Android Enthusiasts
Q&A for enthusiasts and power users of the Android operating system
Latest Questions
1
votes
2
answers
12817
views
How to fix "There is a problem parsing the package" when sideloading WhatsApp?
I downloaded the apk from [here](https://www.whatsapp.com/android/) with WhatsApp version 2.17.106 (size 34601974 bytes). There, it says: "Android OS 2.3.3 or above". I can extract the APK's contents without errors, so the file is not broken. My old smartphone model is GT-S6102, a Samsung Galaxy Duo...
I downloaded the apk from [here](https://www.whatsapp.com/android/) with WhatsApp version 2.17.106 (size 34601974 bytes).
There, it says: "Android OS 2.3.3 or above". I can extract the APK's contents without errors, so the file is not broken.
My old smartphone model is GT-S6102, a Samsung Galaxy Duos, running Android 2.3.6.
I have enabled "Install from unknown sources" and "USB debugging". I have let Lookout scan it before installing.
When trying to install that APK using the file manager, I get this message:
> There is a problem parsing the package
I am also unable to install it from Google Play Store. From Google Play, it says "Package file is invalid".
**Update:** version 2.17.350 does **not** work again.
Aquarius Power
(351 rep)
Mar 16, 2017, 03:13 AM
• Last activity: Aug 6, 2025, 03:07 AM
4
votes
1
answers
5227
views
ADB Sideload stuck on serving update.zip at 0%
I'm using `adb sideload update.zip` command, but it is stuck on `serving at 0% (Verifying update package ... on phone)`. I tried `adb usb` command, but the error is closed. The device state is `sideload`. **More details:** I have a Samsung A03s (SM-A037F). Yesterday it suggested an android update. I...
I'm using
adb sideload update.zip command, but it is stuck on serving at 0% (Verifying update package ... on phone).
I tried adb usb command, but the error is closed. The device state is sideload.
**More details:**
I have a Samsung A03s (SM-A037F). Yesterday it suggested an android update. I accepted and after that, the phone was restarting repeatedly stuck in at the **Samsung logo**.
- I downloaded the latest full update package (Build Number: A037FXXU2CVK7)and platform-tools_r33.0.3 as well.
- I also installed the latest Samsung USB driver.
- Then I pressed **power+volume-up** button to enter recovery mode. I selected Apply update from ADB
_EDIT 1_: I can now do a reset factory, but I need my photos and videos.
_EDIT 2_: When I use adb logcat , the result is just: - waiting for device - for a long time and nothing else
S.ShojaEddin Rafieipour
(41 rep)
Jan 20, 2023, 05:42 PM
• Last activity: May 22, 2025, 02:02 PM
0
votes
0
answers
48
views
How to verify external APK sources?
When sourcing .apk files from 3rd party sites such as [APK Mirror](https://www.apkmirror.com/) or [APK Pure](https://apkpure.com/), is there a way to verify whether said files are tampered with, from a potential malware inclusion point of view? As an example, let's analyze [this YouTube package](htt...
When sourcing .apk files from 3rd party sites such as [APK Mirror](https://www.apkmirror.com/) or [APK Pure](https://apkpure.com/) , is there a way to verify whether said files are tampered with, from a potential malware inclusion point of view?
As an example, let's analyze [this YouTube package](https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/youtube/youtube-18-45-43-release/youtube-18-45-43-android-apk-download/) .
It lists signature(s) and claims they're verified, but what to compare the hashes _against_? How does the community generally navigate this topic?
laur
(101 rep)
Apr 12, 2025, 01:28 AM
• Last activity: May 20, 2025, 03:20 PM
3
votes
2
answers
21673
views
"App not installed" when trying to install APK
I'm trying to install an apk file on my device, and I'm able to press the Install button, but after a few seconds, I keep receiving this error: > App not installed. What is the root cause of this issue and how can I fix it? I know [this StackOverflow question](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/422...
I'm trying to install an apk file on my device, and I'm able to press the Install button, but after a few seconds, I keep receiving this error:
> App not installed.
What is the root cause of this issue and how can I fix it?
