Why do I have to pay to download an app?

Credit / Debit Card not required for Free App Downloads

You can check what the outstanding bill or App Store purchase is that has an outstanding balance by doing the following:

1. Open the “Settings” app in iOS, then go to ‘iTunes & App Store’ and then select your Apple ID
2. Choose “View Apple ID” to access the Account Settings page
3. In the Account Settings section, go to “Purchase History” and scroll through the list to find any item with an outstanding balance – this is what must be paid before you can change your payment information
4. Update your payment information as detailed below to stop the “Verification Required” error message on the iPhone or iPad
5. In the Account Settings section, tap on “Payment Information”
6. Under ‘Payment Method’, choose “None” – or, alternatively, update the payment method *
7. Tap on “Done” when finished adjusting your settings
8. Exit Settings, and return to the App Store of iOS where you are now able to freely download, install, and update apps without seeing any “Verification Required” message

If you can't choose None when you edit your Apple ID payment information

1. If you have an unpaid balance or payment due
2. If you have a subscription that automatically renews
3. If you're using the iTunes Store or App Store for the first time
4. If you are not in the country or region you’re creating an Apple ID for
5. If you changed your country or region
6. If you're a part of Family Sharing

You don’t have to pay for free apps, but you still need a valid payment method in your account to verify some personal information to assure that you are eligible to have an account. If you have no subscriptions and no apps that offer in-app purchases you can remove the payment method, but if you have a registered payment method it must be a valid one.