You are eager to download and explore a new app. However, the irritating ‘Verification required’ message won’t stop popping up. I can truly understand your frustration and would like to offer help. Check out how to stop ‘Verification Required’ popup while downloading free apps. But before we start, let’s understand the source of the problem.
Why does it say “Verification Required“ on App Store?
The “Verification Required” error on the App Store asks you to verify your payment info, stopping you from downloading the apps on your iPhone. So, you must fix the issue to enjoy seamless app downloads.
Here are some of the potential reasons why you see a “Verification Required” popup showing up whenever you launch the App Store:
- You’ve never used your Apple ID to download an app on your iPhone (whether paid or free)
- There is an error with the current payment method associated with your Apple ID, preventing Apple from charging you
- You have an unpaid balance or insufficient funds on the payment method associated with your Apple ID
- The payment method is not supported
- Your payment method has not been updated
- You’re under a Family Sharing account, and your Apple account is restricted
How to fix “Verification Required” on App Store
1. Enter a payment method for your Apple ID
If you’re using a new Apple ID or have never downloaded an app using it, Apple requires you to fill in your payment details before you can download any apps on your iPhone — regardless of whether the app is free or paid.
- In this case, enter your Apple ID password in the text field → Tap Continue.
- Your device will redirect you to your billing information → Enter your payment details.
- Once done, you should be able to begin downloading apps.
2. Change or update Apple ID payment method
If you’ve been able to download an app on your iPhone previously but now getting a “Verification Required” error on the App Store, it is an issue with your payment method.
If your credit or debit card has expired or there have been changes to your name or address, your financial institution may automatically update your card information.
This can lead to discrepancies between the newly updated card details and the payment information associated with your Apple ID, causing a mismatch that triggers the “Verification Required” error.
In this case, add a new card before removing the old one. To do this:
- Go to Settings → Apple ID [your name] → Payment & Shipping.
- Enter your passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID.
- Your current payment information might open → Tap Back to go to Payment and Shipping.
- Select Add Payment Method.
- Fill in with the details and tap Done.
Once you have your new payment method, you can delete the old one with outdated information.
What to do with declined/failed payments?
The Verification Required error can also occur when a payment fails or gets declined if your digital wallet or mobile phone billing doesn’t have enough balance.
- To check, go to Settings → Apple ID [your name] → Payment & Shipping and see the payment methods linked to your Apple ID.
- If you see the payment method in red along with a (Failed), you need to use a different payment method.
- If the old payment method doesn’t work, you can change the payment method by selecting from the available Payment Method options and entering all the required details.
Remember that the availability of payment methods depends on your country and region.
3. Pay any unpaid subscription dues
Your purchase may fail if you don’t have enough credits on your preferred payment method. In this case, a declined or payment failure will prompt your iPhone to show a “Verification Required” popup. So you can quickly update your payment method.
- To check if you have any unpaid subscriptions, head to Settings → [your name] → Subscriptions. Check if you have any subscriptions that require payment.
- Then go back to your Apple ID page, tap Media & Purchases → View Account → Purchase History.
- If you’ve hidden them, be sure to unhide your App Store purchases first. If you’ve made purchases you haven’t paid for yet, you’ll see an Amount You Owe in red under the app download or in-app purchase you made.
4. Disable App Store Restrictions
If you’re using Screen Time, it will restrict you from making purchases and downloading apps. Thus, you can face the Verification Required error when installing free apps on your iPhone. Here’s how you can turn it off:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions.
If you don’t have this turned on, you can skip this solution. - Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
- Ensure that Installing Apps and In-app Purchases are allowed.
- Further, select Don’t Require under the Require Password section.
- Further, select Don’t Require under the Require Password section.
5. Agree to Terms and Conditions for Media & Purchases
It’s also possible that you skipped agreeing to the terms and conditions for purchases on the App Store. This may stop you from installing free apps or making purchases and cause the Verification Required popup to appear on the App Store.
- Go to Settings → [your name] → Media & Purchases.
- Tap View Account.
- If you haven’t agreed to the Terms and Conditions, you’ll see a popup asking you to review and approve them.
6. Sign out and sign in back to Apple ID
If none of the above methods worked and your payment information has no issues, the Verification Required error up may just be a glitch. Signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in can refresh it and flush out any bugs causing the glitch.
- To sign out of your Apple ID, go to Settings → [your name].
- Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
- Restart your iPhone and sign back in.
Download apps without verification!
There you have it. Since the Verification Required on the App Store is commonly a payment method issue, doing one of the fixes above should stop the annoying popup when installing free apps.
Video: How to stop “Verification Required” for free iOS app downloads
Which one worked best for you? Share your experience below!
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