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How to Fix “Payment Not Completed” on App Store Securely

You're trying to buy an app or make a purchase, but the frustrating “Payment Not Completed” error pops up on the App Store. It's common, yet getting past it safely means more than just tapping “Try Again.” Your payment info, device settings, and even your internet connection might play a role here—and overlooking the right step can keep you stuck. Before you give up, there are secure solutions you might not have considered yet…

Restart Your Iphone or Ipad

One effective method for addressing payment issues on the App Store is to restart your iPhone or iPad. This action can resolve minor software bugs and glitches that may disrupt payment processing.

For iPhones equipped with Face ID, the restart can be initiated by pressing and holding the side button along with either volume button until the slider appears. On devices utilizing Touch ID, the process involves holding the side button and home button simultaneously.

You should then slide to power off, wait for a few seconds, and subsequently power your device back on. After the device has restarted, it's advisable to attempt the App Store payment again.

Regularly rebooting your device can help enhance its overall performance, potentially reducing the likelihood of recurring payment issues. This is particularly relevant in cases where ongoing problems can be traced back to temporary system errors or resource management challenges.

Verify Your Internet Connection

If restarting your iPhone or iPad doesn't resolve the payment issue, the next step is to verify your internet connection.

A stable connection is essential for the App Store to successfully process payments or update payment information.

Begin by checking that Airplane Mode is disabled in the Control Center.

Following this, use a speed test app to assess the quality of your Wi-Fi or cellular network. If you encounter issues, consider switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data, or restarting your router.

For ongoing connectivity problems, navigate to the Settings app, select your Wi-Fi network, and choose the option to forget the network before reconnecting.

In some instances, simply restarting your device can refresh network settings and restore access to the App Store.

Review and Update Payment Information

Before making any purchases on the App Store, it's important to review your payment information to reduce the likelihood of transaction failures. To do this, access your iPhone's Settings, tap on your name, and navigate to "Payment & Shipping." Carefully examine your payment methods.

If you find that a method needs to be updated or added, ensure that it's valid and hasn't expired. Furthermore, verify that your billing address corresponds with the information on file with your payment provider, as discrepancies can lead to transaction issues.

If necessary, you can add a new payment method or modify existing details. It's advisable to remove any outdated payment methods that are no longer in use.

After making any changes, make sure to select “Done” to save your updates. This practice can help facilitate smoother transactions in future purchases.

Remove and Re-Add Your Payment Method

When encountering persistent payment issues despite having updated your payment details, a practical step is to remove and then re-add your payment method. This process may help resolve any lingering errors by refreshing the payment information associated with your account.

To begin, access the Settings on your device, then tap on your Apple ID followed by “Payment & Shipping.” From there, you'll find the option to tap “Remove” next to your existing payment method.

After this step, you should select “Add Payment Method” and enter the relevant and accurate payment information. It's important to ensure that the billing address provided matches both your issuing bank’s records and the settings of your Apple ID country.

After entering the information, confirm your changes by tapping “Done.”

Before attempting to make a new purchase, it's advisable to check for any pending or unresolved orders. Ongoing transactions may hinder new payment attempts.

Re-adding your payment method can streamline your account's information, aligning it with Apple's requirements and facilitating smoother transactions within the App Store.

Add Funds to Your Apple ID Balance

If you're facing difficulties making purchases on your Apple ID account, it might be due to a low or depleted balance. In such cases, adding funds to your Apple ID can be a practical solution.

To do this, open the App Store, tap on your profile icon, and select the option "Add Funds to Apple ID." You'll be presented with preset amounts to choose from or you can enter a custom amount based on your preferences. After making your selection, you'll need to confirm the transaction using a valid payment method.

Adding funds to your Apple ID balance allows you to cover future purchases without disruption caused by an insufficient balance.

It's advisable to maintain a reasonably funded account to avoid potential payment issues, which can enhance the overall experience of using Apple's services. By managing your Apple ID balance effectively, you can ensure that your purchasing process remains seamless and efficient.

Check for Unpaid Orders or Outstanding Balances

Unpaid orders or outstanding balances associated with your Apple ID can result in restrictions on new purchases or downloads in the App Store.

To assess your account status, navigate to the account settings in the App Store to check for any outstanding balances linked to your Apple ID. It's advisable to review your payment history for any transactions that may be pending or declined, as these require attention.

If you identify an unpaid order, follow the on-screen instructions to process the payment. Addressing these issues promptly can mitigate potential complications with future transactions.

For persistent or unclear charges, contacting Apple Support is recommended as they can provide clarification and assist in resolving these matters.

Regularly checking your account can help avoid payment-related issues in subsequent purchases.

Temporarily Disable Face ID or Touch ID

If you have confirmed that there are no outstanding orders but are still unable to make purchases from the App Store, the problem may be related to the device's biometric authentication.

To address this issue, you can temporarily disable Face ID or Touch ID. This can be done by navigating to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and turning off the "iTunes & App Store" option.

After making this adjustment, it's advisable to restart your device to ensure that the changes are applied.

After the restart, attempt the payment process again. If the transaction is successful, it suggests that the biometric authentication may have been the source of the problem.

You can subsequently re-enable Face ID or Touch ID by reversing the steps taken to disable it.

This method provides a straightforward approach to identifying whether biometric authentication is impacting your App Store purchases.

Ensure Apple System Services Are Running

There are instances where users may encounter payment issues on the App Store, even if biometric authentication has been disabled.

Prior to engaging in extensive troubleshooting, it's advisable to consult the Apple System Status page. If the App Store doesn't indicate a green status, a red or yellow marker may suggest that there are ongoing outages or maintenance activities, which could be the reason for the payment not completed error.

Such conditions may impede the ability to make purchases or download apps. Therefore, it's important to remain informed about the Apple System Status to determine whether the problem exists on Apple's side.

If the system appears to be fully operational but issues persist, it may be necessary to explore further troubleshooting related to payment methods or network connections.

Turn Off VPN or Proxy Connections

When encountering payment issues on the App Store, it's advisable to disable any VPN or proxy connections on your device.

These services can disrupt the App Store's processing of payment transactions, potentially leading to errors such as “Payment Not Completed.” To resolve this, navigate to Settings > VPN to toggle it off.

If a proxy is being used, it should be disabled in your network settings as well. After disconnecting these services, attempt the payment again.

If the transaction is successful, you have the option to re-enable your VPN or proxy at your discretion. This approach is based on the observation that such connections can create complications in payment verification processes.

Seek Assistance From Apple Support or Your Bank

If you encounter payment issues that prevent you from making purchases on the App Store, it's advisable to contact Apple Support for assistance.

They can address specific account problems and verify the integrity of your payment method. To facilitate the process, have your Apple ID details and any relevant error messages at hand.

It is also prudent to communicate with your bank or financial institution to determine if there are any transaction limits, restrictions, or recent changes that could be impacting your ability to complete purchases.

Ensuring that your card is authorized for app purchases is particularly important, especially if you're traveling.

Both Apple Support and your bank can provide guidance in updating your payment method and help ensure that future transactions proceed without issue.

Conclusion

Fixing the “Payment Not Completed” error on the App Store isn’t hard if you follow a secure approach. Start by restarting your device, checking your internet, and updating your payment information. Don’t forget to review your security settings and ensure Apple’s systems are up. Disabling VPNs and biometric verification can help too. If you’re still having trouble, reach out to Apple Support or your bank. Take these steps and you’ll be back to making purchases in no time.

Last Updated: 2.Mar.2011