Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-04

How to Fix: FileProvider crash - npe attempting to invoke XmlResourceParser on a null String

Learn how to fix: FileProvider crash - npe attempting to invoke XmlResourceParser on a null String.

Quick Answer: Try checking your system settings or restarting.

The FileProvider crash with an 'npe attempting to invoke XmlResourceParser on a null String' error occurs when the Android operating system is unable to find a valid XML resource file. This issue typically affects users who have installed apps that utilize the FileProvider class for sharing files.

This frustrating error can be caused by a variety of factors, including missing or corrupted XML resources in the app's assets folder, incorrect XML formatting, or issues with the application's manifest file.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary cause of this error is an invalid or missing `` tag in the app's manifest file. This tag specifies the path to the XML resource that contains the file paths for sharing.
  • Another possible reason for this error is a corrupted or incomplete XML resource file located at `@xml/file_paths.xml`. Ensure that the file exists and is correctly formatted.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Fixing Invalid Manifest File

  1. Step 1: Open the app's manifest file in a text editor.
  2. Step 2: Verify that the `` tag is present and correctly formatted.
  3. Step 3: If the tag is missing, add it to the manifest file and save the changes. Ensure that the `file_paths.xml` file exists in the app's assets folder.

Fixing XML Resource File Issues

  1. Step 1: Check if the `file_paths.xml` file is present in the app's assets folder and is correctly formatted.
  2. Step 2: If the file is missing or corrupted, recreate it with a valid XML structure that specifies the file paths for sharing.

💡 Conclusion

To resolve the FileProvider crash with an 'npe attempting to invoke XmlResourceParser on a null String' error, verify that the app's manifest file contains the required `` tag and that the `file_paths.xml` file is correctly formatted and present in the assets folder. If issues persist, try recreating the XML resource file or seeking further assistance from the Android development community.

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