if you've tried to download a free app but were stopped by a popup like this one you may be wondering why Apple's trying to charge you for an app that's supposed to be free so what's going on here well it's likely that Apple's trying to collect on previous purchases that were made but never actually paid for you see apple does not always Bill immediately for an app purchases or subscriptions instead the charge typically goes through a day or two later so instead of forcing other customers to wait until the transaction is complete they allow users to access the paid app or subscription immediately but this can create a problem if a user's billing information hasn't been completed or their card is expired or cancelled the charge won't go through and they'll owe Apple that money it's even possible for purchases like subscriptions to continuously charge your account every month even if the transactions aren't being completed that means charges could be piling up without you even noticing this is especially true if you've added other people's devices to your app Apple ID account they could be making purchases without your knowledge that aren't technically being completed but accumulating as a balance you'll owe apple and the most common way users find out about this balance is when they try downloading a free app not only will Apple stop you from getting it but they'll take you to a billing verification window that'll ask for updated card information once you've paid the balance you owe Apple will let you download free apps again but if you're not sure where these charges are coming from in the first place you can see everything Apple is charging you four in one place just go to settings select your profile then media and purchases view account and purchase history here you'll find all the charges to your Apple ID account the transactions appearing in red mean they didn't go through if any of the charges look unfamiliar then someone else who has access to your Apple ID account has probably been making the purchases or you accidentally signed up for a subscription or inapp purchase without realizing it you can manage your active subscriptions by backing out of purchase history then tapping subscriptions this is Greg with apple explained thanks for watching and I'll see you in the next video [Music]