A lot of users are reporting this error in Cydia – Could not open file /var/lib/dpkg/status – open (2: No such file or Directory) The Package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened. Let’s fix it!

What does “Could not open file /var/lib/dpkg/status” Cydia Error mean?

“Could not open file /var/lib/dpkg/status” error means that some important files are missing from Cydia installer.

It usually occurs when you use the “Erase All Content and Settings” option from Settings.

Now there are 2 ways to fix the “Could not open file /var/lib/dpkg/status” error –

• Sideload YaluFix or modified mach_portal IPA file.
• Manually fix with iFunBox utility.

How to Fix Could not open file /var/lib/dpkg/status Cydia Error on iOS 10

Method #1 [Recommended]

You will need to install the YaluFix IPA with Cydia Impactor. Follow this step by step tutorial to install YaluFix. If you are on iOS 10.1.1 (mach_portal), install the modified mach_portal IPA.

It’s a fully automated solution. Just sideload the IPA with Cydia Impactor and you’re good to go. It really is that simple.

Method #2

Step 1 Download i-funbox.com from here.

Step 2 Download CydiaFix zip package from here and extract it on your desktop. This zip archive contains the Cydia’s system files and MTerminal IPA file.

Step 3 Download Cydia Impactor utility from here.

Step 4 Connect your device to the computer with a USB cable.

Step 5 Start iFunBox utility.

Step 6 Go to the iBooks section.

Step 7 Drag the lib folder across to the iBooks section.

Step 8 Install MobileTerminal.ipa with Cydia Impactor. Follow this guide if you don’t know how to use Cydia Impactor.

Step 9 Fire up MTerminal terminal emulator. Enter the following commands exactly as shown below. Press enter/return key after each line.

su
alpine
cp -R /var/mobile/Media/Books/lib /var
mkdir /var/log/apt

Step 10 Reboot your iOS device.

Step 11 Re-jailbreak your device with yalu102 or mach_portal using Cydia Impactor. Follow this guide to properly re-jailbreak your device.

That’s all there’s to it! Cydia will be working just fine and Could not open file /var/lib/dpkg/status – open (2: No such file or directory) will be gone now.

Were you able to fix Could not open file /var/lib/dpkg/status Error?

Hopefully, this error should be fixed if you have followed the above tutorial correctly. If you are still facing errors, please leave a comment below.

Remember, DO NOT use the “Erase All Content and Settings” option without proper precautions. If you really want to use this option, use SemiRestore10-Lite or OSRestoreX tool. These tools will make this option completely safe.

Here are some Cydia tweaks you may find interesting.

• Stashing – Get more space for Cydia Tweaks on iOS 10
• Gandalf – Bad Cydia Tweaks Shall Not Pass!
• List of Cydia Tweaks Compatible with iOS 10/10.1.1/10.2
• 5 Interesting New Cydia Tweaks for iOS 10, #1 will blow you away!
• Top 20 Free Cydia Apps/Tweaks of 2017
• Best Cydia Repo/Sources for iOS 10/10.1.1/10.2 [2017 List]

For other jailbreak-related errors, follow this Yalu Jailbreak Troubleshooting FAQ.