You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Can’t Update free apps without money on a card

Why Can’t I update apps that say need to with my 2 forms of payments I have had on my acct. they are free apps and I don’t have any money to put in my bank right now! Beginning to think the switch from android to iPhone was a big NoNo!

Posted on Nov 12, 2022 12:30 PM

Reply
3 replies

Nov 12, 2022 2:54 PM in response to mimimommysgirl

If you want to make purchases or update / download apps, including free apps, you need to have a payment method on file.

You can use your Apple ID balance as payment method, see -> Add money to your Apple ID balance

Add money to your Apple ID balance – Apple Support (UK)


See also: 

What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple ID balance

What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance – Apple Support (UK)


How to redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes gift card

How to redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes gift card – Apple Support (UK)

 

When redeeming a gift card, (1) the amount will be credited to your Apple ID balance and (2) then you need to set your Apple ID balance as your default payment.

(1) See -> Check your Apple ID balance

Check your Apple ID balance – Apple Support (UK)


(2) See -> Change, add or remove Apple ID payment methods

Change, add or remove Apple ID payment methods – Apple Support (UK)


If you update your payment method or add funds to your Apple ID balance, It would take about 1 to 3 business days in order to process.

If you're still unable to update your payment method, Contact Apple Support.

 

Also read the articles below ⤵️

If you can't redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes Gift Card

If you can't redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes Gift Card - Apple Support

  • You can't redeem Apple Gift Cards or App Store & iTunes Gift Cards outside the country or region of purchase. For example, if you bought an App Store & iTunes Gift Card in France, you can't redeem it in the App Store in the United States.


About Gift Card Scams -> About Gift Card Scams - Official Apple Support


Click here for more support and assistance.

  



Nov 13, 2022 1:27 AM in response to mimimommysgirl

Long story short, any payment method in your account details must be functioning for you to use the account, even for free apps or to update previous apps.


There is no way around that requirement.


M1 Mac mini, macOS 13; Watch, series 7 GPS/cellular, watchOS 9.1; iPad Pro 2nd Gen, iPadOS 16.1; iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 16.1; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 16.1; HomePods, audioOS 16.1 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2

Nov 12, 2022 7:45 PM in response to Raicya

Ok I understand that you have to have some type of payment on file. I have my old account on there my bank account and I try to add PayPal like I explain right now I’m in between paydays so there’s no money on my account so if I’m going to download free apps, there’s no purchases do I just have to put the information back in because it’s not accepting it or do you have to have a balance on your card and if so, why would you have to have a balance for free Apps this is ridiculous

Can’t Update free apps without money on a card

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.