The android operating system is included in most of the smart TVs currently. As it is open-source, easy to use and provide the convenience, users also accepted it broadly. However, there are some issues like “there was a problem parsing the package firestick”.
The error normally occurs while installing third-party applications on your Firestick or other smart TVs. It can also happen on android smartphones and it will prevent you from installing the specific app. In today’s guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about the parsing error.
We will also let you know how you can get rid of the parsing package error in some of the easiest ways.
What Causes the Parsing Error in Firestick?
Well, there are a lot of causes behind the “problem parsing the package” error. Check out some of the common reasons behind the problem:
File from Unknown Source
The parsing error on the android firestick tv and smartphone devices may occur while trying to install a file from an unknown source. Here the unknown source means downloading the application file (APK format) from third party websites. Play Store is the only verified sources of App for the Android operating system.
Corrupted APK file
Sometimes, you may also encounter the issue due to a corrupted APK file. The files may get corrupted by a variety of reasons including a virus attack on it. When a file gets corrupted, the data on it becomes explicit and android OS prevents installing such a file.
Incomplete Download
While downloading a file, you may get notification of the completed download. But a portion of the file may not be downloaded due to the poor internet connection or such other reasons. You will get the parsing error while trying to install an APK file which is not downloaded correctly.
Not compatible with your OS version
App developers typically update their app to run efficiently when the operating system gets updated. When you try to download an application for a specific version of android on other android OS versions, you will encounter this error.
Third-Party Apps
Do you have an antivirus on your smart TV/ Smartphone? If so then it can also cause parsing error while trying to install APK files. The antivirus prevents installation of the android applications which are downloaded from third-party websites. Antivirus can also stop the installation of the cracked or modified applications.
Fix: There was a Problem Parsing the Package
As we said earlier, there are many fixes of the package parsing error on the android devices. Try them one by one and they should surely solve the issue:
Turn on Download from Unknown Source
Before doing anything else, try enabling app download from unknown sources. The setting usually comes as turned off on your phone. Open settings menu of your android smartphone and then select “Security/Privacy” option.
Now go to the bottom of the page where you should find “unknown sources”. Simply turn it on.
When you try to turn on the settings, you will get a warning message and confirmation request. Simply confirm the operation and you are done.
Turn on USB Debugging
Some users claimed that turning on the USB debugging option solved the parsing error problem on their device. You can also try USB debugging. Here is how to do it:
You must unlock the developer options to turn on the USB debugging. Open the settings and then go to system settings.
There you should find the build number of the phone. Try the search settings option if you cannot find it in the mentioned procedure. Then click on the build number for 5 to 7 times at a row. This will turn on the developer options.
Open developer mode and find the “USB Debugging” and turn it on. Allow the USB debugging. That’s it, we are done.
Re-Download the APK File
Check the original app size from Google or Play Store. Then compare it with the downloaded file. If the file is smaller, then the file is not downloaded properly. Try re-downloading the application file (APK) from an alternative browser. Also, try to find it from a different source this time. There are a lot of trusted APK download sites out there that includes a large number of quality apps.
Remove Play Store Cache and App Data
If you are installing the file from Play Store and getting the parsing error, then maybe the problem is causing by Play Store. It happens when the play store app’s storage becomes full of cache and cookies data. The operating system fails to install the requested app and shows you parsing error in situations like this.
You can easily clean the cache data of play store by long-pressing on the app. It will open the app settings where you will find the option to delete cache and app data. If your device is running on an old android OS then you will require doing this from the settings. Here is how to do it:
Open settings and go to app settings.
Now find Play Store from the apps and click on it.
Then go to storage option from the app and then click on “clear storage” and “clear cache”. Now the preferred app should install without any issues.
Try Other Version of the App
As we mentioned earlier, the parsing package error may occur if the app version is incompatible. You can try a past/older version of the application to prevent the disturbing error. A simple search for all versions of the app on Google. Then download a previous version and it should be installed correctly.
Furthermore, if you have encountered the error while trying to install a prior version, then try installing the latest version. The latest version should be available on Play Store.
Note that you can utilize the same steps to solve the parsing package error on firesticks following the same tips. The android OS for smart TVs arrives with identical UI when compared with the smartphone. Hopefully, you will be able to solve the “There Was a Problem Parsing the Package Firestick” error by utilizing the given steps.