Yes, you can create an Apple ID without a payment method by selecting the "None" option when setting up your account, typically by attempting to download a free app first or during the initial device setup. This allows you to create an account for iCloud and free media services, although a payment method may be required later for paid purchases.
Select Create Apple ID. Add your account details. As you proceed through the instructions, you will encounter a Payment Information screen. In the Payment Type section, there will be an option – None.
How to download apps on iPhone without a payment method?
To make purchases from the App Store, iTunes, Music, and more, you must add a valid payment method to your Apple Account.
You might need to sign in to your Apple Account. Next to Payment Information, click Manage Payments. Click Edit. Click Remove Payment Method.
Even if you're trying to download a free app on the App Store, Apple requires that you have a payment method on file registered for your Apple ID. This is primarily for verification and security purposes and to confirm that you're a real user.
To select "None" for an Apple ID payment method, you typically need to be setting up a new ID or removing all existing methods, often by downloading a free app first or by changing your Country/Region in settings to make the "None" option appear, as you can't have "None" if you have active subscriptions or an unpaid balance, and you can usually find the option under Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping > Edit, or by creating an ID via the App Store by getting a free app.
Prevent App Store from making me put in a credit card for a free...
Create your Apple Account using the App Store on your device
Apple stops you from downloading apps due to billing issues when you have an unpaid balance from a previous purchase, even for free apps, requiring you to clear that debt first by updating your payment method or redeeming a gift card, as this "verification required" error signals an old charge failed, preventing any new downloads (paid or free) until resolved.
🛠️ The Step-by-Step Playbook to Resolve 'Verification Required'
Creating an Apple ID is free and easy, and we've already detailed the steps to create an Apple ID free on your iPhone or iPad. Just in case you are confused and are wondering, “What is my Apple ID?” — don't worry. You can easily look up your Apple ID here using your first name, last name, and email address.
On your Android phone or tablet, go to payment methods on Google Play. Payment settings. If asked, sign in to Google Pay. Remove.
If you're trying to create an Apple Account and see a message that says the email address or phone number is unavailable or can't be used, then an Apple Account already exists that uses it. Try a different email address or phone number, or reset your password for that account.
Yes, you absolutely can create an Apple ID using a Gmail address; it's a common and perfectly acceptable practice, allowing you to use your familiar Gmail login for all Apple services like the App Store, iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime, though you'll need to verify the email during setup.
Go to account.apple.com and click Create Your Apple Account. Enter your birthday and a phone number that you can always access. Check the boxes to subscribe to Apple Updates if you'd like. This keeps you up to date on the latest news, software, products, and services from Apple.
Follow the onscreen instructions to create your Apple Account, and use a phone number instead of an email address.
Yes, creating an Apple ID (or Apple Account) is completely free, serving as your universal login for all Apple services like the App Store, iCloud, and Apple Music, and it comes with 5GB of free iCloud storage to start. You can create one when setting up an Apple device or anytime through Settings, using an existing email or getting a free @icloud.com address, with no payment required for the account itself, though purchases require payment methods.
Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping and either remove the payment method or set it to 'None' if you see the option. But sometimes, Apple doesn't even SHOW the 'None' option (super annoying, right?) in certain countries or situations.
You can set up and use Apple ID without credit card from your device's Settings app, but that isn't the only choice. You also have the choice to create an Apple ID without a credit card from the Apple ID website, and the process is identical regardless of whether you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
If there's an issue, change your payment method
To stop Apple payments, you typically need to cancel subscriptions via Settings (iPhone/iPad) or the App Store (Mac), or if it's an Apple Pay card charge, you must remove the card from Wallet & Apple Pay settings, or if you mean closing an Apple Cash account, transfer funds to $0 and contact support; each payment type has a different method.
How do I change or remove my Apple Pay default card on an iPhone or iPad?