Let’s troubleshoot this issue together.
Fix In-App Purchases Failing on Android
First, let’s check where the problem lies. Most in-app purchases are made using the payment method listed by the Play Store. But Play Store is just another app that could be responsible for the problem too. If the payment option doesn’t show up, try making an in-app purchase on another app. If it works, then the problem is with the app itself. If it doesn’t work for any other app, then the problem is most probably with the Play Store. If you can access the payment method but are unable to complete the payment, the problem could be Play Store or your bank. Once you know what’s causing the problem, troubleshooting will be easier and take less time. Let’s start with an easy step:
1. Forcestop and Restart
If the problem is with the app, sometimes it can be fixed with a simple restart. Close the app and remove it from the Recent Apps list. Now check whether the problem is solved. If not, try force-stopping the app before opening it again. To do that, open Settings > Apps and select the app that you want to troubleshoot, This will open the App info page. Here select the Force stop option and tap on OK in the pop for confirmation. Once done, the app will be forced to stop and you can check if the problem still persists.
2. Clear the Cache
If the force stop isn’t working, try clearing app’s cache memory. You can also do the same for the Play Store app itself. To clear the cache, open Settings > Apps > and select the app that you facing problems with or the Play Store. On the App info page, select the Storage and Cache option and tap on Clear Cache. This should remove app’s locally stored data and hopefully solves the problem.
3. Check for Network Connectivity
Payment cannot be made without an internet connection. You should see a message saying ‘No Internet Connection‘ if you are not connected to any network. But the real problem occurs when the network is slow. The payment page tries to load but can take a long time. So check whether the problem is with your network connection and its speed.
4. Check Date and Time
Many security programs use date and time as one of their checkpoints. If they are not accurate, then you won’t be able to access the internet. Even if you do, you won’t be able to complete the payment. To correct the date and time, open Settings > Date and Time and turn on Automatic Date and Time and Automatic Time Zone if they are turned off. Now wait for a few minutes and check if you still can’t make in-app purchases. The settings can be placed in a different location or with a different name. But you can easily find it by searching for ‘date and time’ on your Settings app.
5. Check for Updates
If there are bugs that are causing payment issues on Play Store, there may already be an update that fixes it. So check for app updates on the Play Store. It may help to update your Android phone too. To update the app, open the Play Store and search for the app. On the app page, check whether there are any updates available. To update the Play Store, open Play Store app, tap on your profile picture at the top right, and select Settings. Now tap About option. In the drop-down, you should see the Update Play Store option under the Play Store version, tap on it. It should be up to date but if not, this will update the Play Store. To update the Android OS, open System Settings > About Phone and select Check for Updates. If any updates are available, this should download and provide the option for you to install. Anyhow, this process can be different on different Android skins, so try Googling if you cannot find the option.
6. Payment Method is Unavailable
If any of the payment methods cannot be selected, there could be several reasons behind it. If you are trying to purchase a subscription, then some payment methods won’t work as they don’t support automatic monthly payments. Google will notify you with ‘Unavailable for subscriptions’ messsage below the payment method. You just have to use another to complete the purchase. It may also mean the card needs verification in order to complete the payment. Open pay.google.com and go to Payment methods tab to take action on this. This verification is required when Google spots a suspicious payment. It can also mean that the card has expired. You can apply for a new card, update the details on pay.google.com > Payment methods, and select the Fix option. Either way, Google will clearly mention why that specific payment method is unavailable.
7. Insufficient Funds
One error that Google cannot notify you of beforehand is lack of funds in your account. Check your account balance to make sure you have enough to complete the purchase.
8. Unable to Get OTP
Some payment methods need OTP to complete the payment. While there can be a chance that the server isn’t sending you the OTP to complete the payment, the problem may be on your side too. Check if the problem is with your text messages if you are facing OTP issues.
9. Check if the Payment Is Already Completed
There is a good chance your payment went through without displaying any success message. To check, open Play Store > Profile pic > Payments and subscriptions > Budget and history. Here you will find a list all successful payments.
10. Contact the App Developer
If you still cannot access the feature or product after a successful purchase made, you should contact the app developer. You can do that by opening the app page on the Play Store and scrolling down until you find Developer contact. Tapping on it will give reveal developers’ email ID, address, and website. Most apps have Feedback page. You can reach out and explain the problem if you think it could be a bug.
11. Apply for a Refund
Had a bad customer care service? Then your only option is to request a refund. You can directly tap on the refund option inside Play Store app page if payment was made. The refund process can be a little complicated if it is an in-app purchase. To apply for an in-app purchase refund, open the app page on the Play Store, scroll down to the bottom, and tap on Google Play Refund Policy. On the next page, scroll down and tap on Request a refund button. Remember, you can’t claim refund after 48 hours of making the purchase. Answer the listed questions like the Google account used, item purchased, reason for refund, etc. Once the process is completed, Google may take from 1 to 4 business days to decide whether you qualify for a refund or not. The refund isn’t guaranteed as it also depends on the app’s refund policy, not just Google Play’s refund policy.
Fixing Android In-App Purchase Error
Hope you fixed the issue whether it was with the app, Play Store, or payment provider. If you cannot figure out the exact problem, you always have the option to contact Play Store customer support. They should be able to guide you in the right direction.
