Charged for free app in App Store

Many games are not free forever. Many games have a free trial period that converts to a paid subscription if you don't cancel the free trial 24 hours before the trial ends.

To stop the charges, cancel the subscription.

Managing auto-renewing subscriptions -

If you want to cancel a subscription from Apple - Apple Support

You might need to scroll down to find the Cancel Subscription button.

Things about subscriptions;

⁃ Deleting an app does not cancel the subscription.

⁃ A trial subscription must be canceled more than 24 hours before the renewal date or it may renew.

⁃ Many subscriptions are set to renew automatically until you cancel them.

⁃ If you see multiple subscription offers, as long as you don’t select one, the subscription shouldn’t renew.

⁃ If you don’t see Cancel Subscription, the subscription is canceled and won't renew.

⁃ An expiration date means the current subscription has been canceled but is available to use until that date.

⁃ Use Resubscribe/Renew if you change your mind about canceling the subscription.

Scroll to the bottom of the link for instructions for non-Apple devices.

If you do not see the subscription when using the above method to cancel the subscription, then that could indicate you bought the subscription directly from the developer’s website. Doing this bypasses Apple's ability to manage the subscription and you would need to unsubscribe using the developer’s website.

If all else fails, check out Apple Subscription Support for articles and contact options;

https://getsupport.apple.com/?PGF=PGF63006&category_id=SC0060&symptom_id=23208

M1 Mac mini, macOS 15.1;  Watch, series 10 GPS-only, watchOS 11.1; iPhone 16, iOS 18.1; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 18.1; HomePods, audioOS 18.1 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2

If your concern is being asked for a payment method up front, 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 your purchase. 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. You might even be able to remove it again immediately once Apple has seen it.

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 Account - 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 Account - 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 Account - 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 to your Apple Account - 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."

A game may be free to download, but most offer:

• Free Trials that will become a subscription if you do not cancel before the trial period ends
• In-App Purchases for additional features/tokens to play the game

Don't expect a developer to spend their time and money to produce and continue to update their game without a method to recoup their costs. They are not doing it out of the goodness of their heart.