I know [this StackOverflow question](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/4226132/app-not-installed-error-on-android) is related, but that question deals more with the development aspect than the consumer installation aspect of the error.
fi12
(187 rep)
Oct 17, 2017, 11:58 PM
• Last activity: May 18, 2025, 05:39 AM
1
votes
0
answers
75
views
Bypassing installation source check in Android app
I am currently testing an application which has root detection, emulator detection, and sideloading detection. I am using an Android Studio emulator rooted with Magisk (Android 12). I was able to bypass the root and emulator detection, but not the sideloading one. I am using Magisk + Zygisk. Magisk...
I am currently testing an application which has root detection, emulator detection, and sideloading detection. I am using an Android Studio emulator rooted with Magisk (Android 12). I was able to bypass the root and emulator detection, but not the sideloading one.
I am using Magisk + Zygisk. Magisk Modules used:
- MagiskHide Prop Config
- Play Integrity Fix
- Shamiko
- Universal Safety Net
I have tried installing FakeStore, but it ends up with a signature mismatch error even after uninstalling and removing all
com.android.vending related files.
Is there any other way to bypass this?
Sanjay
(11 rep)
May 11, 2025, 12:33 PM
• Last activity: May 15, 2025, 03:27 PM
-1
votes
1
answers
321
views
Can not adb sideload Magisk-patched image (.img) file
When I try to `adb sideload` a magisk patched image, like this ``` adb sideload magisk_patched-28100_BKiYY.img ``` I get a signature verification failure. But immediately after, it fails. Upon booting, the update didn't apply. An error messages flashes.
When I try to
adb sideload a magisk patched image, like this
adb sideload magisk_patched-28100_BKiYY.img
Evan Carroll
(4661 rep)
Mar 15, 2025, 01:24 AM
• Last activity: Mar 15, 2025, 04:45 PM
0
votes
0
answers
422
views
How to install an ‘apk’ on a TCL Flip Go (AOSP version 11)?
Was wondering how to install an ‘apk’ on a `TCL Flip Go` (AOSP version 11) phone? I already tried to turn on USB debugging mode in order to install an `apk` with `adb`. But unable to follow the instructions for enabling USB debugging for a TCL Flip phone (here: https://www.tcl.com/global/en/support-...
Was wondering how to install an ‘apk’ on a
TCL Flip Go (AOSP version 11) phone?
I already tried to turn on USB debugging mode in order to install an apk with adb. But unable to follow the instructions for enabling USB debugging for a TCL Flip phone (here: https://www.tcl.com/global/en/support-mobile/faq/7541) because there is not a Build number field and entry in the About Phone section.
As well, tried to follow the instructions here: https://github.com/neutronscott/flip2/wiki . But when running python3 mtk-bootseq.py FASTBOOT /dev/ttyACM0 (used ttyACM0 as that is what would pop up for the flip phone when running dmesg -w) upon the phone booting it would be able to send serial messages for a second or so then not be able to send.
James Chong
(101 rep)
Jan 18, 2025, 06:31 PM
1
votes
3
answers
17158
views
Phone stuck in ADB sideload
I recently tried to reset my Android phone by power off, power on, and volume up buttons. There are several options, but once I pushed the volume down once and the volume up once, it stuck with the alarm sign and Android logo. Below the logo said > Now send the package you want to apply to the devic...
I recently tried to reset my Android phone by power off, power on, and volume up buttons.
There are several options, but once I pushed the volume down once and the volume up once, it stuck with the alarm sign and Android logo. Below the logo said
> Now send the package you want to apply to the device with
adb sideload .zip...'
What should I do to fix this?
sham
(11 rep)
Sep 19, 2015, 09:25 AM
• Last activity: Dec 25, 2024, 03:01 PM
2
votes
0
answers
289
views
How to completely disable app installation on rooted Android device?
I want to make a basic Android phone with only a few simple apps. I will root it and remove smart apps. I don't want any side-loading of apps of any kind though, because somebody can just put it all back if you can. I am trying to make a sort of kids phone that cannot be modified or undone to make i...
I want to make a basic Android phone with only a few simple apps. I will root it and remove smart apps. I don't want any side-loading of apps of any kind though, because somebody can just put it all back if you can. I am trying to make a sort of kids phone that cannot be modified or undone to make it smart. I am trying to disable the app installation. How?
Gabb phone, Sunbeam F1, and a bunch of other kosher phones do this! There is no way to install apps via APK, and you can't enable developer options, so I think no sideloading by ADB as well.
So, basically, I am trying to do this same thing on my own phone, but there doesn't seem to be one simple way of doing this. I have found much conflicting info on XDA and other places. I heard some people say to remove the package installer, but others say that creates a boot loop.
