App Store Verification Required? How to fix it (even for free apps)
The message means Apple has a billing problem to sort out, usually an unpaid charge or an expired card.
The fix
Fix it step by step
- 1
Check for an unpaid purchase.
Settings › your name › Media & Purchases › View Account › Purchase History.
- 2
Update or add a valid payment method.
Settings › your name › Payment & Shipping.
- 3
Or choose None for free apps only.
- 4
Sign out of Media & Purchases and sign back in.
- 5
Restart the iPhone and try the download again.
Frequently asked questions
Why is None not an option?
None disappears when you owe money, have an active subscription, or are in a Family Sharing group with purchase sharing. Pay the balance or ask the organizer.
How do I find the unpaid purchase?
Go to reportaproblem.apple.com or Settings › your name › Media & Purchases › View Account › Purchase History.
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