Error 495 in Google Play: causes and quick fix

What Does Error 495 Mean

Error 495 is a failure code that appears in the Google Play Store when attempting to download or update apps. The full error message typically appears as follows:

Error 495
Couldn't download the app due to an error. (495)

The error occurs during the installation phase and is not dependent on a specific app—the problem lies with the Google Play Store client itself or the device's system settings. After error code 495 appears, the download is interrupted, and the app is not installed.

Common Causes

Error 495 is usually caused by one of the following:

1. Corrupted Google Play Store cache or data — accumulated temporary files become unreadable.
2. Google Account issues — incorrect authentication or account data desynchronization.
3. Network failures — unstable connection, provider blocking, or conflicts with VPN services.
4. Incorrect date and time — discrepancy with Google servers disrupts the license verification process.
5. Google Play Store version conflict — a partially updated app version after a failed update.
6. System permission restrictions — particularly relevant on devices with custom ROMs or root access.

Solution 1: Clear Google Play Store Cache and Data

This is the most common and effective solution. Clearing will remove corrupted temporary files without affecting your apps or account.

1. Open your device's Settings.
2. Go to Apps (or Apps & notifications).
3. Find and select Google Play Store.
4. Tap Storage (or Memory).
5. First, tap Clear cache.
6. Then, tap Clear data (confirmation may be required).
7. Restart your device.
8. Try downloading the app again.

⚠️ Important: Clearing data will not delete your installed apps or download history, but it will temporarily sign you out of your Google Play account.

Solution 2: Remove and Re-add Your Google Account

If clearing the cache didn't help, the problem might be with the account. Removing and re-adding it will resynchronize the data.

1. In Settings, go to Accounts (or Users & accounts).
2. Find your Google account and select it.
3. Tap Remove account (the button may say Remove or show a trash icon).
4. Confirm the removal.
5. Restart your device (mandatory!).
6. After restarting, go back to Settings → Accounts → Add account.
7. Select Google and sign in, following the on-screen instructions.
8. Open the Google Play Store and try downloading the app.

Solution 3: Reset Network Settings

Sometimes error 495 occurs due to conflicting network settings, especially if you use a VPN or custom DNS.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System (or General management).
3. Select Reset (or Reset options).
4. Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth (or Reset network settings).
5. Confirm the action. Your device will restart.
6. After restarting, reconnect to Wi-Fi or mobile data (you will need to re-enter the Wi-Fi password).
7. Try downloading the app.

💡 Tip: If you use a VPN, disable it before resetting network settings.

Solution 4: Check Date and Time

Incorrect system date and time disrupt the SSL connection with Google servers, leading to error 495.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System → Date & time (the path may vary slightly depending on your device model).
3. Ensure the Automatic date & time (or Use network-provided time) option is enabled.
4. If it is disabled, enable it.
5. Also check the Time zone — it should match your region.
6. Restart your device.
7. Test the download in the Google Play Store.

Solution 5: Uninstall Google Play Store Updates

If the error appeared after a Play Store update, the update may have been installed incorrectly. Reverting to the factory version often fixes the problem.

1. In Settings, open Apps.
2. Find Google Play Store and select it.
3. Tap the menu button (three dots in the top right corner).
4. Select Uninstall updates.
5. Confirm the action. The app will revert to the version pre-installed on your device.
6. Restart your phone.
7. Open the Google Play Store — it will automatically update to the latest stable version.
8. Try downloading the desired app.

Prevention

To avoid error 495 recurring in the future:

• Regularly clear the Google Play Store cache (every 1-2 months).
• Install system updates immediately after they are released — they often contain fixes for Play Store integration.
• Avoid unofficial versions of the Google Play Store (e.g., via sideloading) — use only official updates.
• Check network stability — avoid public Wi-Fi with restrictions or use a reliable VPN when necessary.
• Do not disable automatic date & time — this is critical for the operation of many Google services.

If error 495 appears for a specific app rather than all apps, the problem might be on the developer's side — check for alternatives in the store or contact the app's support.