It’s common that you receive the parse error on Android phone. This error can stop you from installing the app successfully. So, you need to solve it immediately. Here, NewsPivot offers you 7 fixes for parse errors.

What Causes Parse Error on Android

The parse error usually occurs when you attempt to install an app downloaded from a third-party website rather than the official Google Play Store. However, it still appears even when you install an app downloaded from Google Play Store. Though this situation is rare, it exists indeed.

When the parse error occurs, you will receive an error message “There was a problem parsing the package” and fail to install the app. To get rid of the error and continue the installation, you should find out the possible causes of this error and take actions to troubleshoot it.

What causes the parse error on Android? Some common reasons are listed as follows:

  • The app isn’t compatible with your device.
  • Your Android device doesn’t have the permission to install the app.
  • The setup file of the app you’re trying to install is corrupt, incomplete, or damaged.
  • A security app is stopping the installation process.
  • There’s an issue with the Android phone.
  • You make changes to the app you’re trying to install.

Based on the above reasons, this post collects some troubleshooting methods for the parse error on Android. You can try them one by one until the parse error is solved successfully.

Fix 1: Install an Older Version of the App

If the parse error is caused by incompatibility between the app and Android, try installing an older version of the app. Download the previous version of the app on its official website and then install it again to see if the error is solved.

If not, try other fixes in the post to troubleshoot the error.

Tips:
Running an older version of the app can open your device up to security vulnerabilities.

Fix 2: Update Android to the Latest Version

If the parse error on Android occurs due to compatibility issues, you can solve it by updating Android to the latest version. To do that, follow these steps.

Step 1: Ensure that your device is connected to Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Open Settings and choose About Phone.

Step 3: Click Check now for update. If there’s an available update, an Update button will appear. Simply click on it to download the update.

Step 4: Depending on the OS, you may see Install Now, Reboot and install, or Install System Software. After you click on the option, your phone will reboot.

Also read: 5 Solutions for the Mobile Network State Disconnected Error

Fix 3: Download and Install the APK File Again

To see if the parse error is caused by the corrupt/incomplete/damaged app setup file, download the APK file again from the place where you downloaded it before. Alternatively, you can also download the APK file from a different trusted source or on a new browser.

Then install the app with the APK file to see if you can install the app without a parse error.

Fix 4: Enable Permissions to Install Apps from Unknown Sources

Here’s the tutorial on how to fix parse errors by enabling permissions to install apps from known sources.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone.

Step 2: Tap Apps and click on the app you want to modify. If you can find the target app, hit See all apps and click the app.

Step 3: Choose Permissions.

Tips:
If you have allowed or denied any permissions for the app, you will find them here.

Step 4: To modify a permission setting, click on it and select Allow or Don’t allow.

As for permissions for location, camera, and microphone, there are several options for you.

  • All the time: For location only. If you select this option, then your app can use the permission at any time, even when you are not using the app.
  • Allow only while using the app: The app uses the permission only when you’re using it.
  • Ask for every time: Every time you open the app, it’ll ask to use the permission.
  • Don’t allow: The app can’t use the permission even when you are runing it.

Fix 5: Disable Antivirus Software Temporarily

Once the Antivirus software on the Android phone thinks that the installation file is harmful, it will block you from installing it and prompt the parse error. After making sure that the downloaded file is safe, you can disable antivirus software temporarily and try the installation process again. This may help you solve parse errors.

Related article: Master These Android Tips and Tricks to Make Full Use of Android

Fix 6: Turn on USB Debugging

According to user reports, enabling USB debugging is useful for solving the parse error on Android. You can also have a try! Here are the steps for doing that.

Tips:
These steps are applicable on Android 4.2 and above versions. For Android 4.1 and below versions, the Developer options screen is available by default.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and choose System.

Step 2: Scroll to the bottom and select About phone.

Step 3: Scroll to the bottom and click Build number 7 times.

Step 4: Back to the previous screen to find Developer options next to the bottom.

Step 5: Scroll down and enable USB debugging.

Fix 7: Factory Reset Android Phone

The last resort to fix the parse error on Android is to factory reset the device. After your Android phone is reset to the factory state, all the files on the device will be deleted. So, you’d better back up your important files before performing the factory reset process.

Then follow the steps below to reset your Android phone. Please note that these steps are available on the Android 7.0 version.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and click General Management.

Step 2: Tap Reset > Factory data reset.

Step 3: Hit RESET > DELETE ALL.

How to fix parse error? Top 7 methods have been shown to you. Now, it’s your turn to make a choice.

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