Problems purchasing an app on Google Play Store

[theukmoog]

I've been helping a family member migrate to a Samsung S25 Ultra and I showed him the Internet Radio app that I've been using for years (now called ManyFM Pro).

He installed it and used it for a couple of weeks and wants to now purchase it to remove the annoying adverts.

Tried to purchase it through the Play Store on both his PC and directly on his phone.
Tried purchasing it with his Credit Card, his Debit Card (same bank), and even with my PayPal, and every time it fails with...

I get lots of hits when googling the issue but have been unable to solve it.

We even went as far as getting him to buy a £10 Google Play voucher on Amazon, adding it to his account (which Google did ok) but then gives the same results when trying to spend £8.99 of the balance

I can't even find where to contact at Google / Play Store about this issue.

So... anyone had issues with the Play Store and know how/where to raise a ticket or email in about an issue?

 

[Orcvader]

Open the Play store, tap on the profile picture on the top right, "Help and feedback", then select "Contact us".

A quick search on the error code it could either be missing payment details, poor connection, or something on Google's side (which waiting for a couple of days then trying again can sometimes work).

 

[theukmoog]

Thanks for the response... I'll get him to make contact with Google about it.

I did google the error when we first encountered it and went through his Google / Pay account and it was all complete... full name, address, postcode, DOB... and then, as another thread suggested, we left it a week before trying again, encountering the same error, so tried the Google Play Voucher, which also fails.

 

[theukmoog]

Had a live chat with a google customer service rep today... took almost an hour... only to be told...

10:09:56 REP: Because actually as I carefully review your account I don't see any problem with your account.
10:11:58 REP: The reason why this transaction is being declined because the app developer itself was declining this transaction to proceed.

So now I have to try and contact the app owner and see what's going on.
Progress... ish.

 

[theukmoog]

I emailed the dev/owner of the app and got a response back:

Google Play has blocked the sale of the PRO version of the app. However, it is now possible to disable ads in the free version. To do this, you need to make a donation of any amount via PayPal to <SNIP> with the message "Donation to support the app, <your email address>" — the email must match the one you entered in the app settings. After that, you will receive a gift in the form of ad removal for a certain period, which will be specified in the reply email. Make sure you have the latest version of the free app from Google Play installed on your device. Currently, only PayPal is supported.

No explanation as to why google have blocked his sales!

I've passed this on to the family member to decide what he wants to do... not entirely sure I'd be happy PayPalling outside of the Play Store in the hope that the adverts are de-activated.

Shame, really, as it's a great internet radio app and well worth the £8.99 asking price.