How to fix Package file is invalid error on Google Play Store (Smartphone)

What you need to do first, if the Google Play Store error "Package file is invalid" appears, is to restart your device. The reason why this method proves effective is that the operating system will be restarted, including all the apps tasks and processes running in the background, some of which may have been the reason for this error. Turn your device off and turn it back on. When your device powers back on, try installing the app(s).

Corrupt data and cache files can be the culprit for this error. Cached data and app files can get corrupt due to operating system updates, sudden changes into the operating system (e.g. sudden interruption while a task is executed), other apps performing scans, and more. In order to fix this error, you need to clear the corrupt data, and allow it to be replaced with clean data, the next time you open the app.

You can clear the data and cache files of Google Play Store and all the related Google apps by following the steps below:

1. Go to Settings > Apps/Application Manager;
2. Select Apps/Applications Manager;
   

   
   
   

3. Select Google Play Store from the list and tap on the clear data and clear cache buttons;
4. Select Google Services Framework from the list and tap on the clear data and clear cache buttons;
5. Select Google Play Service from the list and tap on the clear data and clear cache buttons;
6. Select Download Manager and tap on the clear data and clear cache buttons.

   
   
   

The video demo below shares how to clear app data and cache files (taken on a Samsung Galaxy device, running on Android OS 8 - steps may vary from one device to another):

It is possible that the Internet connection you are connected to is unstable, preventing the app package file to be downloaded. If you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network or mobile data.

Every time you connect to a Wi-Fi connection or activate mobile data, restart the Google Play Store app through the app switcher and try to download and install the app again.

To prevent errors in the future, consider improving the stability of your Internet connection. You can improve it in the following ways:

• Buy a signal booster (if you live in a house);
• Buy a stronger router;
• Position your router in a central, higher area of your house, or apartment;
• Switch to a more stable Internet provider (this should be a last-resort option).
  
  

Discover more solutions to improving the Internet connection, via the slow Internet guide.

Maybe the error "Package file is invalid" in Google Play is related to your Google account. A simple resolution to this issue, in this case, is for you to log out from your Google account and logging back into it. The reason why this is the case is that the pathways that connect the Google account with the Google apps, among which is the Google Play app will be restored.

To log out from your Google account and log back in, follow the steps below: 

1. Go to Settings, tap on Accounts and backup (or just Accounts); 
   

   

   
   
2. Tap on Accounts and select Google;
   

   
   
   

3. Select the Google account you are logged in with and then tap on Remove Account;
   

   
   
   

4. Restart your device;
5. Sign back in to your Google account.

It is possible that the currently installed version of the operating system on your device is the culprit for the Google Play "Package file is invalid" error. One of the reasons why updating the operating system regularly is a must is that to ensure that app compatibility is retained. Maybe a conflict with apps optimized for newer operating system versions is the reason for this error, in your case. Check if an update is available and install it, if one is available.

To update the device's operating system to the latest version, follow the steps below:

Google Play lets you log into the Google Play's web platform using your Google account, and then install apps on all the devices linked to the same account. What you may try is installing the app to your device where the error appears, through the web browser, by following the steps below:

1. Go to Google Play website;
2. Click on the Sign In button, to log in to the same Google account that you use on the phone/tablet;.
3. Find the app(s) and click on Install;
4. Tap on the Choose a device dropdown, select a device and tap on Install.
   
   

Then, check your mobile device if the app is successfully installed.