How to fix Parse Error: There is a problem parsing the package

We can’t deny the fact the we love to install new apps or games to our android device. But have you ever experienced seeing an error that says: Parse error: There is a problem parsing the package? If you do, or it’s something that you think you’ll encounter in the future, read on because i’ll be sharing to you a useful tutorial on how to easily fix it.


To tackle the problem, let’s first understand why this error exist.

What caused the Parse error: There is a problem parsing the package?

Here are 4 possible reasons why you’re getting this error:

1. The .apk file was not completely downloaded or the file is corrupted.
2. Allow installation of non Android Market apps from Unknown Sources is unchecked.
3. The app is not compatible with your device’s hardware or your device’s Android version.

How to fix Parse error: There is a problem parsing the package?

Since we already know what caused the error, we can now easily solve this problem. The solutions below will answer each numbers above.

Solution #1. Check your internet connection

The solution to this depends mainly on our internet connection. I would suggest to connect to a wifi network with internet connection when you’re downloading a .apk file. Wait for it to be completely downloaded and install.

Solution #2. Check Unknown Sources

 By default, your Android device is set to NOT allow installation of apps from non Android Market. To fix the error number 2 listed above, we need to put a check mark on Unknown Sources. Kindly follow the steps below:

1. Go to Settings
   
2. And then Security
   
3. Scroll down until you see Unknown sources. Put a check mark on it.
   
4. Click OK
   
5. Try installing the apk now.

Solution #3. App is not compatible with your device’s hardware or Android version

This isn’t really a solution but a sad truth. If the above solutions didn’t work then it is a clear indication that the app that you’re trying to install is not compatible with your device hardware or Android version. This is a hard one to swallow, but there’s no other way around :) We’ll just have to accept reality and think of upgrading our devices.

I hope that this simple tutorial helped you fix the “Parse error: There is a problem parsing the package” that you’re having on your Android device.

If the solutions above works for you or you have any other solution that i forgot to mention, please feel free to share it with us in comments below. We’d love to have more solutions.