Why is the App Store not letting me download apps?

this should not be a thing , I have to download apps , I don’t know what to do. Apple make this go away.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone SE, iOS 17

Posted on Jul 11, 2024 2:49 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 11, 2024 8:21 PM

If it is asking for a payment method then you have no option but to enter one such as a credit or debit card. Read the support article Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support about how to do that.


For a more detailed response about what Apple actually says:


Apple's official support articles present multiple statements* about situations requiring the presence of a payment method at times, even for free items. You do not always have to have one, but if you are encountering one of those situations then you have no option but to enter a valid payment method if you wish to continue downloading. 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 “Add a payment method” 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 on your iPhone or iPad - 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."


5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 11, 2024 8:21 PM in response to Serenity_27

If it is asking for a payment method then you have no option but to enter one such as a credit or debit card. Read the support article Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support about how to do that.


For a more detailed response about what Apple actually says:


Apple's official support articles present multiple statements* about situations requiring the presence of a payment method at times, even for free items. You do not always have to have one, but if you are encountering one of those situations then you have no option but to enter a valid payment method if you wish to continue downloading. 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 “Add a payment method” 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 on your iPhone or iPad - 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."


Jul 12, 2024 7:34 AM in response to Serenity_27

Serenity_27 wrote:

What is happening is , my App Store is trying to make me pay for free apps that I deleted for storage. And I don’t know what to do at all, I just want to download my apps without a problem. My App Store has never did this before, may this please be fixed.

Its not trying to make you pay for anything. Its merely requiring you to have a valid and verified payment method on your account. Add a payment, and you can download free apps and will not be charged for them at all.


Once its been verified, you should be able to remove the payment method.


Do note, many free apps will contain a free trial that can renew into a paid subscription.


Make sure you cancel that before it renews so you are not charged.

Jul 11, 2024 9:31 PM in response to Serenity_27

Serenity_27 wrote:

What is happening is , my App Store is trying to make me pay for free apps that I deleted for storage. And I don’t know what to do at all, I just want to download my apps without a problem. My App Store has never did this before, may this please be fixed.
  • You do not have to pay for free apps to download and do not have to pay to update apps. You will need to have a valid payment method. The you way you will be able to fix it is to add the payment method.

Jul 11, 2024 3:15 PM in response to Serenity_27

Sorry, unless you explain in detail what is happening nobody here will be able to help you.


Also, we can't magically make this go away. If you explain what you may have done or what happens when you actually try to download an app, then someone may be able to guide you to resolve it. But you have to do th work to resolve it.


No one here or even at Apple can access your device and remotely fix something.


Explain what is happening, and any errors you may be seeing, and someone may be able to help you.

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Why is the App Store not letting me download apps?

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