"Parse Error : There is a problem parsing the package" while installing Android application

I got this error while installing the android application (Parse Error : There is a problem parsing the package.). I did the following steps.

1. First time I installed the application and it works fine.

2. I made changes to the existing application and change the version no in Manifest file.

   <manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android" package="org.openintents.samples.BasicOpenARDemo" android:versionCode="2" android:versionName="1.0.1">
   

3. Then I export the application and finish the code signing process. For this, Right Click your Project node > select Export. There you will see a wizard. Follow the steps and finish the code signing also.

4. I got the ARDemo.apk file, Then I changed it’s name to ARDemo1.apk

5. Then I shipped this apk file to mobiles SD Card and started the installation I got the above error.

I googled, they say that problem with unpacking manifest file.

Can anyone tell me what could be wrong with me?

You said that the first time you installed the application it worked fine.

The only difference in the steps you outlined between the two versions are:

1. The version number (I'm assume that this did not participate in breaking anything)
2. The code
3. The name of the .apk file

Try renaming the ARDemo1.apk file back to ARDemo.apk (make sure to back up the older version) and see if that helps. My guess is that it has something to do with the name of the apk.

If it still does not work, then you can eliminate the name of the apk file as the source of the problem and start investigating 2) by rebuilding your old version and see if you have same problem again. If the problem does not exists with the rebuilt version of your old code then you know it must be something to do with your code.

I hope that gets you somewhere.

Cheers, Joseph

Installation can give the specified error at least in following cases:

• Name of the package is changed after signing: Use the exact name as the signed package is (instead, adjust the name in Manifest)
• Package is compiled against on higher API level: Correct the API level in Manifest file
• Package is executed from SD-card: Run (install) the apk -file from phones memory OR use adb command to install it

I've only seen the parsing error when the android version on the device was lower than the version the app was compiled for. For example if the app is compiled for android OS v2.2 and your device only has android OS v2.1 you'd get a parse error when you try to install the app.

Instead of shooting in the dark, get the reason for this error by installing it via adb:

adb -s emulator-5555 install ~/path-to-your-apk/com.app.apk

Replace emulator-5555 with your device name. You can obtain a list using:

adb devices

Upon failing, it will give a reason. Common reasons and their fixes:

1. INSTALL_PARSE_FAILED_NO_CERTIFICATES: Reference
2. INSTALL_FAILED_UPDATE_INCOMPATIBLE: Reference

The reason is apk is not signed. Once the apk is signed, the issue will be resolved. http://ionicframework.com/docs/guide/publishing.html Please use the link on instructions to sign the apk.