JSON.parse() is one of the most commonly used JavaScript functions, but it throws errors when given invalid JSON. Learning how to handle these errors properly is essential for robust applications.
In this guide, we'll show you how to fix JSON.parse() errors in JavaScript, with proper error handling examples and our free JSON Fixer toolto validate JSON before parsing.
Common JSON.parse() Errors
SyntaxError: Unexpected token } in JSON
Usually caused by trailing commas or syntax errors.
SyntaxError: Unexpected end of JSON input
JSON is incomplete or missing closing braces. See the full guide.
SyntaxError: Unexpected token < in JSON
HTML was returned instead of JSON (API error).
Proper Error Handling with Try-Catch
Always wrap JSON.parse() in a try-catch block:
try {
const jsonString = '{"name": "John", "age": 30}';
const data = JSON.parse(jsonString);
console.log(data);
} catch (error) {
if (error instanceof SyntaxError) {
console.error('Invalid JSON:', error.message);
// Use JSON Fixer to fix it
} else {
console.error('Unexpected error:', error);
}
}Validate JSON Before Parsing
Validate JSON using our free JSON Validator before parsing:
💡 Best Practice:
- Validate JSON using our JSON Validator
- If invalid, use our JSON Fixer to repair it
- Then parse the fixed JSON in your code
Fix JSON.parse() Errors Instantly — Try It Below
Paste your broken JSON and our fixer will repair it for safe use with JSON.parse().
Advanced JSON Fixer & Recovery Engine
Paste → Instant fix. Repair malformed JSON: trailing commas, missing quotes, broken arrays, AI-generated JSON — 100% client-side
Repair options
Fix from API error
Paste an error like "Unexpected token } in JSON at position 245" to highlight the position.
JSON Input
Fixed JSON Output
JSON Fixer Features
Automatic Error Detection
Scans and identifies all JSON syntax errors automatically
Smart JSON Repair
Fixes common errors like trailing commas, single quotes, and unquoted keys
Precise Error Location
Shows exact line and column numbers for each error
Visual Error Highlighting
Highlights problematic lines with color-coded indicators
Learn More About JSON Fixing
10 Most Common JSON Mistakes Developers Make
Learn about the most common JSON mistakes and how to fix them instantly with examples.
Read Guide →25 Broken JSON Examples and How to Fix Them
Real-world broken JSON examples with step-by-step fixes and explanations.
Read Guide →Why JSON Breaks in Real-World APIs
Understand why APIs return broken JSON in production and how to fix it effectively.
Read Guide →How JSON Fixers Work Internally
Learn how JSON fixers work internally and why manual fixing often fails.
Read Guide →