To stop Apple from asking for billing info, resolve any outstanding balances or expired payment methods by updating details in Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping, or add an Apple Gift Card; ensure no active subscriptions require payment, and if you're in Family Sharing, the organizer must have a valid method; if problems persist, contact Apple Support. You can only set payment to 'None' if you meet specific conditions (no debt, no subs, not organizer).
How can I remove my payment method from the store on iOS?
Here's how to tackle it:
You need at least one method of payment assigned to your Apple Account. This is because even free apps have the option to purchase items from within them. It's a matter of licensing and piracy concerns on both Apple and the Developer's part.
Apple requires a payment method for free apps primarily because most "free" apps offer in-app purchases (IAPs), and a verified payment method is needed to manage these transactions, streamline account verification, prevent fraud, and ensure users can access paid content if they choose, even if it's just a temporary authorization hold. This system acts as a default for the entire App Store ecosystem, making it seamless to buy things later without interruption.
Section 1: Create an Apple ID without using a Credit Card on Mac (iTunes)
If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes...
You can use the App Store without a payment method by creating a new Apple ID or editing an existing one to select "None" as the payment option, often by first attempting to download a free app or changing your country/region to one that supports this setting (like the US) and entering a valid-looking billing address and phone number. If you have an existing account with subscriptions or pending charges, you'll need to resolve those first before the "None" option appears, as Apple often requires a method for purchases, even free ones due to in-app purchases.
There are many choices for paying your friends directly, such as Apple Pay, Cash App, PayPal, Samsung Pay, and Venmo.
To stop "Verification Required" for free apps, you usually need to fix an underlying issue like an expired payment method or unpaid balance by updating billing info in your account settings or by ensuring you have a valid "None" option if no payment is needed; you may also need to adjust "Purchase Verification" settings in the App Store or Google Play to turn off password requirements for free downloads, notes FoneLab, Google Help, wikiHow, and YouTube.
Create your Apple Account using the App Store on your device
Tap Create New Apple Account. If you don't see this option, make sure that you're signed out of iCloud. Enter your payment method and billing information, then tap Next. You can also choose None.
After you turn on two-factor authentication, you have a two-week period during which you can turn it off. After that period, you can't turn off two-factor authentication. To turn it off, open your confirmation email and click the link to return to your previous security settings.
This message is a safeguard that pops up when Apple's billing system detects a potential issue or needs you to confirm your identity. It's not a bug, but a feature doing its job, albeit a bit annoyingly. The most common triggers include: Outdated or Incorrect Payment Information: The #1 reason.
You can download apps without paying Apple by ensuring your Apple ID is set to "None" as a payment method for free apps, which often requires setting it up when downloading a free app first or changing your country/region in settings to access the "None" option, allowing you to get free apps without linking a card or paying for subscriptions.
How to remove a payment method from your Google Play account
Apple requires a payment method for free apps primarily because most "free" apps offer in-app purchases (IAPs), and a verified payment method is needed to manage these transactions, streamline account verification, prevent fraud, and ensure users can access paid content if they choose, even if it's just a temporary authorization hold. This system acts as a default for the entire App Store ecosystem, making it seamless to buy things later without interruption.
How to bypass “Apple could not verify this app is free of malware” safely
To make purchases from the App Store, iTunes, Music, and more, you must add a valid payment method to your Apple Account.
If there's an issue, change your payment method
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.
You might need to sign in to your Apple Account. Next to Payment Information, click Manage Payments. Click Edit. Click Remove Payment Method.
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.