Are you trying to install an app on your android smartphone and a window pops up telling you that there was a problem parsing the package? This is a very common problem on Android devices and nothing to be worried about. It may appear due to a number of common reasons.
In this post, I will explain what is ‘There was a problem parsing the package‘ error on Android and how to fix it using 5 Best Methods. If you are suffering from this issue, just go through this post and you’ll learn how to resolve it easily.
About the Error: There was a problem parsing the package
Android is one of the most used operating systems around the world. It is a very versatile platform where you can perform limitless actions by installing different applications. But, sometimes certain issues appear that prevent you from installing an app. One such issue is the Parse Error: There was a problem parsing the package. This particular error pops up when you are trying to install an app from Play Store or third-party sources and states that there was a problem parsing the package.
When it appears, you cannot install the particular application as the parsing of its APK file had malfunctioned leading to this error. This may appear due to a number of reasons that we’ll discuss in the next section. It is one of the most common problems on Android devices. The good thing is you can fix it very easily.
Some Common Causes of Parse Error
This issue may arise due to a number of causes. Some of the causes are very common while some of them are rare. It is tough to identify the exact cause of the error on your device. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes of the Parse Error on Android.
- When the APK file is not downloaded completely.
- Updating the OS caused some disturbance in the core files for different apps.
- The APK file is infected with a virus or malware so your antivirus isn’t allowing it.
- Incorrectly configured permission settings.
- The app version is incompatible with the OS.
There are various other causes as well, but knowing them isn’t important right now. The thing we need to focus on is how to fix this error.
5 Best Methods to Fix Parse Error: There was a problem parsing the package
As the Parse Error is a common Android problem and nothing serious, so resolving this issue is particularly easy as well. There are several solutions available that you can try in order to solve the problem. I’ve handpicked the 5 best ones and listing them here. Try them one after another until you find the one working for you.
1. Allow Installation from Unknown Sources
If you are trying to install an app from a third-party website instead of the Play Store, then incorrectly configured installation settings might be the cause of the Parse Error on your device. To fix it, you have just have to allow the installation of apps from unknown sources on your device. Follow the instructions mentioned below to know how to do that.
- Go to the Settings of your smartphone.
- Now scroll down on Additional Settings.
- Next, tap on Privacy.
- Here, Toggle the switch present next Allow installation of apps from unknown sources to ON position.
That’s it. The procedure may vary depending upon the UI of your device. Quick googling would help with that.
2. Enable USB Debugging
Enabling USB Debugging is a general solution to the Parse Error. So, you can try using it to resolve the issue. Follow the simple steps mentioned below in order to enable USB debugging on your device.
- Go to the Settings of your smartphone.
- Scroll down and tap on About Device.
- Here find Build Number and tap on it 7 times.
- A messages will appear stating that “You are a developer for this device now.”
- Come back to the Settings main page.
- Scroll down and tap on Developer Options.
- Here, check the box present next to USB Debugging.
That’s it. Now try installing the app and see if this solved the problem.
3. Re-download APK File
Sometimes the APK file gets corrupted or not completely downloaded. This generally happens when there is a ‘network change’ while downloading the file. So, delete the problematic APK file and just download it again. Make sure this time you download it without any interruptions.
Also, keep an eye on the ‘downloading bar’ and notice if there is any abnormality in the process. If it is there, you should consider downloading it from some other source.
4. Temporarily Disable Antivirus
Sometimes the antivirus installed may mistake the package as malicious and will prevent the parsing process. To get rid of this, you simply have to disable the antivirus and then try installing the application. However, make sure to do a thorough scan of the app using Antivirus as it may contain some harmful viruses or malware.
Also, I won’t suggest disabling antivirus permanently as it may put your device at risk. So, never turn off the antivirus for a long duration as it is there to protect your device from threats.
5. Try another version of the app
The Parse Error may also appear due to the incompatibility of the app version and OS. So, finding the right version is a simple way to fix it. If you are downloading an app from the Play Store, you can the version of the app and also see if it is compatible with your device. But, when you are downloading from other sources, you might know if the app is compatible or not.
So, try another version of the app. You can try an older version if the latest one is causing the issues. And the latest one if you are trying an older version of the app.
Final Thoughts
That’s how you fix the Parse Error: There was a problem parsing the package. Now you know everything important about this issue and will be able to fix it the next time it appears on your device. If you are a developer and need advanced help regarding the problem, I’d recommending visit this Stackoverflow thread.
That’s all for this post. I hope it helps you enough. For any queries, doubts, or suggestions, feel free to use the comment box. I’ll be glad to listen.