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App Store blocked by an unpaid subscription charge after a free trial offer

I downloaded an app called AI Video Generator because it advertised a 7-day free trial. However, Apple is trying to charge me ₸6,990, and the purchase is now listed under Pending Purchases.

I have not paid for this subscription because the charge has not gone through. I have also cancelled the subscription to prevent future renewals.

The unpaid purchase is now preventing me from downloading even free apps from the App Store.

On reportaproblem.apple.com, I see a message saying that the purchase is still being processed and that I can report a problem once it is completed. Therefore, I cannot request a refund through the usual process.

My questions:

  1. Is there a way to cancel or clear this pending unpaid purchase without paying for it?
  2. Can Apple remove the billing restriction so I can download free apps again?
  3. Has anyone resolved this issue without making the payment?

I am using an Apple Account registered in Kazakhstan. Any advice based on personal experience would be appreciated.

5 replies

  1. No.
  2. I have never seen anybody post that they could get Apple to do that in the circumstances you describe.
  3. Again, not that I have seen anybody report.


You may have canceled too late. In that case you will have to pay what is owed and then try for a refund.


Click on this link to review the information in the support article about canceling subscriptions ➔ Cancel a subscription from Apple - Apple Support


Notes:

• “If you signed up for a free or discounted trial subscription and you don't want to renew it, cancel it at least 24 hours before the trial ends." Note that by using an app like this you are automatically agreeing (always read the fine print) to this happening, are responsible for reading if this will happen, and canceling the subscription before the trial ends. E.g., Bait and switch on Apple apps - Apple Community Exceptions apply in some countries ➔ About canceling subscriptions in Germany, Israel, South Africa, or Türkiye - Apple Support

• Deleting an app does not cancel a subscription.

• Canceling a subscription does not automatically start a refund.

• This thread (particularly posts by Mac Jim ID) outlines complex scenarios regarding subscriptions and trials. ➔ Refund request for unintended Snapchat Pl… - Apple Community


If you wish to pursue a refund, follow the directions in this support article about how to request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple ➔ Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support The likelihood of you getting a refund may vary greatly from region to region as provided in section B of Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple . Typically refunds are entirely discretionary and not guaranteed. Special terms may apply for some countries: About canceling subscriptions in Germany, Israel, South Africa, or Türkiye - Apple Support


Read this support article for information about how long it takes to receive a refund (if one is granted), and how to check the status of a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple --> Check the status of a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support

● Store credit—It might take up to 48 hours to see the refund in your Apple Account balance.

● Mobile phone billing—It might take up to 60 days for the statement to show the refund. Processing time might be affected by your carrier. You can contact your carrier for an update.

● Credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Apple Cash, and all other payment methods—It might take up to 30 days for the statement to show the refund. If you don't see the refund after 30 days, contact your financial institution."

You have to pay before you can unblock your account or request a refund. Once you've paid you can try to get a refund by continuing the process you've started on the reportaproblem site.. Based on other users' posts on these boards you are unlikely to get a refund but you should complete the process.

Welcome and thank you for reaching out. 🤗


You can’t use the App Store if your account has unpaid balances, a pending purchase or a region mismatch.


Make sure your billing address matches your region, clear any pending charges and try again.


Check your payment method in Settings ➢ [your name] ➢ Payment & Shipping, ensure it’s valid and update if needed. Also, sign out and back into your Apple Account, then try again.


If it still fails, contact Apple Support directly.



Good Luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

Hello~ If you have a pending charge …it must be paid. Do you have a viable payment method on your account? If not …you will need to add one. See below.


Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support


After the payment has processed then you may ask for a refund…


Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support


Note the refund may or may not be granted. Apple sometimes grants refunds as a courtesy.


If need be contact Apple…


Contact Apple Support - Apple Support


~Katana-San~

Most trial subscriptions state that you must cancel the trial before it expires or you will be charged and the subscription will be in effect. So is this what transpired? Did you cancel the subscription before the trial ended or did you cancel it after you were billed?