Can anybody help me? I saw similar questions on here, but nobody seems to have a satisfactory answer.
jawn
(21 rep)
Dec 12, 2024, 11:16 PM
• Last activity: Dec 19, 2024, 11:20 PM
3
votes
0
answers
37998
views
Apply update from ADB: how to use it when you are locked out of the device
My cousin's kid has played with his Samsung A8 (2018) phone and has changed his unlock pattern. So, nobody knows the pattern the child has set. * The phone has no Google account set up * The USB debugging is *not* activated on device before I have rebooted into recovery mode, and entered the option...
My cousin's kid has played with his Samsung A8 (2018) phone and has changed his unlock pattern. So, nobody knows the pattern the child has set.
* The phone has no Google account set up
* The USB debugging is *not* activated on device before
I have rebooted into recovery mode, and entered the option 
There is a message on recovery screen saying:
> Now send the package you want to apply
> to the device with 
According to [another post](https://android.stackexchange.com/a/197443/202005) , looks like it is possible to use [TWRP for Samsung Galaxy A8 2018](https://twrp.me/samsung/samsunggalaxya82018.html) to clear the screen lock. So, I have downloaded the following 
Now I plan to install TWRP on phone by the following command and then follow the [previous post](https://android.stackexchange.com/a/197443/202005) :
Apply update from ADB:
There is a message on recovery screen saying:
> Now send the package you want to apply
> to the device with adb sideload ...
I'm able to see the device by adb devices command:
According to [another post](https://android.stackexchange.com/a/197443/202005) , looks like it is possible to use [TWRP for Samsung Galaxy A8 2018](https://twrp.me/samsung/samsunggalaxya82018.html) to clear the screen lock. So, I have downloaded the following apk package:
Now I plan to install TWRP on phone by the following command and then follow the [previous post](https://android.stackexchange.com/a/197443/202005) :
adb sideload me.twrp.twrpapp-26.apk*.apk packages by adb sideload? Is there any possibility that it would mess up the phone?
* What else can I do with adb sideload to clear the screen lock?
* What else can be done with adb sideload to back up the phone camera images and videos without wiping the data?
Thanks =)
Megidd
(242 rep)
Nov 10, 2020, 05:31 PM
• Last activity: Dec 16, 2024, 08:17 PM
0
votes
0
answers
376
views
adb sideload factory mode file ends up in error
On Pixel 8a, I was trying to downgrade from Android 15 to Android 14. So, I downloaded https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/akita-ap2a.240905.003.a1-factory-39b3cda7.zip which is the last factory release of Android 14. However, `adb sideload` the above zip ends up in an error. It says: ERROR: recov...
On Pixel 8a, I was trying to downgrade from Android 15 to Android 14. So, I downloaded https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/akita-ap2a.240905.003.a1-factory-39b3cda7.zip which is the last factory release of Android 14.
However,
adb sideload the above zip ends up in an error. It says:
ERROR: recovery: footer is wrong
ERROR: recovery: Signature verification faield
ERROR: recovery: error 21
Install from ADB completed with status 2.
Installation aborted.
On the top of the phone, I also get
WARNING: Previous installation has failed.
Your device may fail to boot if you reboot or power off now.
And Reboot to bootloader is highlighted. Should I be doing this?
The other options are
Reboot system now (unlikely this should be done given the above message)
Enter fastboot
Apply update from adb
Apply update from sdcard
Wipe data/factory reset
Mount /system
View recovery logs
Run graphics test
Run locale test
Power off
What should I be doing here? Would wipe data/factory reset resolve the issue?
I may note that I checked the sha256sum and it does match.
I can try sideloading again, but the device is no longer listed at this point.
user3236841
(141 rep)
Dec 8, 2024, 04:11 AM
• Last activity: Dec 8, 2024, 05:48 AM
2
votes
0
answers
970
views
Stuck into bootloop, adb sideload failing
I got a Nexus 5X, completely stock, no root or unlocked bootloader. So, yesterday I remember installing a couple of games. A bit later, out of the blue, my phone reboots and I get "[Your device is corrupt][1]" message. The phone wouldn't boot past the Google logo and it would restart. I went into st...
I got a Nexus 5X, completely stock, no root or unlocked bootloader.
