Apple is known for making quality products with impeccable attention to detail. That said, what brings these devices together is the software experience. The iPhone maker has put a lot of time and effort into making its operating systems and software experiences as seamless as possible. That said, they’re still not immune to random bugs and glitches from time to time.
In this article, we’re talking about the “your purchase could not be completed” error when attempting to buy something from the Apple App Store, its causes, and how you can fix the problem.
What causes this error?
Several different reasons can trigger the error. Some of the most popular reasons include the following:
- Internet connectivity issues.
- Server outage at Apple’s end.
- Outdated payment information.
- Issues with Apple ID.
Also read: How to refund Apple purchase?
How to fix this?
Here are ten fixes you can try to resolve the ‘Your purchase could not be completed’ error.
Restart your iPhone
One of the first things you should do is try and restart your iPhone to see if that resolves the issue. Restarting your device can solve many seemingly random issues that would be tricky to debug.
Check your internet connection
You need a stable internet connection to be able to access and download apps as well as make purchases on the Apple App Store. Check to see if your device has an active internet connection. If you’re connected to a WiFi network, ensure you have enough signal strength and speed. If you’re on mobile data, check to make sure that you’ve got good network coverage and that it’s actually enabled.
Check availability
Some apps, games and other content are geo-restricted from certain regions due to content or copyright policies. In such cases, while you won’t usually see such content in the first place, even if you do, you won’t be able to purchase it as any attempts to buy such items will result in errors like these. It’s best to check the item description to see if it is available in your region before you try buying.
Check Apple’s server status
Another rather popular reason for the error is a server outage at Apple’s end. Even if the servers are live, high traffic such as when pre-orders for a new iPhone open, can cause such errors. Check Apple’s Service Status site for any problems and try again later to see if that helps.
Reset network settings
Open your iPhone or iPad’s settings and follow the steps mentioned below to reset network settings.
- Scroll down and tap on General.
- Tap on Reset.
- You’ll find a Reset Network Settings button there. Tap on it to reset your network stack.
Also read: How to fix ‘The operation could not be completed’ error?
Log out and log in again to the Apple Cloud
This is a far-fetched shot, but sometimes logging out and logging back in again to your Apple Cloud can fix problems with Apple Pay.
- Open iPhone settings and head over to iCloud.
- Tap Sign out.
- iCloud will ask you if you want to keep your notes, Safari data and other information on your phone. Tap Delete from My iPhone.
Now, wait for some time before restarting your iPhone. Once done, log in to iCloud again and test Apple Pay.
Disable VPN
VPN connections can mess up Apple Pay because of the service’s geo-restrictions. Try disabling your VPN to see if that gets Apple Pay working.
- Open iPhone settings and tap General.
- Scroll down and tap VPN.
- Disable the Status slider.
Now try using Apple Pay again.
Also read: How to fix Apple’s Ask to buy not working issue?
Re-add cards to Apple Pay
Sometimes just re-adding the problematic card to Apple Pay can help fix the problem.
- Open your iPhone settings and head over to Wallet & Apple Pay.
- Tap the problematic card followed by Remove this card.
Confirm the warning prompt and restart your iPhone. Once done, try adding the card again; it should start working fine.
Check for iOS updates
Another potential reason for this problem could be a bug in iOS. More often than not, developers realise this quickly and release patches or subsequent updates to fix such issues.
Follow these steps to ensure that you have the latest iOS version installed on your phone.
- Head over to the settings and tap on General.
- Tap on Software Update.
- Ensure that you’re on the latest update available. If not, update your device immediately.
Factory reset your iPhone
Lastly, if nothing else works, you can try resetting your iPhone to check if that resolves the Apple Pay issue.
- Head over to the settings and tap on General.
- On the next page, scroll down to the bottom and tap on Reset.
- On the next page, tap on the second option from the top Erase All Content and Settings.
Also read: How to delete a column in Excel?
