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iOS In‑App Purchase Troubleshooting

This page summarizes common causes of IAP failures and self‑service fixes. Work through the checks in order.

Quick checks

  1. Ensure the network is stable: prefer Wi‑Fi; switch between Wi‑Fi/cellular; turn off any proxy/VPN and retry.
  2. Confirm device date/time and region are correct.
  3. Make sure you’re signed in to the App Store with the Apple ID that owns the purchase.
  4. Check Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > In‑App Purchases is allowed.
  5. If it’s a company/school or parental‑controlled device, ensure MDM/Parent controls don’t block purchases.
  6. Restart the device; if needed, sign out of the App Store and sign in again, then retry.
  7. Reinstall the app and try again (doesn’t affect restoring previously purchased items).
  8. If paid but features are still locked, first check Purchase History and try Restore Purchases:
  9. See Purchase History: Purchase History
  10. Restore: Restoring Purchases

Common errors and fixes

  • Cannot connect to App Store / iTunes Store
  • Usually a network issue or a temporary Apple outage. Switch networks, disable VPN/proxy, try again later; check Apple’s System Status if needed.
  • “Your iTunes account is abnormal/disabled/locked”
  • Account/billing issues must be handled by Apple. Contact Apple Support (Billing & Subscriptions): https://support.apple.com/billing
  • Payment failed/declined/needs verification
  • In Settings > Apple ID > Payment & Shipping, verify your payment method, resolve any outstanding balances/pending orders, update billing info, then retry.
  • Repeated sign‑in prompts / “Waiting for transaction”
  • Sign out/in of the App Store, restart the device, ensure network stability, and try again.
  • Purchased but the app didn’t unlock
  • Use “Restore Purchases” in the app; if still locked, follow the steps in Restoring Purchases.
  • If the Apple receipt shows a successful purchase but restore still fails, contact Apple Support (Billing & Subscriptions). The developer cannot handle billing/purchase matters.
  • Using multiple Apple IDs
  • IAP is tied to the Apple ID that completed the transaction. Redownload the app with the purchasing Apple ID, then Restore Purchases.
  • Parental controls/MDM restrictions
  • Allow In‑App Purchases in Screen Time, or ask your admin to lift restrictions.
  • Network/security software interference
  • Disable proxy/VPN and ad‑blocking/filtering; try a different network.
  • Jailbroken device
  • Jailbreak may interfere with IAP. Remove the jailbreak and try again.

When to contact Apple Support

  • Account, billing, or payment‑method issues; account disabled/locked.
  • You were charged but Apple shows the order as pending/problematic.
  • Apple Support (Billing & Subscriptions): https://support.apple.com/billing

If the issue persists, wait 24 hours and try again; some problems are related to Apple’s billing/services and resolve automatically. Otherwise, please contact Apple Support.