How to fix Conflicts: package-name but version is to be installed in APT

Start by refreshing your package lists and checking for broken dependencies:

sudo apt update
sudo apt check

The 'apt check' command will display detailed information about conflicts and unmet dependencies. Note which packages are involved in the conflict.

APT can often resolve conflicts automatically by fixing broken dependencies:

sudo apt install -f

This attempts to fix any broken package dependencies. Review the output carefully to see which packages will be removed or modified. Type 'Y' only if the changes look correct.

If the previous step didn't work, configure any packages that are unpacked but not fully configured:

sudo dpkg --configure -a
sudo apt install -f

This completes any interrupted package installations before attempting to fix dependencies again.

Aptitude is more intelligent at resolving package conflicts than apt-get. It can suggest multiple solutions and let you choose:

sudo apt-get install aptitude
sudo aptitude install package-name

Aptitude will present various scenarios to resolve the conflict, such as:
- Removing one of the conflicting packages
- Installing a different version
- Upgrading or downgrading related packages

Choose the option that best suits your needs. Option 1 is usually the safest starting point.

Conflicts often arise from third-party PPA repositories. List your sources and identify suspicious ones:

sudo add-apt-repository --list

If you find a PPA that's causing the conflict, remove it using:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:username/ppa-name
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -f

Alternatively, use ppa-purge to remove a PPA and downgrade its packages to official versions:

sudo apt-get install ppa-purge
sudo ppa-purge ppa:username/ppa-name

If none of the above works, perform a complete package manager reset:

sudo apt clean
sudo apt autoclean
sudo apt update
sudo dpkg --configure -a
sudo apt install -f
sudo apt dist-upgrade
sudo apt autoremove --purge

These commands in sequence will:
- Remove cached package files
- Update package lists
- Configure pending packages
- Fix broken dependencies
- Perform a full system upgrade
- Remove unnecessary packages

This comprehensive approach resolves most conflicts, but may remove or upgrade some packages.

Sometimes packages are manually held at a specific version, preventing conflict resolution:

apt-mark showhold

If you see held packages listed, check if they're involved in the conflict. You can unhold them temporarily:

sudo apt-mark unhold package-name
sudo apt install -f

Re-hold the package afterward if you want to keep it at a specific version:

sudo apt-mark hold package-name