Unable to activate Office 365 subscription when purchased from Apple

Alex DoQuang 0 Reputation points
2025-08-19T01:14:34.02+00:00

Dear Microsoft Support Team,

I recently purchased a Microsoft 365 Personal subscription through the Apple App store. The amount of $100 USD has already been deducted from my account. However, I am unable to use the service because I keep receiving the following error message " Your App Store purchase has already been associated to a different Microsoft Account. Error Code: 1303.
Screenshot 2025-08-17 at 9.18.00 PM

I have attempted multiple times to associate the purchase with my Microsoft account. I've also contacted both Microsoft and Apple support 3 times each. Apple support has went through the highest levels of escalations and is unable to refund on their end as they've noted they are just the billing center. Microsoft chat support was of no assistance and simply redirected my questions to Apple. Below are screenshots proving an active subscription through Apple:

Screenshot 2025-08-17 at 10.35.53 PM

As I no longer wish to use the service and do not have access to the product I paid for, I kindly request a full refund of the amount charged.

Please confirm receipt of this request and let me know once the refund process has been initiated.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Subscription, account, billing | For home | MacOS
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  1. Darhyl Amizola 15,480 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-19T01:54:25.7433333+00:00

    Hey there! Nice to meet you!

    Based on your description, according to the official Microsoft website: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/manage-your-microsoft-365-subscription-purchased-through-a-third-party-44749f45-4c0b-5d41-a73f-7634b8d2a763

    "If you purchased a Microsoft 365 subscription from a third-party retailer, such as Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, or Google Play, please contact them directly to manage your subscription and billing.

    For Play Store purchases, go to Learn about Google Play refund policies. For Apple App Store purchases, request a refund from Apple support. https://support.apple.com/118428

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    • Microsoft cannot cancel or help turn on or off recurring billing for subscriptions purchased through a third-party retailer.
    • If you purchased a Microsoft subscription from the third-party retailer, contact their customer support for cancellation or refund. All refund requests must go to the third-party retailer from whom you purchased the subscription because Microsoft did not receive that payment. "

    Thank you for your kindness and understanding! Please feel free to let me know if you need anything else.

    Best regards,

    Darhyl


  2. Darhyl Amizola 15,480 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-20T01:43:52.7133333+00:00

    I appreciate the response.

    Since you mentioned that you have received the Error Code: 1303, please try performing these steps from Microsoft: https://support.microsoft.com/office/office-for-mac-payment-error-code-1303-f1e513bb-7ea4-4e4f-ab2d-9d2cdc538f66

    "The subscription you purchased from Apple is already associated with a Microsoft Account.

    Subscriptions are associated with the Microsoft Account that you used to log in to your Office App when you purchased the subscription.

    In most cases, this issue occurs when you purchase Microsoft 365 with a personal Microsoft Account, but then sign in with a different personal or work Microsoft Account. To troubleshoot, try the steps below:

    1. Sign out of the Office app.
    2. Sign-in with the Microsoft Account that you believe you used at the time of purchase.
    3. Try the steps in this article: Restore previous purchase for Office for Mac. https://support.microsoft.com/office/restore-previous-purchase-of-microsoft-365-apps-or-copilot-pro-for-mac-iphone-or-ipad-07233a27-3a1b-434d-9a0a-7f0ad455e210
    4. If the problem persists, please contact Microsoft Support. "

    Best regards,

    Darhyl

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