Error 924 In Google Play [9 Methods]
Method 9: Download The APK From Another Source
If re-downloading the APK didn’t work to fix the issue then it may be possible that the host site has the corrupted APK file. In this case, you can download the app from another source/site.
So, find another APK download sites and download the APK for your app and install the app on your phone.
Method 10: Search Alternative App
If you still facing the parse error then it is possible that the APK file is either incompatible with your device or it is faulty. In these situations, you can find another application for your device.
Android provides lots of apps for the same task on your device. So, find a similar app in Google Play Store and download and install it from there.
Method 11: Use Repair (Android) Software To Fix The Error
If the error is still occurring on your Android device then it may be possible that there is some problem with the Android device data and you need to repair it. And Repair (Android) is the best tool for it.
The Android Repair tool easily fixes the error “There is a problem parsing the package” on Android. It also fixes other parsing error like “There is a problem parsing the package Pokemon Go”.
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You can also use it to fix other types of Android issues such as system update failure, apps that keep crashing, black/white screen of death, stuck in bootloop/Samsung logo, etc.
One thing you need to keep in mind is that this tool is currently applicable only to Samsung phones and tablets.
Here, follow the simple steps to fix “There was a problem parsing the package” error on Android via Repair (Android) software.
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Method 12: Factory Reset Android Device
If you have tried all the above-discussed methods but the error is not solved then lastly you can factory reset your Android phone.
Before you factory reset your phone, you must backup your device data to a safe place as this will erase everything from your phone.
Below, follow the simple steps to factory reset Android device.
Step 1: Open Settings app on your phone.
Step 2: After this, tap on “Backup and Reset”.
Step 3: Now, hit on “Factory data reset”.
Step 4: Lastly, confirm the process by tapping on “Reset Device”.
People Also Ask
Parsing is a method to examine a string of data and changing it into another usable data types in any programing language. Android is not different from other programming languages out there. And when this method fails, then you get a parsing problem error.
You can easily fix the parse error without APK Editor by using the Repair (Android) software mentioned in Method 11.
Answer – There are lots of errors related to problems with installing Android applications. Common errors are Google Play Store errors which can prevent users from installing official applications. Another error related to parsing errors is Android app downloads freezing.
Conclusion
This guide has introduced the 12 best and most effective methods to fix “There was a problem parsing the package” error on Android. These solutions will also help you in preventing it from occurring again while you download the app in the future.
If there is some problem in your Android device data and due to this you are facing this problem then in this case you can try Repair (Android) software to fix Parse error.
Wan to know About Me. Well, I have experince of almost 11 years in writing topics related to Android and other tech. Previously, I used to write Blogs for the company where I was working earlier. Now, I love to write tips, tricks, fixes for errors, data recovery solutions, and more related to Android for my own Website. Besides that, I love to travel and explore places, watch movies and play online games.
