How to Fix “Verification Required” on App Store

Stuck in a “Verification Required” loop while trying to download a free app? It’s one of the most frustrating hurdles on iPhone, especially when you aren’t even buying anything. Whether you’re running iOS 26 or an older version, this prompt usually signals a small billing glitch or a security sync error.

The good news is that you don’t need a new Apple ID. This guide will show you the quickest app store verification required loop fix.

Why Does the App Store Say “Verification Required”?

It is Apple’s security and billing system flagging a specific issue with your Apple ID.

Here are the most common reasons why you are seeing this prompt:

1. Unpaid Balances or Pending Purchases

The most frequent cause for the verification required app store loop is an outstanding balance. If a recent subscription (like iCloud+, Apple Music, or an in-app purchase) failed to renew because of insufficient funds, Apple will “lock” your ability to download anything (even free apps) until that debt is settled.

2. Expired or Invalid Payment Methods

If the credit card linked to your Apple ID has expired, reached its limit, or been cancelled by your bank, the App Store will demand verification. Even if you aren’t buying anything new, Apple requires a valid “fallback” payment method on file to maintain your account’s active status.

3. First-Time Downloads or New Devices

If you have just created a new Apple ID or signed in on a brand-new iPhone running iOS 26, Apple may trigger this prompt to verify your identity. This is a security measure to ensure that a real person, not a bot, is managing the account.

4. Issues with Family Sharing

If you are part of a Family Sharing group, the “Verification Required” message might not even be about your card. If the Family Organizer’s payment method is declined or expires, every member of the group may be blocked from downloading apps until the Organizer updates their billing info.

5. Regional Mismatch

If your Apple ID region is set to the United States but you are trying to use a credit card issued in a different country, the system will trigger a verification error. The App Store is very strict about your payment method matching your store’s country.

Quick Tip: Entering the correct CVV but still seeing a failure? This usually indicates your bank is flagging the $0.00 “authorization hold” Apple uses for card testing.

Persistent issues where you can’t download apps from App Store – despite having a clear balance and updated password – typically stem from account sync glitches or hidden restrictions. To resolve these root causes once and for all, follow the proven steps below.

How to Fix “Verification Required” for Free Apps (Step-by-Step)

The most annoying part of this error is when it blocks you from downloading 100% free content. If you are wondering how to get rid of the verification required on App Store for free apps, the goal is to satisfy Apple’s billing system so it no longer sees your account as a “risk.”

Follow these steps to download free apps without payment verification:

Step 1: Check for Unpaid Balances (The “Dealbreaker”)

You cannot remove or skip verification if you owe Apple money.

1. Open Settings > Your Name > Media & Purchases.
2. Tap View Account and scroll down to Purchase History.
3. Look for any orders labeled “Pending” or highlighted in red. If you have an unpaid balance, you must pay it off before the prompt disappears.

Step 2: How to Select ‘None’ for App Store Payment Method

If you have no unpaid balance and no active “auto-renewing” subscriptions (like Netflix or Disney+), you can opt out of having a card on file entirely.

1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping.
2. Tap on your current payment method or select Add Payment Method.
3. If your account is eligible, you will see the “None” option.
4. Select None, and tap Done. Note: If you don’t see “None,” you likely have an active subscription or a “Season Pass” that requires a valid payment method.

Step 3: Update “Password Settings” for Free Downloads

In iOS 26, you can tell the App Store to stop asking for passwords or verification for free items.

1. Open Settings and tap your Apple ID.
2. Go to Media & Purchases > Password Settings.
3. Under the Free Downloads section, toggle Require Password to OFF.

Step 4: Use a Different “None” Workaround via Apple ID Site

If the iPhone settings app is looping, try the “Backdoor” method:

1. Open Safari and go to appleid.apple.com.
2. Sign in and go to Payment Methods.
3. Try to remove the payment method here. Often, the web interface provides clearer error messages than the App Store pop-up.

Breaking the “Verification Required” Loop

You enter your security code, the bank approves it, but seconds later, the same pop-up reappears. If you are stuck in this app store verification required loop fix, try these “reset” techniques to force the system to recognize your updated status.

Method 1: The “Media & Purchases” Sign-Out

Instead of signing out of your entire iCloud account (which messes up your Photos and Find My), just sign out of the Store.

1. Go to Settings > [Your Name].
2. Tap Media & Purchases > Sign Out.
3. Restart your iPhone (This is crucial to clear the system cache).
4. Go back to the same menu and Sign In again. This forces the App Store to sync with Apple’s billing servers from scratch.

After signing out of Media & Purchases, restart your device to clear the cache. If you find that you cannot connect to App Store when trying to sign back in, it’s likely a temporary DNS glitch. A quick refresh of your network settings or switching to a stable VPN node should resolve the sync issue immediately.

Method 2: Update Your “Billing Address” to Match Exactly

The verification required app store loop is often triggered by a tiny mismatch between your Apple ID and your bank’s records.

• Ensure your Zip Code and Phone Number in Settings > Payment & Shipping are identical to what is printed on your bank statement.
• Even a missing apartment number or a typo in your street name can cause the “Verification Required” loop to fail silently.

Method 3: The $0.00 “Balance Trick”

Sometimes the loop happens because your account has a tiny “ghost” debt (like $0.99) that doesn’t trigger a full notification but blocks downloads.

• Add a small amount of credit to your Apple Account Balance (via an Apple Gift Card or by adding $5.00 directly).
• Once the account has a positive balance, the system usually prioritizes the “Apple Balance” over the credit card, often breaking the loop instantly.

Method 4: Force a Fresh Verification in iOS 26

If the loop persists, try to “trigger” a manual verification:

1. Go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay.
2. If your card is already there, remove it and re-add it.
3. If iOS 26 prompts for a “Bank Verification” (via SMS or Email), complete it immediately. Once the card is verified in the Wallet app, the App Store often stops asking for it separately.

Pro Tip: Still Stuck? Check Your Connection

Sometimes, the ‘Verification Required’ loop persists because of a flagged local IP address or restrictive network filters. Switching to a high-speed node on LightningX VPN can often bypass these local network glitches, providing a clean connection to Apple’s billing servers.

FAQs – Verification Required App Store

Q1: Why does the App Store ask for billing info for free apps?

A: Even for 100% free apps, Apple requires a verified “Account Origin.” This prevents bot accounts from mass-downloading apps and ensures you have a valid region assigned to your Store. If your account has no valid payment method or an outstanding balance from a previous subscription, this safety check is triggered automatically.

Q2: Can I select ‘None’ if I have an active iCloud+ or Apple Music subscription?

A: No. If you have any active, auto-renewing subscriptions, Apple requires at least one valid payment method on file to prevent service interruption. To select None, you must first cancel all active subscriptions and wait for the current billing cycle to end.

Q3: How do I fix the App Store verification loop on Family Sharing?

A: If you are a family member, the “Verification Required” prompt is often caused by the Family Organizer’s card. You cannot fix this on your own device. The Organizer must go to their settings and update the “Shared Payment Method.” Once they verify their card, the prompt will disappear for everyone in the group.