How do I bypass adding a payment method for my Apple if

Apple's official support articles present multiple statements about requiring the presence of a payment method at times, even for free items. If you are encountering one of those situations then based on the documents I suspect you have no option but to enter a valid payment method if you wish to continue downloading. Read the support article Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support about how to do that. The payment method may not be charged if you also have account balance or the item is free, but the payment method has to be present. This next article lists valid payment methods for different countries but note that in this situation Apple Account balance alone apparently may not meet the requirement and you need to use another payment method until you find one that satisfies Apple's requirement (often a credit or debit card): Payment methods that you can use with your Apple ID - Apple Support .

If you have already entered a payment method, use the first link above to check it. If a message appears in red there is a problem with it. If the information is still correct and current, contact your financial institution. Also check this resource --> If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support

* Ref.:

Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support

"To make purchases from the App Store and use subscriptions like iCloud+ and Apple Music, you need at least one payment method on file."

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

- "You might need to have a payment method on file, even if the app that you want to download is free."

Remove a payment method from your Apple ID - Apple Support

- If you have any active subscriptions, you must have at least one payment method on file other than Apple ID credit.

- You might not be able to remove a payment method if you have a balance due.

Sign in with your Apple ID - Apple Support

- "When you sign in to the App Store and other media services for the first time, you might need to add a credit card or other payment information."

How apps, content, and subscriptions from Apple are billed - Apple Support

- You can’t charge gifts to your Apple ID balance. If you send a gift or gift card, your primary payment method is charged.

- Some subscriptions might not be charged to your Apple ID balance.

What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance - Apple Support

"Some purchases might require that you have a credit card on file, even if you use your Apple Account balance to make the purchase."

Franco1204 wrote:

How to remove apple id old owner

Activation Lock is intended as a theft-deterrent mechanism. A theft deterrent that is easy to bypass would not be much of a deterrent.

Nobody here in the Apple Discussion Forums can help you clear Activation Lock.

To clear an Activation Lock, you will need the password of the associated Apple ID, or the original purchase receipt and a discussion with Apple Support, or similar proof of ownership.

If this device was recently purchased and the seller is still available, contact the seller for remediation or for refund. A remote unlock using iCloud is available to the person with the Apple ID holding the Activation Lock, if that person is still available and is inclined to unlock this device.

Again, only the person with the credentials to the Apple ID holding the lock, or Apple, can clear this lock. For Apple to clear the lock, you will have to provide a receipt with proof of original purchase and with matching serial number or IMEI, legal paperwork from an inheritance, or other similar proof of ownership materials.

For recovering access to your own Apple ID, if you are the holder of the Apple ID associated with the Activation Lock:

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

Apple’s I Forgot Service

How to use account recovery when you can’t reset your Apple ID password - Apple Support

Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security - Apple Support

If you are the heir:

How to request access to a deceased family member's Apple accounts - Apple Support

Purchasing devices with Activation Lock is unfortunately far too common. These are scams, and other fraudulent sales. These locked devices will not be useful to you, and are probably best recycled. See the following link for more info:

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone

You don’t bypass that. If Apple wants a payment method, you add a payment method.

How to remove apple id old owner