How to Fix the ‘Verification Required’ Error in the App Store?

The Verification Required error in the App Store can unexpectedly affect your Apple devices, whether you’re downloading a new app or updating an existing one. What’s frustrating is that it doesn’t even spare the installation of free apps and not only causes delays but persists until resolved.

This error typically appears if you’ve never purchased or downloaded a paid or free app on your device. Issues with your existing payment method can also prompt this verification requirement.

Most often, this error serves as an indirect prompt for users to review their billing information or verify their payment details. Additionally, a faulty or expired credit card or an outstanding unpaid balance on your account could be responsible for the ‘Verification Required’ message.

Many find the constant verification to be an unnecessary extra step that they’d rather avoid. If you’re among those individuals, continue reading to discover how to eliminate this popup.

1. Add a Payment Method

If you’ve never installed an application with your Apple ID, you will need to add a payment method. This is mandatory whether the application is free or paid. Despite some iOS users’ disdain for this requirement, Apple continues to prioritize the security of users’ payment details over user convenience.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on your Apple ID.
3. Go to Payment & Shipping.
4. Enter your Apple ID password.
5. Tap on Add Payment Method.
   

2. Toggle Off Password Requirement

If a payment method has already been added, it could be your device settings requiring verification every time you install an app.

1. Launch Settings on your device.
2. Tap on your Apple ID.
3. Visit the Media & Purchases section.
4. Next, tap on Password Settings.
5. Turn off the toggle for Require Password under Free Downloads.
   
6. Tap on Done.
7. Return to the main Settings page and select Face ID & Passcode.
8. Enter your device passcode to access its settings.
9. Finally, disable iTunes & App Store under the Use Face ID For section.
   

3. Remove Faulty Payment Methods

If the Verification Required App Store message has started popping up recently, your current payment method may be the culprit. This can happen if your credit/debit card has expired or the billing address has changed.

This discrepancy between the automatically updated payment information by your bank and the card details associated with your Apple ID prompts the App Store to request verification. You can remove the existing payment method or update your information on your iOS device to address this.

1. Navigate to Settings.
2. Select your Apple ID.
3. Proceed to Payment & Shipping and enter your Apple ID password.
4. Tap on the Edit option in the top-right corner of the screen.
5. Remove any faulty payment method by selecting the – sign next to it.
6. Confirm by tapping on Remove.
   

To update your card details, follow these steps:

1. Access the Settings app.
2. Go to your Apple ID.
3. Choose Payment & Shipping.
4. After entering your Apple ID password, your current payment methods will be displayed. To update, tap on one.
5. Enter and verify the new information, then tap on Done.
   

4. Update Your Subscriptions

Your subscriptions might not be processed if your payment method does not have sufficient funds, triggering the ‘Verification Required’ App Store error. You will need to either add funds or cancel the subscriptions to resolve the issue.

To address outstanding subscriptions, check which services are unpaid:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Access your Apple ID.
3. Select Media & Purchases.
4. Choose View Account.
5. Look for Purchase History and tap it to see any unpaid apps or subscriptions.
   
6. If you discover hidden purchases, select Hidden Purchases under the Downloads and Purchases section.
   
7. Simply tap Unhide next to any subscription you wish to reveal.
   

Next, add funds to your preferred payment method to settle the subscription fees:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Tap on your Apple ID.
3. Choose Payment & Shipping.
4. Select Apple ID again.
5. Opt for Add Funds to Apple ID.
   
6. Select one of the preset amounts or tap Other to specify a different amount.

If you prefer to cancel these subscriptions, follow these instructions:

1. Visit the App Store on your device.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select Subscriptions.
4. All your active and inactive subscriptions will be listed here.
5. To cancel an active subscription, tap on it and choose Cancel Subscription.
   
6. Confirm your decision by tapping on Confirm.

5. Set Screen Time Restrictions

Your Screen Time settings might be prompting the App Store to request verification for purchases during installations. You can disable these requirements by adjusting your settings:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Screen Time.
3. Access Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Select iTunes & App Store Purchases.
5. Choose Don’t Require under Require Password.
   

6. Re-Sign into Your Apple ID

If the Verification Required pop-up persists, there may be an issue with your Apple ID or an app glitch. A simple fix is to log out and then log back into your account.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on your Apple ID.
3. Scroll down and select Sign Out. You’ll need to input your Apple ID password.
   
4. Close and relaunch the Settings app.
5. Tap Sign in to your iPhone at the top and re-enter your credentials to log back into your Apple account.