License & Subscription Issues

Fix Microsoft 365 Storage Purchase Errors and Restore Email Access

Steve K Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve errors encountered while attempting to purchase additional Microsoft 365 storage to restore access to their email.

How to Fix Microsoft 365 Storage Purchase Errors and Restore Email Access

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to upgrade or purchase Microsoft 365 storage via the Outlook mobile app, Google Play billing flow, or the Microsoft online store.
Observed behavior: The purchase fails with error messages such as 'There was a problem accessing the store' or 'An error occurred', preventing the user from completing the transaction.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and verify that the payment method linked to your Google Play or Microsoft account is valid and up to date.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Google Play and Outlook App Settings

Use this solution to resolve app-specific or Google Play billing issues that may be blocking your transaction.

Often, purchase errors in mobile apps stem from outdated app versions or restrictions on in-app purchases within the device's app store settings.

Update the Outlook app

Open the Google Play Store (or Apple App Store), search for 'Microsoft Outlook', and tap 'Update' if a newer version is available.

Check Google Play payment methods

In the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon in the top right corner, select 'Payments & subscriptions', and ensure your payment methods are current and not expired.

Allow in-app purchases

Navigate to your device settings, check your screen time or parental control settings, and verify that restrictions on in-app purchases are turned off.

Verify Google Play and Outlook App Settings

Note: If you continue to experience the 'There was a problem accessing the store' error on mobile, try completing the purchase on a desktop browser instead.

Solution 2

Contact Microsoft Billing Support

Reach out directly to Microsoft support if both online store and in-app purchase attempts continue to fail.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Experience

If Microsoft 365 subscription and storage issues are disrupting your workflow, consider trying WPS Office. It is a powerful, lightweight, and completely free alternative to manage your documents without restrictive paywalls.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
2. Install the software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
3. Open and edit your files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Microsoft Office files to continue working seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.No mandatory cloud storage subscription required to edit your local files.Lightweight application that installs quickly and runs smoothly on almost any device.Familiar, intuitive user interface that makes switching from Microsoft Office seamless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Microsoft 365 storage purchase say 'There was a problem accessing the store'?

This error usually occurs due to network connectivity issues, outdated app versions, or a temporary outage on Microsoft's billing servers. Updating the app or using a web browser can often bypass it.

Will buying more storage immediately restore my Outlook email access?

Yes, once the payment processes successfully and your Microsoft account storage quota is updated, your ability to send and receive emails in Outlook should be restored automatically within a few minutes.

What should I do if Google Play billing fails for Microsoft 365?

Check if your Google Play account has a valid payment method, ensure in-app purchases are not restricted by parental controls, and try clearing the cache of the Google Play Store app in your device settings.

Can I purchase Microsoft 365 storage directly from the website instead of the Outlook app?

Yes. You can log into your Microsoft account via any web browser, navigate to your subscription and storage settings, and purchase additional space directly. This often circumvents app-specific store errors.

Login & Account Issues