Q: Unable to update or purchase apps, family message pops up

Hello there, Betsy!

First of all, welcome to the iPhone Family! It sounds like you're unable to update your apps because of this message stating that there was a billing issue. The following article offers up some steps on how to resolve issues with payment in iTunes on your computer:

Pay an unpaid balance in the iTunes Store

If your payment method was declined, update your billing information. You might need to use a different payment method. When you update your billing information, remember to check these things:

• Make sure that your name and address match the information on file with your financial institution.
• Make sure that the payment account you're using is in good standing.

If you're using Family Sharing, your payment method might be declined because there's a billing problem with a previous purchase on a family member's account. The family organizer should follow the steps in this article to fix the issue.

You can't pay for unpaid orders on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

If there's a problem with a previous purchase, you'll see a message when you sign in to the iTunes Store or try to make a purchase.

When you sign in to the iTunes Store

If you have an unpaid balance, you'll see this message: "There is a billing problem with a previous purchase. Please edit your billing info to correct the problem."

You can pay your balance using these steps:

1. Click Billing Info on the message. The Edit Payment Information screen appears.
   
2. Update your payment information. You can use any of these payment methods.
3. Click Done. If your payment is declined, iTunes will notify you.

When you try to make a purchase

If you have an unpaid balance from a previous purchase, you'll see this message: "There is a billing problem with a previous purchase. Click Purchase History to view and correct the problem. If you cancel you will not be able to buy until this billing issue has been resolved."

You can pay your balance using these steps:

1. Click Purchase History on the message. You'll see the unpaid balance in your purchase history. Your purchase history will show your most recent purchases first. To see details of any purchase, click the arrow to the left of the order date.
   
2. Click Billing Info or Pay. If you don't have store credit, you won't see the option to click Pay. 
    
   • If you click Pay, you can use your credit to pay your balance.
    
   • If you click Billing Info, you can update your payment information. You can use any of these payment methods.
3. Click Done. If your payment is declined, iTunes will notify you.

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.

Kind Regards.

Hello again, Betsy.

Thanks for following up with us and providing that additional information. Due to the nature of your issue it's probably best to reach out to iTunes Store Support directly to get further help on this issue:

iTunes Support - Contact Support

iTunes Store

If you have a question about account management, purchases, billing, iTunes cards and codes, or related topics, contact our iTunes Store support team. 

Contact iTunes Store support

Happy New Year to you as well.

Sincerely.

Hello again, Betsy.

I appreciate your additional follow-up. I'm glad you were able to get things squared away and solved.

Sincerely.