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How to Fix Microsoft 365 License Purchase Error E6118
Question details
The user is unable to purchase Microsoft 365 Business Basic licenses due to a payment-method verification failure resulting in error E6118.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to purchase new Microsoft 365 Business Basic licenses using various browsers, devices, and administrator accounts.
- Observed behavior
- The purchase is blocked during payment verification with error E6118, which is caused by an automated backend security block rather than a local browser or device issue.
Ensure you are signed in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center with an account that has Global Administrator or Billing Administrator privileges, as standard users cannot access billing support.
Contact Microsoft Support to Lift the Automated Security Block
Reach out to Microsoft Support via the Admin Center to manually clear the backend security flag causing the E6118 error.
Error E6118 is triggered by Microsoft's automated security monitoring system, which occasionally flags and blocks legitimate payment attempts. Standard troubleshooting steps, such as changing browsers, devices, or network locations, will not resolve this backend restriction. Direct intervention from a Microsoft support agent is required.
Navigate to admin.microsoft.com and log in using your Microsoft 365 Global Administrator or Billing Administrator credentials.
Click on the 'Support' or 'Help & Support' headset icon located in the bottom right corner of the dashboard or on the left-hand navigation pane.
Type 'Error E6118 during license purchase' into the support search bar and press Enter. The system will initially prompt you to review self-help articles.
Bypass the self-help articles by clicking the 'Contact Support' button at the bottom of the pane.
Fill out the support ticket by providing your tenant details, the exact error code (E6118), the attempted purchase information, and any transaction or correlation ID displayed during the failure.
Try WPS Office as a Cost-Effective Alternative
If you are frustrated by subscription billing errors and complex licensing tiers, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft 365 for all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs without the hassle of administrative purchase blocks.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and click the 'Free Download' button for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Open Existing Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files to continue working seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does error E6118 happen when buying Microsoft 365 licenses?
Error E6118 occurs when Microsoft's automated security monitoring system incorrectly flags and blocks a legitimate purchase attempt during the payment-method verification process.
Will using a different browser or credit card fix the E6118 error?
No. Because the error stems from a backend security block on your tenant or account profile, changing browsers, devices, locations, or credit cards will not resolve the issue. You must contact Microsoft support to have the block lifted.
How long does it take for Microsoft to lift the E6118 purchase block?
Resolution times vary once you submit a support ticket through the Microsoft 365 admin center. Typically, support agents can verify your tenant details and clear the automated security block within 24 to 48 hours.
Can a regular user contact support for this billing error?
No, you must have Global Administrator or Billing Administrator privileges in your Microsoft 365 environment to access the billing support section and log a ticket in the admin center.
