I can't download any apps after using gift cards that now have no balance

I recently got a few gift cards for Christmas and bought some things on apps and stuff, no subscriptions. I now have no money on these gift cards, suddenly I can't download any apps ( free ) without getting a verification screen asking for my payment info. I am a kid and don't have any cards to add, as it wont let me add any of the gift cards as they have ( failed ) next to them. I checked my purchases and only have a few purchases on one date from when I tried buying something without realizing I have no funds, which did not go through. These funds have the amount charged in red but It did not go through in the app I used that in, I contacted support to try getting a refund but this pending charge doesn't show at all either, I don't know what to do.

Posted on Jan 3, 2025 03:29 PM

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Jan 3, 2025 03:39 PM in response to Iris713

The amount is in red because you still owe that money and the charge did go through but you did not have the funds to pay for it. There is no way to request a refund for a "Pending" charge because it has not been processed yet and you cannot cancel a pending charge as it has already been authorized by double clicking the side button followed by verification using FaceID/TouchID or Passcode.


Due to this your account has likely been disabled for any further App Store purchases. Being that you are a kid, you may need to be a part of a Family Plan where an adult can have a card on file. Here are a couple of Support Articles that relate to the situation you are in.

If a message says 'Your Media & Purchases account has been disabled' - Apple Support

If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If a message says 'billing problem with previous purchase' or 'verification required' - Apple Support


Your device is still usable, you just won't be able to use the App Store, even for free apps, until the issue with your account has been resolved.

Jan 3, 2025 04:11 PM in response to Iris713

Sorry, I don't have that answer for you as Apple recommends to set up a Family Sharing plan and use Purchase Sharing where that credit card is added to your parents account, then gives you the permission to use it. That is the only recommended approach they have to allow purchases in the App Store from a kids account.


It may work as you described and deduct automatically by adding your parents card or you may have to tap on the red transaction you saw, then initiate the charge. The reason I can't specifically say it will work, is because Apple may also be looking to verify the information you have provided is actually correct and adding the card is usually how they do that, but in your case the information would not match as the account holder of the card is not you.


Also in the Support Article linked below titled "If you can't download or update apps...", step 2 says a payment method may be required. It is not the case for all, as you were able to download apps using only your Account Balance before, but if you get that message about requiring a valid payment method, then you may not have a choice.

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I can't download any apps after using gift cards that now have no balance

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