If you are an Android mobile user, you have probably encountered the dreaded 492 errors y 495 when downloading or updating apps from the Google Play Store. These codes aren't unusual, and their appearance can leave you unable to install that app you need right at the worst possible time. Fortunately, they can usually be fixed, and here we'll explain, step by step and in detail, all the possible solutions so you can enjoy your Google Play Store again without any problems.
In this article we are going to review in depth why these errors appear, what you can do to fix them yourself, and what additional steps you can try if the typical steps don't work. We'll also give you some tips to prevent them from recurring in the future, using clear, relatable, and easy-to-follow language so that any user, even those not very handy, can solve the problem.
Why do errors 492 and 495 appear in the Google Play Store?
Before we tear our hair out, it's good to know that error codes 492 and 495 often appear when trying to install or update applications in the Google Play Store. These errors are caused by several factors, almost always related to cache failures, corrupted data, Google account sync or storage issues, or even the internet connection itself.
Error 492 It usually indicates that there is a problem with the Dalvik cache (a temporary storage space used by apps), and for some reason, Google Play cannot properly install the app. On the other hand, bug 495 This usually occurs when there are communication difficulties between your device and Google servers just as you try to download large applications or those with certain network requirements.
In many cases, the failure is simply due to internal data corruption in the Google Play Store or Google Play Services, preventing a clean download and causing the system to crash. Other times, it's due to improperly synced Google accounts or insufficient storage. Fortunately, the steps to get everything back to normal aren't too complicated.
Step-by-step solution for Google Play errors 492 and 495
Clear cache and data for Google Play Store and Google Play Services
This is the most effective and simple solution which almost always works, so let's start here:
- Access the menu Settings from your Android mobile.
- Go to Applications o Application Manager. On some mobile phones it says Apps o app manager.
- Search the app Google Play Store and click on it.
- Tap on Force stop and then in Storage.
- press Clear cache and immediately afterwards Delete data. (On some versions of Android, you'll need to go to "Storage" first to see these buttons.)
- Repeat the same process, but now find yourself Google Play services and does exactly the same: force stop, clear cache and clear data.
- Try downloading the problematic app again from the Google Play Store.
Note: These steps don't delete your apps or photos, they just "clean" corrupted temporary data from Google Play, so it's safe to try.
Remove and re-add Google account
If after clearing the cache and data the error still appears, the next step is remove your Google account from the device and add it again:
- From Settings, Accede to Accounts o Users and accounts.
- Select the cuenta de Google that you use and press the button Remove account.
- Restart your phone (this is important).
- When it starts, go back into Settings > Accounts, and choose Add account > Google. Enter your username and password again.
- Go to the Google Play Store and try downloading the app.
This process forces the phone to refresh all synchronizations with Google's servers. This is very useful when the error is caused by an account authentication or synchronization failure.
Uninstall updates from Google Play Store and Google Play Services
In some cases, problems appear after a faulty update of the app from Google Play or Google ServicesTo return to a "clean" version:
- Go to Settings> Applications.
- Choose Google Play Store. Tap the three dots in the top right corner (more options) and select Uninstall updates.
- Do the same with Google Play services.
- The system will automatically install the default version. Then, open the Google Play Store and let it update itself to the latest version.
- Try downloading the app again or updating it.
On phones with Android 6.0 or higher, sometimes these buttons are inside the section Storage within each application.
Check storage and internet connection
Although most of the time it is not the reason, If your phone is almost full or you have a bad connectionGoogle Play may display these errors. Please do the following:
- Free up space by deleting unused apps, old photos, or large videos.
- Try downloading the app from a Wi-Fi network, and if you've already tried, disconnect and reconnect. If you're using mobile data, check your coverage.
Nothing? Skip to the next section.
Format the SD card or change the storage location
Occasionally, if apps are trying to install on a faulty or full SD card, error 492 may appear. Do a quick check:
- From Settings> Storage, look for the option to extract o format SD card (be sure to make a backup if you have important data).
- Temporarily remove the card from your phone and try installing the app without it.
- If you can, format the card and reinsert it.
In most cases, large apps or some updates fail due to SD card space issues or because it is being used as the default location for installing apps.
Wipe Dalvik Cache (advanced users)
If you have root access or use advanced recovery options (very rare for normal users), you can wipe the Dalvik Cache from the recovery menu. But be careful! This can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. For most users, the previous solutions are sufficient.
