The AppStore has an easy-to-navigate user interface that makes downloading an app fairly simple. But sometimes, users are met with a “Verification Required” error while trying to download an app. This usually happens when the app is free.
This error can occur in the middle of downloading an app or right as you press the download button. Sometimes the app will prompt you to enter card details. There are a few things you can do to fix this error. This article discusses these methods in detail.
What Causes the “Verification Required” Error in AppStore?
Here’re some of the common reasons for the “Verification Required” error:
- Problem with the payment method in your Apple ID
- Unpaid dues
- Trying to install a free app
- Card linked to your account is expired
- Outdated iOS
How to Fix the “Verification Required” Error in AppStore?
The most probable issue with a “Verification Required” error is problems with your Apple ID. But other factors could be at play here, such as a temporary glitch in Apple’s OS or AppStore’s interface.
You can try the methods described below to fix this issue.
Restart Your Device
Restarting your device can often terminate glitches that could be causing problems. To restart your iPhone/iPad:
- Press and hold the power and volume buttons until a slide appears.
- Drag the slider to shut down your device.
- Press and hold the power button to turn it back on.
- Open App Store again and see if the error is solved.
Restart the App Store
Sometimes restarting the App Store will fix temporary bugs and glitches that could be causing the verification error. You can do this in the following way:
- If your iPhone/iPad has a Home button, double-click on it.
- Swipe up the App Store from the app tray to close it.
- If your iPhone/iPad does not have a Home Button, swipe up from the home bar and hold on to the middle of the screen.
- Then, swipe up the App Store to close it.
- Open it again and see if the error still shows up.
Check Payment Method
If you have an expired card under the payment method, it could affect your downloads. Your payment method needs to be up-to-date, even if it is a free account. To check the payment method:
- Open the Settings app.
- Click on your Apple ID.
- Click on Payment & Shipping.
- Check to see if your card has expired.
- If it is expired, add a new card by clicking Add Payment Method.
- Enter your card details.
- Press Done to save the changes.
Check for Unpaid Dues
If you have unpaid fees in your account, it can cause a verification error. Paying this amount will solve this problem. Follow these steps to do so:
- Go to Settings.
- Click on your Apple ID.
- Go to Media & Purchases.
- Click on View Account and enter your Apple ID password if it asks for it.
- Click on Purchase History.
- The amount that is due will show under Amount You Owe. The error will go away once you pay these fees.
Change Your Payment Method
Your current payment method might have glitches that may affect your payment. Sometimes simply switching to a new card can fix this error. To do so:
- Go to Settings.
- Click on your Apple ID.
- Click on Media & Purchases.
- Go to View Account.
- Click on Manage Payments.
- Click on the name of your card.
- Select Remove Payment Method.
- Go back and click on Add Payment Method.
- Follow their instructions.
- Click on Done when you’re done.
Sign Out and Login into the App Store
Signing out and then back into the App Store can sometimes fix any glitches that could be causing a verification error. To sign out of your Apple ID:
- Go to the App Store.
- Click on your profile in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and click on Sign Out.
- Close and open the app again.
- Click on the blue account icon in the top right corner.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
Update iOS
An outdated iOS can lack the software required to run newer updates in the system. Updating your iOS can fix glitches and errors from the previous versions by installing these new software packages. Fixing these errors can fix the verification required error too. You can update your iOS in the following way.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Click on General.
- Go to Software Update.
- Go to Automatic Updates.
- Tap the toggle next to Download iOS Updates to turn it on.
- Tap the toggle next to Install iOS Updates to turn it on.
- Check to see if the error is fixed in the app store.