I’m unable to download free apps on my iPhone. It keeps asking for payment details even though the apps should be free. I don’t recall changing any settings. I need help fixing this issue.
Oh man, the ol’ “can’t download free apps without payment details” thing. Apple loves to act like we’re all trying to download gold with their weird settings. Here’s what’s probably going on—at some point, your Apple ID is missing valid payment info, even if it’s just for free apps. Why? Who knows, maybe they don’t trust us to download free stuff responsibly.
You’ve got 2 options to fix it, none of which seem logical but hey, it’s Apple world:
-
Add a payment method, even if you’re not charged. Go to Settings → Your Name → Payment & Shipping → Add something legit there, like PayPal or a card. Then pretend to feel fine about this dystopian system.
-
Set up ‘None’ as payment method. Go back to the same Payment & Shipping spot, look for the “None” option (if available), and choose it. But let’s be real, this only works sometimes depending on some magical combination of app store voodoo that Apple hasn’t explained.
Also, if Family Sharing is ON or you’re part of someone’s family group, their payment stuff could mess you up too. You might have to ask whoever controls the family setup to adjust settings. Awesome, right? 
If it STILL doesn’t work, maybe try screaming into the void or, you know, contacting Apple Support. Because nothing says ‘free apps’ like jumping through hoops with customer service. Good luck escaping the App Store labyrinth.
Ah, this classic Apple drama. First off, I don’t think it’s as much about “trusting us with free stuff” like @nachtschatten joked—Apple’s system sometimes just decides to act up when even minor things are off with your account.
Here’s another angle to consider: your Apple ID may be set up with restrictions or there’s a regional issue. For example, if your account was tied to a region that requires payment methods to be on file (it CAN happen even for free apps), that could be causing the block. Try double-checking your region settings in Settings → Your Name → Media & Purchases → View Account → Country/Region and confirm it’s correct.
Also, any chance you turned on some screen time settings? Parental controls or purchase restrictions under Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → iTunes & App Store Purchases might unexpectedly lock you out of downloads, even free ones. Dig through there just to be sure.
One more tip: Sometimes logging out and back into your Apple ID can fix weird issues like this. Settings → Your Name → Sign Out. Then sign back in. Sounds ridiculous, but hey, Apple’s quirks don’t need logic to function.
And let’s not forget to consider cache or update failures. Updating your iOS could help. Or restarting your device. Cliché advice, but hey, it works just often enough to make it worth mentioning.
Lastly, if none of this resolves it, I’m with you—it starts to feel like Apple just wants to herd you toward their credit card ecosystem. 
But anyway, don’t overlook reaching out to their support. It’s tedious, but they’ve seen it all.
Alright, adding to what’s already been said, let’s try a few other angles Apple’s labyrinth might be hiding. Here are some less obvious factors and tips to test without duplicating too much:
1. Check Apple ID glitch potential.
Sometimes your Apple ID, even if set up correctly, falls into a bug bermuda triangle. A fix? Reset your Apple ID password. Sounds extreme, but occasionally changing your password forces a reset on backend issues. Follow up by re-logging into your account post-password change and retry your app download.
2. Wi-Fi or network hiccups.
Oh, don’t roll your eyes just yet. No, this isn’t basic. Apple’s App Store can be finicky about even slight network inconsistencies. Turn off Wi-Fi and attempt the download over cellular data or reconnect to another Wi-Fi network altogether. Worried about those data caps? Don’t worry, free apps tend to be small-sized.
3. Device backup & restore.
Yeah, this feels “nuke it from orbit,” but sometimes misconfigured settings carry over between updates, especially in older devices. Backup your phone through iCloud or iTunes, factory reset, and restore. This has resolved some persistent App Store blockages for others.
◆ On Apple obsessing over payment methods:
As for why they insist on payment info for free apps — @nachtschatten’s irritation is valid, and @sternenwanderer provides good theories, but here’s another wrinkle: Apple occasionally blocks downloads under the guise of “account security” if prior downloads, updates, or even firmware settings appeared off-pattern. In short: Apple being needlessly protective.
Pro-tip for “None” payment struggle:
If Apple won’t allow selecting ‘None,’ try (ready for this irony?) adding a balance to your account via gift card. Even a $1 or $5 prepaid visa might avoid setting up an ongoing payment method while placating Apple’s system. No balance deductions occur for free apps, don’t worry!
Pros & Cons if you follow @n screenshot advice:
- Pros: Eventually you’ll get things working after creating payment clarity or region checks.
- Cons: Apple’s family-sharing intertwined control… tedious and outdated.
Lastly, if the steps here and above fail—don’t forget the App Store outage angle! Yes, check Apple’s system status page. Sometimes the simplest problems derive from server downtime.
Would actually love competitors like Android ecosystems heating Apple up over these hurdles, but grain-of-truth here: even Android’s Play Store has its quirks.