So, yesterday I remember installing a couple of games. A bit later, out of the blue, my phone reboots and I get "
" message. The phone wouldn't boot past the Google logo and it would restart.
I went into stock recovery mode, made a wipe data and rebooted. Now the corrupt message is gone, but the phone still bootloops. It goes past the google logo, to the animation of the rotating colorful circles. However, after a few seconds the animation stops, I get a few weird lines, and the phone restarts. And this happens over and over.
I went into recovery mode again and tried to
" message. The phone wouldn't boot past the Google logo and it would restart.
I went into stock recovery mode, made a wipe data and rebooted. Now the corrupt message is gone, but the phone still bootloops. It goes past the google logo, to the animation of the rotating colorful circles. However, after a few seconds the animation stops, I get a few weird lines, and the phone restarts. And this happens over and over.
I went into recovery mode again and tried to adb sideload the OTA. However it either gets stuck around 18%-19% or I get the error failed to read command: no error.
Someone suggested that my EMMC is failing. Is that true? Is there anything else I can try?
user3484582
(121 rep)
Jun 9, 2016, 10:35 AM
• Last activity: Feb 3, 2024, 05:30 PM
1
votes
0
answers
210
views
Android TV removing app
I downloaded and installed a 3rd party app which was not on the app store The problem I have is that every time I turn on my TV, it gets removed and I am forced to reinstall the app I have found that after reinstalling, on occasions, when I am using the app, if the app gets closed and removed. I hav...
I downloaded and installed a 3rd party app which was not on the app store
The problem I have is that every time I turn on my TV, it gets removed and I am forced to reinstall the app
I have found that after reinstalling, on occasions, when I am using the app, if the app gets closed and removed.
I have turned off play protect and it still happens
What is the best way to stop this from happening?
**
I have sldo tried using a different installer (apk mirror installer) same outcome
PaulMcF87
(181 rep)
Sep 30, 2023, 08:33 AM
• Last activity: Oct 3, 2023, 03:17 AM
14
votes
8
answers
25469
views
"Cannot download, not enough space" when "Phone Storage" clearly lists enough space
I just installed Android 2.1 on my Pandigital Novel. Anytime I try to download an app (via WiFi), I get this error: > Unable to download. Not enough space on phone. However, the phone lists the free space as being 125.57MB, about 25 times the size of the file I wanted to install. I took the APKs I w...
I just installed Android 2.1 on my Pandigital Novel. Anytime I try to download an app (via WiFi), I get this error:
> Unable to download. Not enough space on phone.
However, the phone lists the free space as being 125.57MB, about 25 times the size of the file I wanted to install.
I took the APKs I was trying to download and put them on my SD card. I was able to install them to the device from there proving it does indeed have space.
What should I do?
John
(731 rep)
Dec 27, 2010, 11:08 PM
• Last activity: Oct 2, 2023, 07:17 AM
0
votes
1
answers
5950
views
Error with `adb sideload`when trying to install Android 12 in recovery mode
According to [Google's "Get Android 12" guide][1], > The easiest way to get Android 12 Beta on a Google Pixel device is to enroll your device in the Android Beta for Pixel program. but also > Alternatively, you can flash or manually install the latest Android 12 Beta build on your Pixel device. Thes...
According to Google's "Get Android 12" guide ,
> The easiest way to get Android 12 Beta on a Google Pixel device is to enroll your device in the Android Beta for Pixel program.
but also
> Alternatively, you can flash or manually install the latest Android 12 Beta build on your Pixel device. These approaches can be useful when you need more control over testing, such as for automated testing or regression testing.
I had previously joined the beta program to test Android 11 developer preview so for Android 12, I thought I'd try the flashy way.
I followed this guide to flash the update to my Pixel 3XL. However, when I finally typed the
adb sideload command and pressed "Enter", it gave
adb sideload ~/Downloads/crosshatch-spb4.210715.011-factory-cbdbee68.zip
adb: sideload connection failed: no devices/emulators found
adb: trying pre-KitKat sideload method...
adb: pre-KitKat sideload connection failed: no devices/emulators found
and adb devices doesn't find any devices connected, although my Pixel 3XL is indeed connected through the cable, and is in recovery mode, up to step 6 of the guide. How do I get pass the error?
auspicious99
(523 rep)
Aug 24, 2021, 05:45 PM
• Last activity: Aug 3, 2023, 02:56 PM
3
votes
2
answers
5015
views
How to flash something if the data partition is encrypted?
