Parse Error: There was a problem parsing the package is an error that Android mobile users face while trying to install or download certain apps.
This Parse Error has been there since the early day of Android smartphones, so you are not the only one getting this error. We have several methods by which you can fix Parse Error in Android smartphones.
Why do Android User encounter Parse Error?
It is really difficult to pinpoint why you are encountering Parse Error as there are different android smartphone manufacture and several OS versions. But here we have tried to list some of the common issues that can cause Parse Error while installing apps on your android device.
- Corrupt .apk file
- App compatibility
- Changes to Android App Manifest
- Permission to install a third-party app from an unknown source is disabled.
- Security issue.
How To Fix Parse Error on Android?
If you are wondering how to fix Parse Error on Android then here are 5 workable methods that will surely fix the Parse Error. Let’s get started.
Parse Error can sometime be due to the compatibility issue with the app you are trying to download and your mobile phone.
Each app supports for specific Android version and newer versions. So, you will need to check with Google Play store to find out whether your android will support the app which you are interested in.
You can check the compatibility by logging into Google Play Store from a browser, user your primary google account. Then search for the app you are trying to download. You will see a message if the app is compatible or not with your device.
If the app is available for you device but you still have the Parse error, then it might be that you are trying to install an app from unknown sources.
By default, most Android phones won’t let you install apps that are from unknown sources. So if you download .apk files from the third party you might get Parse Error. To allow installation of apps from the third party, please follow the steps mentioned below:
- Open phone Settings.
- Then tap on Security.
- Next, check on the option Allow App installation from unknown sources.
- Now try installing the app again.
Ok, it’s not the compatibility issue nor you are trying to install the app from Unknown sources, so what might be the fix?
In some cases, the Antivirus app can be causing the issue. It is possible that the antivirus had falsely flagged the app and prevented it from installing.
Here, you will just need to disable antivirus temporarily and download the desired app. Once you’re done enable your antivirus.
In this method, we will try to fix the Parse Error by enabling USB debugging.
- First, open your phone Settings.
- Tap on About Phone.
- Then tap on Build Number for 7 times. (On some phones Build Number will be under Software Information)
- You will see a message saying You are now a developer.
- Now go back to Settings.
- Select Developer Settings/Options and then turn on USB debugging.
- Try installing your app.
If none of the above methods worked for you, then it might be due to the .apk file you dowloaded.
The .apk file you have might not have fully downloaded, so let’s download it again. And also make sure you are using a good internet connection.
We hope that these simple steps have helped you to Fix Google Play Store Parse Error. If you are still encountering it, please let us know, so that we would check what other reasons may be triggering it and how to fix that.