Google Play Store has almost all the applications that you would ever need. But sometimes you might need to get an application from an external source and install it using its APK (Android Application Package) file. Everything is well and cool as long as the application installs fine using the APK file downloaded. But many users have reported that when they try to install an application using its APK, they get the error message There was a Problem Parsing the Package. Well, this is a very common problem and it can be fixed easily too.
The error mostly happens because of incomplete downloads. Also, it can happen when you haven’t granted the permissions to your device to install applications from external sources. Another popular reason is that your downloaded APK file is corrupted at the source. Whatever be the reason, we have listed all the possible solutions, that you can try to get your issue fixed in a matter of seconds. Hope you enjoy reading!
Solution 1: Check if the APK File is Downloaded Completely
90% of the time, the error message There was a problem parsing the package comes up because the APK file is not downloaded completely from the source. Just wait for a few more moments before you click on the APK file, so that the file is downloaded completely, to attempt the installation process again.
Solution 2: Allow the Installation of Unknown Applications from External Sources
Sometimes the error There was a problem parsing the package gets thrown if you haven’t granted your device the permission to install applications from sources other than Google Play Store. This can be enabled quickly and let’s see how.
Step 1: Open the applications drawer and click on the Settings application icon to launch it.
Step 2: As next, click on the Apps tile.
Step 3: Now on the Apps screen, where all the applications are listed, at the top right corner, find and click on the 3 vertical dots icon to view More Options.
Step 4: From the little menu, click on the Special access option.
Step 5: Now on the Special access screen, click on the Install unknown apps option.
Step 6: You will now be able to view all the sources from where you can install APK files from. Select the sources you will be using and turn ON the toggle buttons associated with them. I have turned on the toggle buttons associated with Chrome and My Files, as I’ll be using these applications for the installation of the external APK.
Note: If you will be downloading the APK file from some other source, you need to toggle ON the respective toggle button. For example, if you are downloading the APK from WhatsApp, then you need to toggle ON the button corresponding to WhatsApp.
Solution 3: Download the APK File from a Different Source
Another reason why you might be getting the There was a problem parsing the package error is because the APK file is corrupted at the source level itself. So you can try downloading the APK from a different source and try installing it. For example, if you downloaded the APK from one website, try downloading it from another this time.
Solution 4: Check for Android System Software Updates
Many issues get fixed with simple Android software updates. If your device isn’t up-to-date with the latest software releases, there’s a huge possibility of it being the reason why you might be facing this error.
Step 1: Click on the Settings application to launch it.
Step 2: On the Settings screen, scroll down and click on the option named Software update.
Step 3: Now on the Software update screen, click on the Download and install option.
Step 4: If there are any pending updates to be downloaded and installed, you will be able to see the Download button at the bottom of the screen that follows.
Once the updates are downloaded, you will be prompted to restart your Android device. Confirm the action and wait for the updates to get installed. After the device boots back to life, check if the issue is still present or not.
Solution 5: Uninstall Antivirus Software from your Android Device
Sometimes you could face the There was a Problem Parsing the Package error because your anti-virus software prevents the parsing of APK files in your device. So, if you have installed an external anti-virus software application on your device, try uninstalling it once and check if the issue is resolved or not.
Solution 6: Find an Alternative Application from Google Play Store
If none of the solutions listed in this article solved the There was a Problem Parsing the Package issue for you, as a workaround, you can try getting an alternative application with the features that the APK file that you are trying to install offers. You can get the application straight from Google Play Store this time, and it will eliminate the parsing error completely. Hope that helps.
Please tell us in the comments section if you are still stuck at the There was a Problem Parsing the Package issue. We would be happy to help.
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