Attempting to download a cool new app from the App Store, only to be confronted by the cryptic “Verification Required” alert blocking progress? This frustrating error essentially means something with your Apple ID account is preventing confirmation that you actually qualify for a free app install.
This article will explore the common triggers for the verification error on free App Store downloads and walk through various troubleshooting steps for iPhone to rescue your free app haul!
Why “Verification Required” Errors Appear on iPhone During Free Downloads
When attempting to download an app flagged as free in the App Store, in the background Apple checks:
- Your Apple ID account credentials are valid
- There’s no outstanding payment info or balances needed
- Your settings allow password-free downloads
If any of those checks fail, instead of initiating download the App Store throws the “Verification Required” error to halt progress.
Until whatever hiccup prevented verification is addressed, you cannot advance to actually installing the free app.
Top Solutions to Resolve Verification Required Error when Installing Free iPhone Apps on App Store
Luckily, the error on App Store is usually caused by easily fixable account discrepancies rather than permanent bans from freebies. So let’s fix it!
Check and Sign Back Into Your Apple ID
Since the error centers around properly verifying your Apple ID account, first double check login status:
- Open iPhone Settings and tap your account name
- Tap Sign Out to logout completely
- Then input your Apple ID credentials to sign back in
Signing out and back in syncs the latest verified credentials to your device account to hopefully clear any login snags.
Confirm Valid Payment Method on your Apple Account
Next, check whether your Apple account has a valid payment method on file:
- In Settings, tap your name then choose Payment & Shipping
- Confirm there’s an active credit/debit card listed
- If missing or expired, add or update your payment method
Having valid payment details helps verify overall account legitimacy needed for free downloads.
Settle Any Outstanding Balances on the App Store
If you have previously racked up purchased apps or subscriptions charges that went unpaid:
- Unpaid balances also throw a wrench in verification gears
- Open App Store > Tap profile icon > Purchase History
- If unpaid purchases show, tap to resolve balance
Settling outstanding charges should flip verification back to green.
Check Password Settings on your iPhone for Free Downloads
Finally, overzealous password settings could be backfiring during verification:
- Return to iPhone Settings > Your name > Media & Purchases
- Tap Free Downloads and disable Require Password if enabled
- Enter password if prompted to complete change
With password hurdles removed, verification should smoothly proceed next attempt!
Still Seeing Errors? Contact Apple Customer Support
If you still receive errors after the above steps:
- Open Settings > Your name > Apple Support section
- Choose contact options like chat or phone assistance
- Explain your “Verification Required” woes to the Apple rep
Apple can further review your account status and hopefully pinpoint what specific detail needs addressing to successfully score your next free app!
