User level: Level 1 (4 points)My phone won't let me update apps or download apps. It says I have a due balance but it won't let me pay it. I've tried the advice given in support but it hasn't helped or worked. Ive tried two different cards too. What do I do?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: My phone won't le me download or update apps due to an unpaid balance but it won't let me pay it.
Posted on Oct 24, 2026 11:53 AM
User level: Level 10 (105,996 points)Oct 24, 2026 11:58 AM in response to Tay_Tay401
Purchase a Gift Card and redeem that to your Apple Account.
User level: Level 10 (462,771 points)Oct 24, 2026 2:51 PM in response to Tay_Tay401
Read the links below about various ways to pay for items in the iTunes and App Stores.
- Add a payment method to your account. See this article about payment methods that you can use with your Apple Account --> Payment methods that you can use with your Apple Account - Apple Support then see this article about how to add a payment method to your Apple Account --> Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support
- You can use the previous added payment type to go one step farther by optionally using it to irreversibly add funds to an Apple Account balance instead of having the card charged each time.
Click here --> Add money to your Apple Account balance - Apple Support
If no option is shown to "Add Money to Account" using this method (you only see using gift cards) then it may not be available in your country. Use a gift card instead.
- This article outlines how to redeem an Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes gift card --> Redeem your Apple Gift Card, App Store Card, or App Store & iTunes Gift Card - Apple Support
- You could also look into joining a Family Sharing group where the family Organizer's payment method is used. To learn how to join a Family Sharing group, read the section "Join a family group" in this support article --> How to set up Family Sharing on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac - Apple Support
If an app or feature on your device is not working or is restricted, it may have been disabled using Screen Time, or by an IT administrator if you are using a device owned by an employer or educational institution. See how to use Screen Time on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch by clicking here --> Use Screen Time to manage your child's iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
If you are an adult member of Family Sharing but not the Organizer, you should now be able to add your own payment method (you could not until 2026):
Share apps and purchases with Family Sharing on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support and How apps, content, and subscriptions from Apple are billed - Apple Support
User level: Level 10 (124,115 points)Oct 24, 2026 2:49 PM in response to Tay_Tay401
Hello~Have a look here…
~Katana-San~
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256382256