Google Play Error 498 is a cache-related download error that appears when you try to install or update an app from the Play Store. The error message simply shows “Error 498” and the download fails or keeps restarting. This error specifically means the Play Store’s download cache is either full, corrupted, or encountering a conflict that prevents new app data from being written. It’s one of the easier Play Store errors to fix — the solution almost always involves clearing cached data.
What Causes Google Play Error 498?
Error 498 is caused by problems with the download cache used by Google Play. Specifically: a full or fragmented download cache that has no room for new data, corrupted cache files from a previous failed download, insufficient total free storage on your device, conflicts between the Play Store’s cache and Google Play Services cache, or SD card issues if your device stores downloads to an external card.
7 Fixes for Google Play Error 498
1. Clear Google Play Store Cache and Data
Since Error 498 is specifically a cache problem, clearing the Play Store cache is the primary and most effective fix. Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage → Clear Cache, then tap Clear Data. Clearing cache removes all temporary files including any corrupted download fragments. Clearing data resets the Play Store’s local configuration. Restart your phone after clearing and try the download again — this resolves Error 498 in the vast majority of cases.
2. Clear Google Play Services Cache
Google Play Services manages the actual data transfer for downloads, and its cache works alongside the Play Store’s cache. If the Play Services cache is full or corrupted, Error 498 can result. Go to Settings → Apps → tap Show System Apps → Google Play Services → Storage → Clear Cache. Do not clear Play Services data unless absolutely necessary, as this can disrupt other Google services. Restart after clearing.
3. Free Up Device Storage
If your device has less than 500MB of free internal storage, the Play Store cannot allocate enough cache space for downloads and will trigger Error 498. Go to Settings → Storage to see your current free space. Delete unnecessary apps, clear individual app caches (Settings → Apps → [App Name] → Clear Cache for large apps), remove downloaded videos or music, and back up photos to Google Photos or a computer before deleting them locally. After freeing space, retry the download.
4. Restart Your Phone
A full device restart clears RAM, stops background processes that may be competing for cache storage, and resets network connections. After restarting, open the Play Store before opening any other apps — this gives the Play Store priority access to available cache space and memory. This simple step, combined with clearing the cache, resolves Error 498 for many users who otherwise assume a more complex fix is needed.
5. Move Apps from SD Card to Internal Storage
If your device uses an SD card for app storage, a slow, full, or corrupted SD card can trigger Error 498. Move apps back to internal storage: go to Settings → Apps → select an app → Storage → Change to Internal Storage. Also check if the SD card itself is nearly full. For downloads, internal storage is always more reliable than SD card storage. If the SD card is showing signs of corruption, back up its contents and format it, or replace it.
6. Uninstall Google Play Store Updates
A Play Store update that introduced a cache management bug can cause persistent Error 498. Rolling back to the factory version of the Play Store often fixes this. Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top right → Uninstall Updates. Confirm the rollback. The Play Store will revert to its original version and begin updating automatically — wait a few minutes and retry the download after the update completes.
7. Factory Reset If All Else Fails
If Error 498 persists despite clearing all caches and freeing storage, a factory reset will completely clear all download cache data and resolve any deep storage conflicts. Before resetting, back up all photos (Google Photos), contacts (Google account sync), and important documents. Go to Settings → General Management → Reset → Factory Data Reset. After the reset, add your Google account and the Play Store will work with a completely clean cache and storage state.
Preventing Google Play Error 498
Maintain at least 1-2GB of free storage on your device at all times — the Play Store needs cache space for downloads. Clear the Play Store cache monthly if you frequently install or update large apps. Avoid storing apps on SD cards when possible. If you use an SD card, format it occasionally to prevent fragmentation and corruption that can cause cache errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Error 498 appear even when I have storage space?
Error 498 can appear even with apparent free storage because the Play Store’s download cache operates in a specific reserved partition of storage. If that partition is fragmented or filled with stale cache data from previous downloads, new downloads cannot proceed — even if the total device storage shows available space. Clearing the Play Store cache frees up this specific reserved area.
Is Error 498 dangerous for my phone?
No. Error 498 is a benign cache management error — it cannot damage your phone, corrupt your data, or harm installed apps. It simply prevents new downloads from completing. All your existing apps, files, and personal data are completely safe. The error affects only the Play Store download function.
Does clearing cache delete my app data?
Clearing the Play Store’s cache does not delete any app data, installed apps, or personal files. It only removes temporary files stored by the Play Store itself. Your game progress, app settings, photos, contacts, and everything else remain untouched. Only clearing an individual app’s data (not cache) can reset that app’s settings or progress.
Can Error 498 be caused by a specific app?
Sometimes Error 498 appears consistently with one specific app — this can indicate a problem with that app’s download package on Google’s servers (a corrupt APK distribution), not just a cache issue. If clearing cache and freeing storage doesn’t fix the error for one specific app, try waiting 24 hours and trying again. Server-side app package issues are typically fixed by the developer within a day or two.