Factory Restore (only as a last resort)
If none of the above solutions have helped you and you are still stuck with errors 492 and 495, you might want to consider doing a factory restoration. Remember that this process delete all data from your mobile, so make a backup first.
- Sign in Settings > System > Reset options or search Factory restore.
- Follow the instructions and your phone will return to its original state. Once it restarts, add your account and try the Google Play Store again.
It's a drastic measure, but it will leave your Android as good as new, and if the error persisted due to something you couldn't erase, it will surely disappear here.
Related errors and additional tips
There are many Google Play Store error codes similar (497, 491, 505, 905, 18, 20, 103, 194, etc.), and most of the tips we've given also apply to them. Here's a selection of extra tips and tricks:
- Error 491: This is usually resolved by removing and re-entering your Google account, as well as clearing your cache and data.
- Error 18 or 506: Related to SD cards and storage. Try removing the card and downloading the app again.
- Error 504, 501, 413: Force stop, clear data, and if that doesn't work... uninstall updates before trying again.
- Error "Authentication required": Sign out of your Google account and sign back in, along with clearing your Play Store cache.
On many occasions, make several of these solutions in order (clear cache/data, remove account, restart) is enough, but if the error is very persistent, you can try installing the app on your mobile from the web version of Google Play, sometimes it "unlocks" stuck updates.
Prevention and best practices in the Google Play Store
To prevent errors 492 and 495 from recurring, it's a good idea to do a few things from time to time:
- Clear the cache from the Google Play Store and Google Play Services from time to time, especially if you install/uninstall a lot of apps.
- Keep updated Google apps and the Android operating system when you receive notifications of new versions.
- Don't accumulate unnecessary Google accounts synchronized on your device, can cause authentication confusion.
- Monitor free storage space, both in internal memory and on the SD card, to avoid crashes due to lack of space.
- Avoid rooting your phone unless you know exactly what you're doing, as this can cause problems when installing official apps.
If you frequently use public Wi-Fi networks or switch networks frequently, errors can sometimes be caused by network "hops." Always try to download over a stable connection.
Frequently asked questions about errors 492 and 495 and other rare situations
Can I lose my data or apps if I follow these steps?
No, Clear Google Play cache/data or remove your Google account It doesn't delete your apps or personal files. You'll only lose all your data if you perform a factory reset, so it's recommended to back up your data first.
Is there a risk that the error will reappear after fixing it?
This can happen if your Android is low on memory, apps installed on the microSD card become corrupted, or an update gets stuck. We recommend performing regular maintenance and updating everything regularly.
What do I do if none of the above works?
If after trying all of the above the error keeps appearingThe problem may be with the app itself (because it's not compatible with your version of Android), a bug in the ROM/firmware, or your Google account. In that case, you can update your operating system, contact Google support, and/or install the app from alternative sources using its APK (being careful to download only from secure sites).
What if only one application is causing problems?
If all the errors occur only with a specific app, try uninstalling and reinstalling it from Google Play. If it still persists, check if it has any special requirements (Android version, plenty of free space, etc.) or contact the developer.
Special cases and lesser-known tricks
Some "unofficial" tricks are shared on forums and support websites that sometimes work in stubborn cases: Check out our guide on issues updating or installing apps on Google Play.
Don't forget that on many newer devices, the menu changes its name or location, but they all have these options, even if they're more hidden. If you're not sure, always look for the words "apps," "accounts," or "storage" in the settings.
What causes these errors and how do they affect your use of Google Play?
Google Play errors 492 and 495 may seem annoying, but they're security and control mechanisms used by Android to prevent faulty installations. Whenever you see these messages, it's because the system has detected a problem and prefers not to install the app to protect your phone.
Most commonly, they only prevent the download, update or installation of a specific app, although sometimes they can affect the entire Google Play Store if left unresolved. If you persist and leave the error unresolved, you may find yourself unable to update other apps, receive more errors, or even experience security issues due to outdated apps. It's best to fix it as soon as possible!
Remember that you're not alone, and most users eventually resolve this issue with basic steps. If nothing works, you can always ask for help in the Android communities or Google Play support.
As you've seen, although Google Play Store errors 492 and 495 can be a bit of a nuisance and a real pain, they can actually be fixed by following a few simple and straightforward steps. By keeping your phone clean, updated, and always using healthy accounts and storage, they will rarely remain on your device. Try them in order, and you're sure to be back to installing and updating apps without any headaches.
