How do I resolve a free app download issue after a glitched App Store purchase?

"Hello, my App Store glitched. I clicked install on Minecraft, which I have never bought before. It started downloading without asking for any payment information. Now I have Minecraft, but when I try to download a free app now, it won't let me download it and asks for payment information. Since this was a store glitch, please remove this pending charge from my account."



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: AppStore purchasing problem

iPhone 8 Plus, iOS 16

Posted on Jul 22, 2026 9:47 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 22, 2026 10:22 AM

It is not clear what glitch you are referring to. You said you installed the app from the App Store, and that requires you to double click the side button with the price on the screen, followed by authentication with Face ID/Touch ID or Passcode. It does not ask for a payment method, the payment method used for App Store purchases are billed to your Apple Account and that is what you are authorizing by double clicking the Side Button.


Without the funds or valid card to pay for the amount you owe, it will remain Pending until you are able to complete that purchase and you will not be able to use the App Store for any other purpose until then.


There is no such thing as removing a Pending charge, all you can do is pay for the amount you had authorized by double clicking the side button and authenticating with Face ID/Touch ID or Passcode, and then you can attempt to request a refund. In most cases all transactions are final due to that explicit action needed to authorize a purchase, but at times Apple will provide a compassionate refund.

Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support


To review the payment methods you have on your account and add a valid payment method to pay for your authorized purchases, this support article may be helpful.

Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support



3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 22, 2026 10:22 AM in response to adedeji297

It is not clear what glitch you are referring to. You said you installed the app from the App Store, and that requires you to double click the side button with the price on the screen, followed by authentication with Face ID/Touch ID or Passcode. It does not ask for a payment method, the payment method used for App Store purchases are billed to your Apple Account and that is what you are authorizing by double clicking the Side Button.


Without the funds or valid card to pay for the amount you owe, it will remain Pending until you are able to complete that purchase and you will not be able to use the App Store for any other purpose until then.


There is no such thing as removing a Pending charge, all you can do is pay for the amount you had authorized by double clicking the side button and authenticating with Face ID/Touch ID or Passcode, and then you can attempt to request a refund. In most cases all transactions are final due to that explicit action needed to authorize a purchase, but at times Apple will provide a compassionate refund.

Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support


To review the payment methods you have on your account and add a valid payment method to pay for your authorized purchases, this support article may be helpful.

Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support



Jul 22, 2026 8:58 PM in response to adedeji297

Welcome and thank you for reaching out. 🤗


The ability to complete an app purchase on the App Store requires a functioning payment method.


A payment method is often required to verify your identity, prevent fraud and ensure a streamlined process if you decide to make in-app purchases or purchase paid apps later.


It also helps companies manage age restrictions and regional content availability.


Check your payment method in Settings ➢ [your name] ➢ Payment & Shipping, ensure it’s valid and update if needed. Also, sign out and back into your Apple Account, then try again.


If it still fails, contact Apple Support directly.



Good Luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

How do I resolve a free app download issue after a glitched App Store purchase?

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