I cancelled the subscription before renewal, but my account shows a declined payment and now I can’t download free apps.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Payments issue
iPad Pro, iPadOS 26
Did you cancel at least 24 hours in advance?
This support article explains the details about canceling a subscription from Apple ➔ If you want to cancel a subscription from Apple - Apple Support
Note where it says if you don’t cancel trials more than 24 hours before your renewal date, your subscription might renew. It is likely it renewed in your case but you did not have a way to pay for it. In that case you have an unpaid balance and in If a message says 'billing problem with previous purchase' or 'verification required' - Apple Support Apple says:
Until your balance has been paid, you might be unable to:
You will now need to pay for the item to get your account working again. If you wish to pursue a refund, follow the directions in this support article about how to request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple ➔ Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support According to Apple’s terms, refunds are only made to remedy defective or unavailable product. You can request a refund on other grounds but those refunds are entirely discretionary and not guaranteed. Special terms also apply for some countries: About canceling subscriptions in Germany, Israel, South Africa, or Türkiye - Apple Support
Did you cancel at least 24 hours in advance?
This support article explains the details about canceling a subscription from Apple ➔ If you want to cancel a subscription from Apple - Apple Support
Note where it says if you don’t cancel trials more than 24 hours before your renewal date, your subscription might renew. It is likely it renewed in your case but you did not have a way to pay for it. In that case you have an unpaid balance and in If a message says 'billing problem with previous purchase' or 'verification required' - Apple Support Apple says:
Until your balance has been paid, you might be unable to:
You will now need to pay for the item to get your account working again. If you wish to pursue a refund, follow the directions in this support article about how to request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple ➔ Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support According to Apple’s terms, refunds are only made to remedy defective or unavailable product. You can request a refund on other grounds but those refunds are entirely discretionary and not guaranteed. Special terms also apply for some countries: About canceling subscriptions in Germany, Israel, South Africa, or Türkiye - Apple Support
Trial subscriptions must be canceled 24 hours before they renew, or they renew. Yours appears to have renewed but your payment method defaulted of the payment. Apple has deactivated your account until you've paid the debt. You won't be able to use the account to update apps or for free apps.
Sometimes updating your account with a valid payment method that can pay the debt is sufficient. Otherwise you need to speak to Apple Support to rectify the issue.
World-wide Apple Support -
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204169
Support by phone, email or chat -
Apple Support by Twitter -
https://twitter.com/AppleSupport
M1 Mac mini, macOS 26.2; Watch, Series 10 GPS-only, watchOS 26.2; iPhone 16, iOS 26.2.1; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 26.2 HomePods, audioOS 26.2
Unable to download free apps after a declined payment for a cancelled subscription
