Why do I need to add a payment method just to download an app to my phone

Mac Jim ID wrote:

Bossman6583 wrote:

I agree 200 % this is the reason I break this iPhone and go back to android

I suggest recycling your iPhone, nobody really cares what device you use.

Breaking an iPhone because you don't want to register a payment method seems rather like cutting off your nose to spite your face.

But maybe this person's iPhone is old enough, or in poor enough condition, that they don't think it is worth selling it to someone else to help finance their Android purchase.

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

耶斯留178 wrote:

I also have this problem too,I do not know why it will happened,I am angry for this could apple can early fix this problem

There is not a fix, when you can see in step 2 here that you may need to add a payment method to download/update apps, even if they are free. Step 3 is for when there is a problem with your payment method.

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

Apple requires a method of payment on file because so many Apps have purchases available within Apps.

Bossman6583 wrote:

I agree 200 % this is the reason I break this iPhone and go back to android

I suggest recycling your iPhone, nobody really cares what device you use.

I also have this problem too,I do not know why it will happened,I am angry for this could apple can early fix this problem

Why can’t I download on my app asking me to add payment card

Firstly happy hew year 2024

Congrats on your new iphone purchase.

yes it is completely your choice let me make you clear apple is committed to privacy So do not worry.

Apple is asking to app payment option just to make hassle free payment if you wish to purchase any services from app store.

also it is required for registration process of future billing.

There is nothing to worry

there are million and trillions of apple user who already have shared card info to apple including myself.

if you are so concern about your debit or credit card , do purchase apple gift card voucher and redeem it in app store and you are done.

805loriann Said:

"Why do I need to add a payment method just to download an app to my phone"

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Why at Least One Method of Payment is Needed.

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.

That’s no true isn’t a require no even mandatory , I don’t have any payment method on my iCloud and I can download apps because we can choice to no add a payment method because there is an option called NONE

temmy192 wrote:

Why can’t I download on my app asking me to add payment card

Because that is Apple's policy.

If you want to know "why" in any more detail than that, you will need to ask Apple themselves.

You will not be charged for downloading a "free" app – but many "free" apps are like coin-operated vending machines or arcade games, with functionality locked away behind in-app purchases. Those cost real money. Make one of them and it will be charged against your payment method on file.

temmy192 wrote:

Why can’t I download on my app asking me to add payment card

You will find that developers are not spending their own time and money to create apps just to give them away to anyone that wants them. They are doing it for money and most will contain subscriptions or in-app purchases as an optional way for them to recoup their costs. They are free to download, but they also hope you will find their app useful enough to support their efforts and that would not be possible without a payment method.

Wrong

Its pretty dumb, i have money in my apple account but my visa no longer exists so i cant download apps without a payment method but theres no info to provide, guess i have to get a Samsung

If your credit card no longer exists, that’s probably why you cannot download apps, you must have a working and active payment method on file.

Same thing for me, have both my Apple Pay and Debit card set up and confirmed and it still doesn’t let me download anything,

[Edited by Moderator]