Apple's App Store policies require all users to have a valid payment method associated with their account, even for free app downloads.
There is no way to bypass this requirement.
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The "Verification Required" error occurs when your payment information is expired, invalid, or you haven't agreed to the App Store's terms and conditions.
Signing out and back in may temporarily fix it.
Turning off Screen Time restrictions can sometimes resolve the "Verification Required" issue, as it may be blocking free app downloads due to parental control settings.
Using gift cards or an App Store/iTunes balance is one of the only ways to download apps without providing a credit card or bank account information on your Apple ID.
The Amazon Appstore and Google Play Store offer free app sections where you can download premium apps without needing to enter billing details.
On iOS, you can try removing your current payment method and seeing if that allows you to download free apps, then add a new payment method later.
Outdated or incorrect billing address information on your Apple ID can also trigger the "Verification Required" prompt when trying to download free apps.
Resetting your device's network settings has been known to temporarily bypass the payment verification requirement for some users.
Apple's strict policies around payment information are designed to prevent fraud and unauthorized purchases, even for free content.
Certain parental control or Screen Time features on iOS can inadvertently block free app downloads if the settings aren't configured properly.
While there's no guaranteed workaround, being persistent and trying multiple troubleshooting steps may help you bypass the billing verification for specific free app downloads.
Apple's requirements for a valid payment method are consistent across all device types - iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.
There is no way to avoid this for any App Store purchases.
The "Verification Required" message will also appear if you've recently changed your Apple ID email address and need to re-confirm your payment info.
Attempting to download apps through alternative app stores or sideloading methods is possible, but carries significant security risks that outweigh any billing verification bypass.
Apple's focus on payment security means the company is unlikely to ever relax its requirement for a valid payment method, even for free content, in the foreseeable future.