Fix 'Your Purchase Could Not Be Completed' Error in App Store

At times, you may need to buy a new app from Apple's App Store to use it on your iPhone or iPad. You might also have to make in-app purchases to access extra features. But if you encounter an error message saying your purchase could not be completed, that can be frustrating.

Error messages can vary depending on your purchase activity and iOS versions on your Apple device.

Among the most frequent are:

• "Your Purchased Could Not Be Completed. For assistance, contact iTunes Support at www.apple.com/support/itunes/ww/."
• "Your Purchased Could Not Be Completed. Contact iTunes Store Support to complete this transaction."
• "Purchase could not be completed. We are unable to authenticate your payment method. Please choose a different payment method and try again."

Once you come across these error messages, you're often left with just an "OK" button or a support webpage that isn't very helpful. In this article, you'll explore why your purchase could not be processed and find solutions to resolve the issue.

Why Was My Payment Not Completed in the App Store?

Payments in the App Store app might fail due to various reasons. We list some possible reasons why your payment didn't go through.

You don't have sufficient funds

If you don't have enough money in your linked payment method (credit/debit card, Apple ID balance), the payment won't go through.

The payment information is wrong

If your payment method is expired or invalid, your purchase will be declined. This can happen due to errors in your debit/credit card number, name on the card, expiration date, billing information, or CVV.

Your Apple ID is linked to two or more payment methods

Linking multiple payment methods, particularly credit cards, to the same Apple ID and frequently changing credit card information are sometimes considered as suspicious activities by Apple. As a result, your payment may not be processed.

Your bank declined the transaction

If a purchase couldn't be completed on your Apple device, it might be because you're attempting to use the credit or debit card outside of its issuing country. Your bank might view this as a potential fraud and decline the transaction. Also, purchases made through iTunes or the App Store may exceed your card's daily limit, leading to the bank rejecting the transaction.

Your Apple ID has purchase restrictions

If you are a child or your Apple ID is under parental control, you may have limited purchasing capabilities or be entirely restricted from making purchases on your iPhone or iPad.

The item is not available in your region

App Store purchases are subject to regional availability and may not be accessible in certain countries or regions. If your Apple ID region doesn't match your current location, it may raise purchase issues.

You have network issues

Poor internet connection or network issues can disrupt the payment process. Ensure that you're connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network before attempting to make a purchase.

Your Apple ID is locked

When making a purchase, Apple may prompt you to verify your identity. Failing to do so multiple times can result in Apple automatically locking your account. If your Apple ID is locked, you won't be able to complete purchases in the App Store.

How to Fix 'Your Purchase Could Not Be Completed" Error

This section will outline steps to resolve purchase issues on your Apple device. Follow these troubleshooting steps to complete your purchase. If the problem persists, reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.

1. Add funds to your payment method

Make sure you have sufficient funds available to complete the purchase. If you are using your Apple ID balance to purchase an app or make an in-app purchase, you need to verify your balance.

Here is how:

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2. Tap your name at the top of the Settings app.

Step 3. Tap Payment & Shipping. You might be asked to sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 4. You will see your Apple ID balance.

If your balance doesn't cover the full purchase amount, ensure that your primary payment method has enough funds to cover the entire purchase. Alternatively, you can add money to your Apple ID balance for the purchase.

2. Update payment details

You might have a credit or debit card saved, but if the payment can't go through in the App Store, it could be due to inaccurate or outdated details. In this case, you should see a message stating that Apple couldn't authenticate your payment method.

How to verify your payment details are correct and up to date:

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2. Tap your name at the top of the Settings app.

Step 3. Tap Payment & Shipping. You might be asked to sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 4. Tap the payment method for which you need to update the information.

Step 5. Tap Edit.

Step 6. Tap Edit and enter the correct information including expiration date, CVV, billing name, and billing address.

Step 7. Click Done.

3. Add a new payment method

If there is still an issue and you get the message "Your Purchase Could Not Be Completed", you may want to add a new payment method and remove the old one(s).

How to add a new payment method to your Apple ID:

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2. Tap your name at the top of the Settings app.

Step 3. Tap Payment & Shipping. You might be asked to sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 4. Tap Add Payment Method, enter the new payment method, and then tap Done.

Step 5. Tap Edit in the Payment& Shipping window.

Step 6. Tap the red delete button next to the old payment method, then tap Remove.

4. Enable purchases in Screen Time

If you're in a Family Sharing group and your purchase capabilities are limited, you need to ask the family organizer to remove the purchase restrictions from your Apple ID.

Here's what the family organizer should do on his or her device:

Step 1. Go to Settings > Family.

Step 2. Tap the name for whom you set up purchase restrictions.

Step 3. Tap Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases.

Step 4. If In-app Purchases and Installing Apps are set to Don't Allow, tap and change them to Allow.

5. Try again with a stable network

On your iPhone or iPad, you have various network options, such as Wi-Fi networks, cellular data, and personal hotspots. If you encounter issues making in-app purchases, try switching to a different internet connection and attempt the purchases again.

6. Contact your bank

Your bank may be blocking your transactions for online purchases, especially for international transactions or large amounts. To resolve this, contact your bank and inform them of your purchase to ensure the payment goes through.

7. Get help from Apple Support

If you're still unable to bypass the "Your Purchase Could Not Be Completed" error, the issue likely extends beyond what you can resolve on your own. It may be related to your Apple ID or even the Apple Store server. You will need to get in touch with Apple customer support. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to https://getsupport.apple.com/ and sign in with the Apple ID that is unable to purchase an item.

Step 2. In the list of associated devices, click your iPhone, iPad, or Mac where the purchase could not be made.

Step 3. Select Billing & Subscriptions > Subscriptions & Purchase.

Step 4. Choose Unable to purchase.

Step 5. Decide how you would like to get help - online chat, phone call now, or schedule a call.

Conclusion

It is never fun when you can't buy an app, subscribe to a service, or make an in-app purchase on your Apple device. Hopefully, one of the methods mentioned above can assist you in resolving the "Your Purchase Could Not Be Completed" error. If not, and you've discovered a workaround, please share it with us.