# Problem The data on my phone is encrypted and I do not know how to flash something without decrypting it by using `Disable Force Encryption`. When the data partition is decrypted I can just copy a file to be flashed to data, boot to recovery and flash it via recovery. But if the data partition is...
# Problem
The data on my phone is encrypted and I do not know how to flash something without decrypting it by using
Disable Force Encryption.
When the data partition is decrypted I can just copy a file to be flashed to data, boot to recovery and flash it via recovery. But if the data partition is encrypted I cannot find/flash that file in recovery
FreePhoenix
(151 rep)
Nov 18, 2022, 03:56 AM
• Last activity: Jul 10, 2023, 01:13 PM
1
votes
1
answers
1327
views
Would disabling the package installer prevent updates?
Would disabling the package installer prevent updates? If so, how can I disable the ability to sideload apps while still being able to update apps already installed?
Would disabling the package installer prevent updates? If so, how can I disable the ability to sideload apps while still being able to update apps already installed?
ShtarkBochur
(13 rep)
Jan 11, 2019, 01:34 PM
• Last activity: Jun 22, 2023, 04:37 AM
-1
votes
1
answers
692
views
Phone stuck in sideload mode
I am trying to flash stock rom with magdisk, and after executing `./adb reboot sideload`, i tried `./adb sideload file.zip`. however, it showed ``` adb: sideload connection failed: no devices/emulators found adb: trying pre-KitKat sideload method... adb: pre-KitKat sideload connection failed: no dev...
I am trying to flash stock rom with magdisk, and after executing
./adb reboot sideload, i tried ./adb sideload file.zip. however, it showed
adb: sideload connection failed: no devices/emulators found
adb: trying pre-KitKat sideload method...
adb: pre-KitKat sideload connection failed: no devices/emulators found
jp_
(101 rep)
Jun 13, 2023, 04:01 PM
• Last activity: Jun 15, 2023, 02:32 AM
4
votes
2
answers
7402
views
File "has unexpected contents" error when sideloading Android 5.0 OTA zip file
I have a Nexus 7 (2013) (wifi) and am trying to update the software to Android 5.0. When I try to sideload, I get this error: Installing update... mount: failed to mount /dev/block/platform/msm.sdcc.1/by-name/system at /system: Invalid argument Verifying current system... "/system/app/Drive.apk" has...
I have a Nexus 7 (2013) (wifi) and am trying to update the software to Android 5.0. When I try to sideload, I get this error:
Installing update...
mount: failed to mount /dev/block/platform/msm.sdcc.1/by-name/system at /system: Invalid argument
Verifying current system...
"/system/app/Drive.apk" has unexpected contents.
E: Error in /tmp/update.zip
(Status 7)
Installation aborted.
How I did it:
I placed the OTA file in
sdk/platform-tools folder. Then I opened up a command prompt and typed in adb sideload 5a0f7a47588c268c239e58cf568823c6637c5af1.signed-razor-LRX21P-from-KTU84P.5a0f7a47.zip and I got that error.
What did I do wrong?
TJ Samojedny
(61 rep)
Dec 3, 2014, 11:43 AM
• Last activity: Mar 5, 2023, 03:48 AM
0
votes
1
answers
1044
views
ADB sideload regularly loads LineageOS ROM, but gets stuck at 0% with stock firmware, why?
I'm trying to restore the stock firmware for a Samsung S10e. It's currently setup with the LineageOS recovery image, and the LineageOS firmware. I've rebooted in the (LineageOS) recovery, factory reset everything, and now I'm trying to sideloading the factory image (`G970foo_bar_baz.zip`), however,...
I'm trying to restore the stock firmware for a Samsung S10e.
It's currently setup with the LineageOS recovery image, and the LineageOS firmware.
I've rebooted in the (LineageOS) recovery, factory reset everything, and now I'm trying to sideloading the factory image (
G970foo_bar_baz.zip), however, it's stuck at 0%.
If I try to sideload LineageOS again, it sideloads without any problem.
Should I keep waiting?
Since the factory ROM is very large (5.9GiB vs 800 MiB), it's possible that it's normal that it takes a long time before the sideload starts, however, I don't know how long should I wait.
Marcus
(103 rep)
Feb 22, 2023, 11:37 AM
• Last activity: Feb 23, 2023, 03:18 PM
Showing page 1 of 20 total questions