The “Verification Required” message appears when you try to download an app, even a free one, and Apple needs you to fix something with your payment information first. It usually means your card expired, a recent purchase didn’t go through, or there’s an unpaid balance on your account. You can’t simply switch the message off, but once you fix the cause, it goes away. This guide covers every fix on iPhone and iPad.
Quick Answer
Go to Settings > [your name] > Payment & Shipping (on some versions, Media & Purchases > View Account > Manage Payments). Update the expired card, add a new payment method, or pay any unpaid balance. Once your account is in good standing, you may also be able to set the payment method to None and download free apps without a card.
Why You See “Verification Required”
- Unpaid balance: a previous purchase or subscription renewal failed to charge.
- Expired or declined card: the payment method on file no longer works.
- New account or new device: Apple wants to confirm your billing details the first time you download.
- Billing address mismatch: the address doesn’t match your card or your account’s country/region.
Fix 1: Update or Add a Payment Method
- Open Settings and tap your name at the top.
- Tap Payment & Shipping (sign in if asked).
- Tap the card marked as expired or declined and update its expiration date and security code, or tap Add Payment Method.
- Tap Done, then return to the App Store and try the download again.
Apple accepts most credit and debit cards, and in many countries, PayPal, carrier billing, or App Store gift card balance.
Fix 2: Pay an Unpaid Balance
- Go to Settings > [your name] > Media & Purchases > View Account.
- Tap Purchase History and look for an item marked as unpaid or with a payment issue.
- Update your payment method (Fix 1). Apple usually tries to charge the balance automatically. If a prompt appears, follow it to pay.
Until the balance is paid, you can’t remove your payment method or set it to None.
Fix 3: Download Free Apps Without a Card
If you only want free apps, you can remove your payment method once there’s no unpaid balance:
- Go to Settings > [your name] > Payment & Shipping.
- Tap Edit and Remove each payment method (or choose None where offered).
You may not be able to remove all payment methods if you have an active subscription, if you’re the organizer of a Family Sharing group with purchase sharing on, or in some countries or regions.
Fix 4: Check Your Billing Address and Region
In Payment & Shipping, confirm the billing address matches the one your bank has on file, and that your account’s country or region matches where your card was issued.
Stop Password Prompts for Free Apps (Related)
If the message you’re seeing is a password prompt rather than Verification Required, you can change it:
- Go to Settings > [your name] > Media & Purchases > Password Settings.
- Turn off Require Password for Free Downloads.
This option is hidden when Face ID or Touch ID is turned on for purchases, since those handle the confirmation instead.
Still Seeing It?
- Sign out of Media & Purchases and sign back in.
- Restart your iPhone and update iOS.
- Check your account on a computer at the Apple account website or in the Apple TV/Music app on a PC to see billing details.
- Contact Apple Support if a charge you don’t recognize is holding up your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it ask for verification for a free app?
Because the problem is with your account, not the app. Apple pauses all downloads until billing is resolved.
Will I be charged when I verify?
Apple may place a small temporary authorization hold to confirm the card, which your bank removes. You’re only charged for purchases and any balance you owe.
Can a child’s account get this message?
Yes. In Family Sharing, the organizer’s payment method is used, so the organizer needs to fix their card.
Summary
- Open Settings > [your name] > Payment & Shipping.
- Update your card or add a new payment method.
- Pay any unpaid balance in Purchase History.
- Optionally remove the payment method to download free apps only.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.