“Problem parsing the package error” can appear when you try to download APK from the sources other than the Official Amazon Store. In this article, we will provide you solutions to fix Problem Parsing The Package on FireStick. We will also discuss what causes this problem to have a better understanding of it.
The solutions provided here work on all types of Fire TV and FireStick devices.
A Parsing Error is an error that occurs when your device fails to install an application. This problem can be caused due to various reasons. Incomplete or corrupt APK file download is one of the main culprits here.
You may also face this error if the app is incompatible with your device. Other reasons include outdated app or device firmware versions, software glitches, etc.
Whatever the reason is, the important point is that the app will not be installed completely. This means you can’t use the app and enjoy its features.
More often than not, Parsing error occurs only when you are installing a third-party app. This is because the official App Store only feature the apps that are compatible with your device. And, hence you are unlikely to face any trouble while installing apps from Amazon App Store.
So, how do you fix Problem Parsing The Package on FireStick?
To fix parsing errors, ensure you have turned on Install unknown apps /Apps from unknown sources feature and ADB debugging within Fire TV settings. Apart from that, you need to make sure you are installing apps that are compatible with your device.
As always, I will go over all the possible causes and solutions below that will help you solve the problem.
What Causes Problem Parsing the Package Error on FireStick?
The parsing error in FireStick generally happens when you try to install a third-party application. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will face this error every time you try to install a third-party application.
The error occurs when the application has lost some part of its data as a result of an incomplete download. Moreover, it may occur due to corrupt application files. Below I have listed all the possible causes that are responsible for parsing error on Fire TV:
- Incompatible Application
- Installation from unknown sources feature disabled while installing third-party apps
- Incomplete, Corrupt, or Damaged APK file
- Disabled ADB Debugging
- Outdated App version
- Software glitches
- Outdated FireStick
How to Fix Problem Parsing The Package on FireStick
In this section, we will discuss all the probable solutions to fix the parsing error in FireStick. Continue reading to learn the solutions in detail.
1. Turn on Installation from Unknown Sources
You must turn Install unknown apps feature ON if you wish to install third-party apps that are not available on Amazon App Store. By turning this feature on, you are actually granting your sideloading app permission to install apps on FireStick from unknown sources.
Here are the steps to turn on this feature:
1. Select Gear Icon (Settings) from FireStick main screen.
2. Then, choose My Fire TV.
3. Hit Developer Options.
4. Click Install Unknown Apps.
Note: If your FireStick interface has Apps from Unknown Sources option, click it. Then, select Turn ON. Skip the next step.
5. Then, find the Sideloading app you are using. In my case, it is Downloader app. Click on the app (Downloader) so that the status changes to ON.
Now, try to install the app again. If it is still not getting installed, move on to the next solutions.
2. Turn On ADB Debugging
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a feature that debugs apps and assists in installing apps. It can help solve the parsing error.
This is how you turn on ADB Debugging:
1. Select Gear Icon (Settings) from FireStick main screen.
2. Choose My Fire TV
3. Click Developer Options.
4. Then, ensure ADB Debugging is turned on by clicking it.
Try to install the app again.
3. Restart your FireStick Device
Sometimes, if too many apps are running in background on your Fire TV, it may become slow. It can lead to parsing error while installing an app.
Also, if FireStick runs into some temporary glitch, you may face parse error on FireStick.
Problem Parsing the Package Error may also occur while installing Fire TV Emulator. The solution for this problem is to restart your FireStick. Here are the steps:
Full Guide: How to Restart/Reboot FireStick
1. Disconnect FireStick from power source.
2. Wait for 5 minutes.
3. Plug the FireStick back into the power source and let it reboot.
4. Once the device has restarted, try to install the app again.
4. Download the App again and Then Reinstall the App
Sometimes, the APK file you download could be corrupted. It could be due to incomplete APK file or malware/bugs infused file. Hence, if you try to install it, you may face problem parsing the package issue.
Here’s what you can do to tackle it:
1. Download App files from a trusted source using a sideloading app like Downloader.
2. Now, try installing the App again and see if it solves the problem.
5. Use Latest Version of the APK
An outdated APK file is likely to be incompatible with your FireStick. If you are trying to install an outdated version of the app, you should try installing the latest app version. This may work in your favor and you may not face the error this time.
6. Always Install Apps that are Compatible with your Device
Often people try to install an app file that is not actually compatible with their device. This may lead to parsing error.
For instance, there are many apps that work perfectly on your Android smartphone but if you try to install them on your FireStick, they may not work.
So, before installing any app, make sure it is compatible with your FireStick. Try installing a different app version and see if it does the trick.
7. Find a Different Link to download APK file
There may be a chance that the source from which you are downloading the app file is hosting outdated/corrupt app files. If this is the case, no matter how many times you redownload the app file and try to reinstall it, you will face the same error.
The best thing you can do to solve this problem is to download the app file from a different source.
8. Update FireStick
An outdated FireStick OS may also cause Problem parsing the package issue. Developers update their apps based on the new version of FireStick device. Hence, if you are trying to install an app that is only compatible with latest version of FireStick device, you will face parsing error.
The solution here is to update your device to the latest version. Updating your device will not only fix bugs but also improve your security and bring new important features. This is how to update FireStick:
1. Hit Gear Icon (Settings) after you reach the FireStick main screen.
2. Next, hit My Fire TV.
3. Click About.
4. Then, select Check for Updates.
5. If any new updates are available, click Install Update to install the updates.
6. Wait while the FireStick gets updated. It may take a while.
After the update is complete, try to install the app again. Hopefully, you will not face this issue now.
9. Factory Reset/Hard Reset your FireStick
If you have tried all the solutions mentioned above, but all went in vain, here’s the last resort. Try resetting your FireStick to factory defaults.
This will remove any software issues affecting the performance of FireStick. Moreover, if your FireStick firmware gets corrupted because of a bad update, resetting it is the solution.
Note: Resetting FireStick will remove your user data including login info, files, and installed apps.
This is how to reset FireStick:
Full Guide: How to Reset FireStick to Default Settings
1. Hit Gear Icon (Settings) after you reach the FireStick main screen.
2. Then, hit My Fire TV.
3. Select Reset to Factory Defaults.
4. Click Reset to confirm it. Wait till the process is complete.
5. Next, turn on installation from unknown sources. Also, turn on ADB debugging.
6. Then, try to install the app and see if it fixes the problem.
Wrapping Up
I am sure that by following this article, you will be easily able to fix the parsing error on Fire TV and FireStick devices. But if you are still facing this error, it is probably because the app is incompatible with your FireStick. No matter how much you try, you can’t install incompatible apps on your device.
Write to us via the comment section if you have any other queries.
Hi, I am Alyssa! I am a tech enthusiast and a blogger. I have been using Kodi and FireStick since 2016. I wanted to share my latest tech discoveries and knowledge with the World, which led me to start this blog in 2021. I post in-depth how-to guides for FireStick devices & Kodi in a way that is easy to understand for people of all ages. Thanks for stopping by!
