When a Microsoft payment on Android won’t complete (stuck on “Processing”, “Something went wrong”, or it just returns to the checkout screen), it’s usually a billing handshake issue between the Microsoft app/service and Google Play billing, or a network/VPN problem. The good news: you can fix most cases without trying random cards or re-buying.

Credit card and padlock with a loading ring

Try the steps below in order. Stop once a purchase goes through.

1. Confirm what’s actually failing (Microsoft checkout vs Google Play)

First, identify the layer that’s failing—because the fix differs.

  • If you see Google Play’s purchase sheet (with your Play account) and it fails: it’s usually Play Store / Google billing / network.
  • If you never reach Google Play and the Microsoft app errors earlier: it’s usually the app session, Microsoft account, or a webview issue.
  • If you were charged but didn’t get the item/subscription: it may be pending, delayed fulfillment, or tied to a different account.

2. Check for a “pending” charge before you retry

Repeated retries can create confusing “pending” states, especially with spotty connections.

Open Google Play Store → profile icon → Payments & subscriptions and look for the transaction status.

  • If it shows Pending, wait 10–60 minutes and avoid retrying in the meantime.
  • If it shows Completed but Microsoft didn’t unlock the purchase, jump to step 7.
  • If it shows Canceled/Failed, continue to step 3.

3. Disable VPN/ad blockers and try a different connection

Payments are sensitive to traffic filtering. VPNs, private DNS, ad blockers, or “data saver” features can interrupt the billing confirmation.

Broken connection between Wi-Fi and security shield icons

  • Turn off VPN and any ad-blocking app.
  • Temporarily set Private DNS to Off/Automatic (Settings → Network & internet → Private DNS).
  • Switch networks: try mobile data if you were on Wi‑Fi (or the reverse).

Then retry the purchase once.

4. Update Play Store, Play Services, and the Microsoft app

An outdated billing component can cause generic “Something went wrong” failures.

  • Update the Microsoft app you’re buying through (e.g., Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Xbox, etc.).
  • Update Google Play Store (open Play Store → profile → Settings → About → Update Play Store).
  • Update Google Play services (Play Store → search “Google Play services” → Update if available).

If updates install, reboot your phone before retrying.

5. Clear cache for Play Store + Google Play Services (safe)

This often fixes a stuck “Processing” loop without removing your data.

  • Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Storage & cache → Clear cache
  • Settings → Apps → Google Play services → Storage & cache → Clear cache

App icon with broom clearing scattered cache dots

After that, force-close the Microsoft app and reopen it, then try checkout again.

6. Make sure you’re using the intended Google account and payment profile

On Android, the purchase is tied to the Google account that appears on the Google Play purchase sheet.

  • Open Play Store and confirm you’re on the correct Google account (profile icon at top right).
  • Check Payments & subscriptions to ensure the card/payment method is valid and not expired.
  • If you have multiple accounts on the device, try temporarily removing extra Google accounts (Settings → Accounts) and retry.

Also confirm the Microsoft app is signed into the correct Microsoft account—a mismatch can make it look like the purchase “didn’t work” when it unlocked on a different account.

7. If you were charged but didn’t get it: restore/refresh purchase and re-check the right account

If Google Play shows the charge as completed, avoid buying again.

  • In the Microsoft app, look for Restore purchases / Restore subscription / Get purchases (wording varies).
  • Sign out of the Microsoft app, restart the phone, and sign back in to force a fresh entitlement sync.
  • Verify you’re signed into the same Microsoft account used during checkout (work/school accounts can complicate this).

If it still won’t attach, capture a screenshot of the Play receipt and contact Microsoft support for that specific app/service—provide the order number from Google Play.

Final thoughts

Most Android “payment stuck processing” problems come down to network filtering (VPN/private DNS) or a Play billing cache/session that needs a quick reset.

If a charge completed, don’t keep retrying—restore the purchase and make sure both your Google account and Microsoft account match the transaction.