How to install apps without a payment method

If you are unable to identify the previous charge using the supplied link, then contact Apple directly, they will be able to identify it for you.

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

dmac209 wrote:

I can’t download free apps without payment info.

Apple's official support articles present multiple statements* about situations requiring the presence of a payment method at times, even for free items. You do not always have to have one, but if you are encountering one of those situations then you have no option but to enter a valid payment method if you wish to continue downloading. The payment method may not be charged if you also have account balance or the item is free, but the payment method has to be present. You might even be able to remove it again immediately once Apple has seen it.

This next article lists valid payment methods for different countries but note that in this situation Apple Account balance alone apparently may not meet the requirement and you need to use another payment method until you find one that satisfies Apple's requirement (often a credit or debit card): Payment methods that you can use with your Apple ID - Apple Support .

If you have already entered a payment method, use the “Add a payment method” link above to check it. If a message appears in red there is a problem with it. If the information is still correct and current, contact your financial institution. Also check this resource --> If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support

* Ref.:

Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support

"To make purchases from the App Store and use subscriptions like iCloud+ and Apple Music, you need at least one payment method on file."

If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

- "You might need to have a payment method on file, even if the app that you want to download is free."

Remove a payment method from your Apple ID - Apple Support

- If you have any active subscriptions, you must have at least one payment method on file other than Apple ID credit.

- You might not be able to remove a payment method if you have a balance due.

Sign in with your Apple ID - Apple Support

- "When you sign in to the App Store and other media services for the first time, you might need to add a credit card or other payment information."

How apps, content, and subscriptions from Apple are billed - Apple Support

- You can’t charge gifts to your Apple ID balance. If you send a gift or gift card, your primary payment method is charged.

- Some subscriptions might not be charged to your Apple ID balance.

What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance - Apple Support

"Some purchases might require that you have a credit card on file, even if you use your Apple Account balance to make the purchase."

brenbers wrote:

That still makes no sense why I have to pay 6.99 to get FREE things the amount of mental gymnastics your doing take this sound reasonable is absurd, good lord why do you guys go out of your way to make things difficult? All I want is a free app but now I can’t even do that because apple decided that since most apps have built in purchases you have to pay for free things

It is actually not difficult at all.

• You pay nothing to download free apps
• You will need to have a valid payment method to use the App Store.

Simple! No mental gymnastics required.

tevita101 wrote:

How to install apps withouy a payment method

You will need a valid payment method to download apps. You will find many that are free to download, but also have these alternate methods for purchases:

• In-App Purchases
• Free Trial that turns into a subscription if not cancelled
• Subscription

Developers have to pay each year to provide you with the apps and they also have to spend their time and money to create and constantly update the app. By letting you download the app for free you are given a chance to determine if you would find the app useful, so the developers offer these alternate methods to offset the costs that they have incurred. If Developers never made money in the App Store, you would not see any apps to download, or the apps the would be there would just be malware or more interested in harvesting your personal information.

There is a dramatic difference on how Google and Apple make their money. Apple makes money off the products they sell and protecting your private information is a top priority, while Google makes money off of the personal information that they are able to gather about you through the apps and sell that information to advertisers. You may think you are getting something for free, but you are actually the product being sold. Facebook doesn't charge for their service, but last quarter posted revenue of 39 billion dollars.

I want to download a free app, it keeps asking for a credit card number. I don’t need a card on android, why do I need one here?

Limnos wrote:

I have to say, I am pretty much the only person who posts here who has declared not needing to enter a payment method. ;-) I never have. Maybe if your account is old enough then you get grandfathered into not needing one?

That maybe the case. As you know, Apple provides no other information for a reason and says you "might" need a payment method in the link if you cannot download apps. If a user has been met with the message to update their payment information when downloading app, there has been no method that works to download apps without the payment method.

We do know that you are restricted to download app only in your region and apps also have age ratings that are enforced with parental controls based on your age used for your Apple ID. There is no verification of this information when an Apple ID is set up, but it can be verified with a payment method other than your Account Balance.

That still makes no sense why I have to pay 6.99 to get FREE things the amount of mental gymnastics your doing take this sound reasonable is absurd, good lord why do you guys go out of your way to make things difficult? All I want is a free app but now I can’t even do that because apple decided that since most apps have built in purchases you have to pay for free things

brenbers wrote:

So your telling me that I have to pay 6.99 for a free app and I can’t do anything about it

You don't pay anything for a free app! If you purchased something previously and it has not been paid for, of course you will have to pay it before you can continue to use the App Store. What else would you expect?

Then why can’t I download UNLESS I have money? It won’t let me do anything it keeps canceling my payment because i don’t have 6.99 on my card, I’m stuck and can’t do anything I’m just confused, why is it forcing me to pay the money if it’s free?

See, I have no prior charges or anything of the sort! All subscriptions canceled and only trying to get free apps, I genuinely don’t know what or where I’m going wrong but this definitely is confusing, I’m about to just give up and go with the apps I have on my phone now or just get a new one cuz idk what to do now, at this point I’m not mad or upset I just wanna what I’m doing wrong 🙏

Use a debit card. If you don't have one, find somebody who does who doesn't mind you using theirs. Depending upon what you're getting it may only need to be there briefly. If you can't do that then learn to live without. I only have absolutely free apps and don't feel the need to have 400 the way some people do.

I tried this. There is no 'NONE' option when I click on Payment Methods and Manage Payment Method (there is an old credit card that is no longer used). The page continues to require adding or updating to a valid credit card. Can anyone help me with this, please?

Browhatthe wrote:

I just tried to get an app, but it says I need billing info…like….

[Edited by Moderator]

The app may be free to download, but may contain optional methods such as subscriptions or in-app purchases where the payment method would be used. Is that the case for the app you are looking to download?

Developers have to pay each year to offer those apps to you and it also cost them time and money to create and continue to update the app. You will find that the majority of developers are not doing this out of the goodness of their heart and provide these optional methods in hopes you will find the app useful enough to continue and support their efforts. Without a payment method, that would not be possible.

It is not done that way because that was how it was invented

I want download apps with payment method for