How To Fix Problem Parsing The Package on FireStick

Hi! I’m Nick. In this article, I will show you some methods to fix the problem parsing the package on FireStick.

Sometimes, when you try to install a third-party app on your FireStick, you can get a “Parse Error: There is a problem parsing the package”. This error means that FireStick encountered an error while reading the APK file. This can be frustrating. No matter how many times you try to install the downloaded APK, you get the same error message.

parsing error on firestick

There can be a number of causes behind this issue:

  • Corrupt APK: The most obvious cause could be a corrupt APK. Incomplete downloads could be a reason. A drop in the internet connection while the download is in progress could lead to this issue.
  • ADB Debugging is Disabled: Android Debug Bridge is a Developer’s option provided by Google, that can be used to modify an application or the Android System. To sideload any third-party apps, this option needs to be enabled.
  • Apps from Unknown Sources: Any third-party app is an unknown app for a FireStick. Therefore, you will need to enable this option. Some FireStick versions allow you to have individual permissions for every app on your FireStick under the option Install Unknown Apps.
  • Outdated APK: It’s not always your FireStick’s fault! The third-party APK that you are trying to install may itself be corrupt.
  • Incompatible FireStick OS version: The FireStick OS version that you are running may not be compatible with the app that you are trying to install.

Fixing the Problem Parsing the Package on FireStick

Depending on what is causing the issue on your FireStick, any one of the methods given below should resolve it:

1. Re-download and Reinstall the APK

Let’s start with the most obvious option of downloading the APK. As stated before, an incomplete or corrupt download can cause a problem parsing the package error. Follow the steps given below:

  1. Before re-downloading the app again, delete the previously downloaded APK. You should get the option to delete the APK from the sideloading app that you are using on your FireStick. Below is an example in case you are using Downloader to sideload apps:

delete apk

  1. Download the APK from the same link again. Wait for the download to complete.
  2. Try to reinstall the APK again.

This should fix the issue if you are lucky! In case it doesn’t, move on to the next method.

2. Enable ADB Debugging

If your FireStick’s ADB Debugging option is disabled, then you will need to enable it.

Note: Before you enable ADB Debugging, you should know that this option allows anyone in your network to install unknown apps on your FireStick. Therefore, you should keep this option disabled when you are not on your home network.

To enable ADB debugging, follow the steps given below:

  1. Tap on the Home button on your FireStick’s remote. Go to Settings.

fix parsing error on firestick

2. Select My Fire TV.

fix parsing error on firestick

3. In the current menu, look for Developer Options. Open it.

how to fix parsing error on firestick

4. Here you should find the ADB debugging Enable it by selecting ON.

how to fix parsing error on firestick

Try to reinstall the app and see if this fixes the issue.

3. Enable Install Unknown Apps/ Apps from Unknown Sources

FireStick has this option disabled by default. If you want to start sideloading apps then this option needs to be turned on. Follow the steps given below:

  1. Navigate to Home->Settings->My Fire TV->Developer Options

how to fix parsing error on firestick

2. Depending on the FireStick software version you’re running, you can get either of these two options –  Install Unknown Apps or Apps from Unknown Sources

parsing error on firestick

3. For Install Unknown Apps, tap on the option and search for the sideloading app that you are using. Grant permission to this app by enabling it to In the case of Apps from Unknown Sources, simply turn it ON.

grant permission

4. Try reinstalling the app again from the sideloading app.

4. Check and Update FireStick’s Software

It might be possible that your FireStick’s software version is outdated. In such cases, new APKs that are designed to run on newer versions will not be compatible. This could result in a parsing error.

Check the FireStick software version that you are running by following the steps given below:

  1. From the Home screen, launch Settings.

fix parsing error on firestick

2. Go to My Fire TV.

fix parsing error on firestick

3. Tap on About.

firestick about

4. In the About menu, tap on Check for Updates. Here your current version will be shown and the date when FireStick last checked for an update.

how to fix parsing error on firestick

5. Click on Install Update if your FireStick software is old. Alternatively, you can also check here to know what the latest software version for your device is.

parsing error on firestick

6. Try installing the APK again to see if this fixes the issue.

If this method does not work out, then you should also determine whether the APK you are trying to install is compatible with your FireStick’s software version. Visit the homepage for the app to get this information.

5. Factory Reset your FireStick to fix problem parsing the package on FireStick

If you are unable to pinpoint any particular setting that is causing the Parsing Error, then I would suggest you perform a Factory Reset on your FireStick to restore the default firmware with default settings. At times, a bad update could also have corrupted the firmware. In such cases, a factory reset could be a viable option.

Note: Factory Reset removes all data from the FireStick. All apps that you had installed from the App store and also the sideloaded third-party apps will all be removed.

Follow the steps given below to perform a Factory Reset on your FireStick:

  1. Navigate to the Settings

navigate to the settings

2. Open My Fire TV.

fix parsing error on firestick

3. Here you should get an option called Reset to Factory Defaults. Tap on it.

reset to factory defaults

4. Confirm Reset in the subsequent prompt and wait for the process to complete.

fix parsing error on firestick

5. Try reinstalling the app. (You will need to reinstall your sideloading app too since it has been removed after a factory reset)

6. Look for an Alternative Link

Third-party apps are not necessarily well maintained and updated all the time. Hence, the APK itself may be outdated or corrupted. In such cases, no matter what you change on your FireStick, you will still get the parsing error. If none of the above methods works, then you could try looking for an alternative download link for the APK.

FAQs for “How to Fix Problem Parsing the Package on FireStick”

What is Parsing Error on FireStick

Parsing error occurs when Firestick is unable to read the installation package completely. This usually happens when the installation package is corrupt. However, it can also be caused due to an incompatible firmware version.

Can Parsing Error be fixed on FireStick?

In most cases, it can be fixed. Follow the methods given in this article to fix this error. Unfortunately, in some rare cases, the installation package will not be compatible with your FireStick’s firmware version even after it is updated.

I’m getting the Parsing Error for the same installation package on my Fire TV Stick but not on Fire TV Stick 4k. Why is that?

Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick 4K run on different firmware versions. Please visit this link on Amazon to know the latest firmware version for your FireStick. If the app is getting installed on one version of FireStick but throwing a parsing error on another version, then the issue will probably be fixed by a software update. Some third-party apps, however, may not be compatible even after updating the Firmware version. In such cases, you will still get the Parsing Error after a software update.

Do I need to Factory Reset my FireStick to fix the Parsing Error?

You may be required to perform a factory reset. However, you should only try it as a last resort. There are other easier methods listed in this article that you can go through before resorting to it.

How will I know if the Parsing Error is fixed?

If the Parsing Error is fixed, you will no longer get the Parsing Error prompt while installing the concerned package. The installation should complete smoothly.

Conclusion

If you are unable to fix the problem parsing the package on FireStick by any of the above methods, then it is probably best that you start looking for an alternative app with similar features. When you are installing a third-party app, it is upon you to determine its compatibility with your FireStick software. This is why only advanced users who are familiar with the sideloading process should attempt to sideload apps.

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