How to stop “Verification Required” when installing free apps on iPhone

This problem occurs when you attempt to install or update an app from the App Store and one of these pop-up messages appears on the screen:

Verification required. Tap Continue and sign in to view billing system.

Verification Required – Before you can make purchases, you must tap Continue to verify your payment info.

Why Can’t I Download Free Apps from the App Store?

This problem mostly occurs because of your payment options and paid subscriptions on your Apple ID associated with your iPhone.

Here are some instances when you may see the Verification Required error message on your iPhone:

• Unpaid subscriptions
• Your iPhone has never downloaded any free or purchased apps
• The payment method has failed or has not been updated properly.

To prevent this error from occurring, you’ll either have to update your payment method to a valid payment or choose not to associate your Apple ID with any payment on the App Store. In that case, you need to select “None”.

You should note if your iPhone has Family Sharing set up, they may not allow you to not choose a payment method.

Otherwise, you’ll have to update or verify the Payment Method associated with your Family Sharing network

Either way, here’s how to leave Family Sharing on your iPhone. Go to the Settings app, tap on your name, then choose Family Sharing. From there, tap on your name again and select Leave Family.

Once you’ve done that, proceed not to associate any payment method to your Apple ID.

Now that you know what’s causing this error message, it’s time to fix the problem.

How to Fix “Verification Required” Message

Follow these steps to fix the “Verification Required” issue when installing free apps on your iPhone.

1. Go to your iPhone Settings and tap on iTunes & App Store.

2. Select Apple ID at the top of the screen. A pop-up will appear as shown in the image below, tap View Apple ID. You may need to enter your Apple ID password.

3. Select Payment Information in the Account Settings

4. Under Payment Information tap None not to associate any payment method to your Apple ID. Or you can update your payment method as needed.

Finally, tap Done to finish adjusting the settings. Now head back to the App Store and try to download any free app. You shouldn’t see any Verification Required message in the App Store.

Wrap-Up: Verification Required

If none of the steps above have fixed the Verification Required error message on your iPhone, you may need to contact Apple Support.

You may have a bigger issue with your Apple ID that only Apple can fix it. Make a Genius Bar reservation to get in touch with an Apple employee who can help sort this problem for you.

If you have any questions or feedback, please use the comment section below.