Microsoft Account Errors

Fix "Too Young to Buy" Error When Purchasing Microsoft Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to purchase Microsoft Word because the app store incorrectly flags their account as being under the required age, despite the profile displaying an adult date of birth.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to purchase Microsoft Word through the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store.
Observed behavior: The store blocks the transaction, displaying a "too young to buy" error or asking for a family member's permission to complete the purchase.

Before you start

Ensure you know whether you are attempting to make the purchase through the Microsoft Store or the Apple App Store, as the troubleshooting steps depend heavily on which platform is managing the transaction.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify and Update Your Microsoft Account Date of Birth

Use this solution if you are purchasing directly from the Microsoft Store, as your Microsoft account profile must reflect an adult age and not be restricted by family settings.

Even if you believe your date of birth is set correctly, it is highly recommended to log into the official Microsoft portal to verify it. Additionally, if your account is stuck in a 'Child' role within a Microsoft Family group, changing the birth date alone will not bypass the restriction.

Sign in to Microsoft

Open a web browser and go to account.microsoft.com. Sign in with the Microsoft account you are using to make the purchase.

Access your info

Click on 'Your info' located in the top navigation menu to view your profile details.

Edit profile information

Scroll down to the 'Date of birth' section. If it is incorrect, click 'Edit profile info', update it to your correct adult birth date, and save the changes.

Family Group Restriction: If you are over 18 but the system still asks for a family member, your account is likely assigned a 'Child' role in a Microsoft Family group. The Family Organizer must log in to family.microsoft.com and remove you from the child role.

Solution 2

Check Your Apple ID Age and Family Sharing Settings

Use this solution if you are trying to purchase or download Microsoft Word through the Apple App Store on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office to Avoid Account Purchasing Errors

If app store errors and account age restrictions are preventing you from downloading a word processor, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and powerful alternative. You can download and use it immediately without dealing with complex store purchases or family account verifications.

1. Visit the website: Go to the official WPS Office website on your computer or mobile browser.
2. Download the installer: Click the free download button corresponding to your operating system.
3. Install and create: Run the quick installation and instantly open, edit, or create your documents without purchase blocks.

Free to download and use without Microsoft Store or Apple ID purchasing errors.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.Lightweight software that installs quickly on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.Familiar user interface that requires no learning curve to start working immediately.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft ask for a family member even if my date of birth is over 18?

This happens if your Microsoft account was previously added to a Microsoft Family group as a 'Child'. Even if you update your date of birth to an adult age, the account role remains restricted. The designated Family Organizer must log in and remove your account from the child role to lift the restriction.

Can I delete my Microsoft account and reuse the same email address to fix this?

Deleting your Microsoft account is not a quick fix. There is a standard 30 to 60-day waiting period before an account is permanently closed. Furthermore, if your email address ends in a Microsoft domain (such as @outlook.com or @hotmail.com), you cannot reuse it to create a new account once it is deleted.

How do I know if the "too young to buy" error is from Microsoft or Apple?

It depends entirely on the app store you are using. If you are on a Windows PC using the Microsoft Store, the restriction is tied to your Microsoft account. If you are using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac and downloading from the App Store, the restriction is tied to your Apple ID's age and Family Sharing settings.

Login & Account Issues