How to download apps without payment method?

So I want to download an app, but it won’t let me because supposedly I need to add a payment method. I do not have a credit card or anything like that so I can’t, What do I do?? I’ve tried looking it up on google but nothing works.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 11 Pro Max

Posted on Aug 9, 2023 11:24 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 9, 2023 11:28 PM

On the App Store, even if you're trying to download a free app, Apple requires you to have a payment method on file for your Apple ID. This is mainly for verification purposes and to ensure that you're a legitimate user. However, you can still proceed without adding a credit card by following these steps:


1. Choose "None" as the Payment Method:

Apple allows you to select "None" as a payment method when setting up your Apple ID. Here's how you can do it:


- Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.

- Tap on your name at the top.

- Tap on "Payment & Shipping."

- Tap on "Add Payment Method."

- Choose "None" as the payment method.


2. Use iTunes on a Computer:

Another way to set up your Apple ID without adding a payment method is by using iTunes on a computer. Here's how:


- Open iTunes on your computer.

- Sign in with your Apple ID or create a new one.

- Try to download a free app from the iTunes Store.

- When prompted to add a payment method, choose "None."


3. Use an Existing Apple ID:

If you've already created an Apple ID without a payment method, you can try using that Apple ID to download the app.


4. Contact Apple Support:

If you've tried the above steps and are still having trouble, you might want to contact Apple Support for assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the issue and guide you through the process.


Remember that Apple's policies and procedures can change, so the steps mentioned here might vary slightly based on your device's iOS version and your location. Additionally, make sure you're following legitimate sources for information and support to avoid scams.

195 replies

Apr 23, 2024 6:43 AM in response to romee522

romee522 wrote:

I want to download a few games for my niece and nephew and I need to download an app that controls my led lights and I never ever used to pay for them and all of the sudden I do and I don’t have any money to that!

You don't need to pay for free apps. However, you do need to have a valid payment method on the account. If you don't have a credit card, you can try adding an iTunes gift card.

Mar 4, 2024 6:26 AM in response to Rbmorris0925

Rbmorris0925 wrote:

Why am I being forced to have a payment method on file

Does this free app contain a:

  • Free Trial
  • In-App Purchase
  • Subscription


While these types of apps are free to download, the developers offer these options to give you a chance to see if they would be useful for you instead of paying to download the app. They hope you would find value in the app to either continue with the free trial or use one of the in-app purchases that are provided. Developers have to pay each year to have the apps available to download and it also costs them money and time to produce along with continual updates. Without a payment method there is no chance for them to recoup their costs.


If you have any unpaid charges currently from the App Store, you will need to take care of those before you are allowed to download anymore apps.


Feb 7, 2024 4:10 PM in response to Merari10

Merari10 wrote:

I can't download anything because it keeps asking me to put in a payment method but I'm not allowed to

Without any more information on what is stopping you from adding a payment method, your best option is to contact Apple directly as we have no access to your account to resolve any issue if it is account related.

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Feb 7, 2024 5:49 PM in response to Jordansr


Why I need a credit card to download my app I no longer have access to cards because of these apps

Apple requires it without providing any explanation. In my opinion only I can come up with a few reasons:

  • Many apps have free trials where a card would be needed to process the subscription if you do not cancel. It is your responsibility to cancel a free trial otherwise you will be charged.
  • Maybe for region verification. The payment card must match be in the same region of your device. Some users have attempted to change the region of their device to access apps/subscriptions that may not normally be available to them in their current region. Each region has their own App Store and the app/subscriptions may be different.
  • Some apps offer in-app purchases. While it is not required to use an in-app purchase, developers hope you will like the free download enough that you will use one of the in-app purchased offered. App are not free to make and it does cost them every year to have them in the App Store. Without any payment information there is no hope for the developer to recoup the costs that they have put into the app.


You do not say why you no longer have access to cards because of the apps, but it is important to note that if you did sign up for a subscription then you are obligated to pay for it. To stop the subscription you would need to cancel it. If you do not like subscriptions, then do not sign up for them. If you don't think you will remember to cancel a free trial 24 hours before it expires, then don't download them.

Feb 23, 2024 9:14 PM in response to Yo_itsdeeeee

Yo_itsdeeeee wrote:

I’m tryna download this app for work it’s a free app but it’s not allowing me
to download the app bc it wants a payment method I’m not ok to have a payment method on my App Store how can I get it to download THIS FREE APP WOTH OUT PAYMENT

Does this free app contain a:

  • Free Trial
  • In-App Purchase


While these types of apps are free to download, the developers offer these options to give you a chance to see if they would be useful for you instead of paying to download the app. They hope you would find value in the app to either continue with the free trial or use one of the in-app purchases that are provided. Developers have to pay each year to have the apps available to download and it also costs them money and time to produce. Without a payment method there is no chance for them to recoup their costs.

Mar 2, 2024 4:51 AM in response to Vainikolo

Vainikolo wrote:

I JUST BOUGHT A NEW PHONE THINKING THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE RESOLVED BUT NO MTF ITS DOING THE SAM F THING AS BEFORE ASKING FOR MY BILLING INFO FOR A FREE F APP. Good lord I’m abt to change to a different brand phone

The type of phone you have makes no difference, when all you needed to do was add a valid payment method.

If you can’t download or update apps - Apple Support


Developers do not spend money every year to make their apps available to you, as well as spend time and money to create the app, without some means to recoup their costs. You will find that most apps will either have a free-trial or in-app purchases. These apps do not cost anything to download, but the intent of the developer is that you will find their apps useful enough that you will also use one of these methods to support their efforts. Without a payment option, there is no chance of that happening.

Mar 27, 2024 6:44 AM in response to Franonoka

To find out how to remove a payment method, and what to do if you can't remove your last payment method or use no payment method with your Apple ID, read this article ➔ Remove a payment method from your Apple ID - Apple Support

Unexpired subscriptions and Family Sharing organizers must always have a payment method present. To edit the cards used for those you may need to first add the new card and move it to the top payment method position before removing the old card (see: If you need to change or update your Apple ID payment method - Apple Support ).


Mar 27, 2024 7:28 AM in response to Franonoka

Franonoka wrote:

And I remember when I was setting up my App Store I saw somewhere where it says add payment method or None so I made a mistake to put credit so help me now how I can find those settings so that I put none payments please

You can remove your payment methods as long as you do not have any subscriptions, but that is no guarantee that you will be able to use the App Store to download apps even if they are free. See step 2 of this support article.

If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

May 11, 2024 7:41 AM in response to Annisita88

Annisita88 wrote:

It won’t let me download any free apps it says it’s needs a payment, I want free apps. So how do I fix it. This just started, it was fine before!

If you have any apps that have subscriptions or had a subscription in the past, or if you have any apps that offer in-app purchases, you must have a valid, working payment method.

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How to download apps without payment method?

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