Why can't you purchase anything through the App Store or iTunes?
Answer
Check the Apple ID payment method under Settings > [your name] > Payment & Shipping, update an expired card, then restart the iPhone and retry a small purchase. If it still fails, sign out of Media & Purchases and back in.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Do not give your Apple ID password to anyone who offers to fix purchases remotely.
Follow these steps
Update Apple ID payment method
Open Settings > your name > Payment & Shipping and update the card, expiration, and billing address.
You should see: A valid payment method shows as selected.
Check Screen Time restrictions
Open Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and ensure In-app Purchases / iTunes & App Store Purchases are allowed if you intend to buy.
You should see: Purchases are not blocked by Screen Time.
Restart and retry a small buy
Restart the iPhone, then try a free app install or a low-cost purchase to test checkout.
You should see: The purchase succeeds or the same error returns with clearer text.
Refresh Media & Purchases login
Go to Settings > your name > Media & Purchases, sign out, sign back in, and retry.
You should see: Checkout works with the refreshed Apple ID session.
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Extra tips
What to look for: App Store or iTunes checkout fails with an error when buying apps, media, or subscriptions on iPhone.
Before you change anything: Know the Apple ID password for Media & Purchases. Have a valid card and matching billing ZIP. Note the exact error text before changing settings.