If the "None" option doesn't appear in the payment method selection during Apple ID registration, don't panic. There are specific steps you can take to make it appear. This is a critical step for users looking to switch regions and download the Official Binance App after registering on the Binance Official Website. For the full region-switching process, visit the Binance App Download Guide. Here is how to trigger the "None" option.
Why is the "None" Option Sometimes Missing?
Apple's logic is typically as follows:
- New Account: If the account is brand new and hasn't been used in the App Store, Apple may default to requiring a linked payment method (hiding "None").
- Active Account: If the account has already been used to initiate a free download in the App Store, the "None" option usually becomes available.
Essentially, you need to attempt a free download first for the "None" option to surface.
Standard Workflow: Attempt a Free Download to Set Up Payment
Step 1: Register the Account
Complete the basic registration at appleid.apple.com as instructed in previous guides. Do not attempt to set up payment methods on the website during this stage.
Step 2: Sign In on Your iPhone
Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Media & Purchases → Sign Out → Sign in with your new account.
If the system prompts you to "Complete Account Setup" and asks for payment immediately, tap Cancel or Skip.
Step 3: Open the App Store
Launch the App Store. If a message appears saying "This Apple ID has not yet been used in the iTunes Store," tap Review.
Step 4: Search for a Free App
Search for any popular free application, such as:
- Telegram
- YouTube
Tap Get. This will trigger the account completion process again.
Step 5: Re-enter the Account Setup Process
This time, the "None" (or "沒有" in the HK store) option should appear in the payment method list.
Select None, fill in your address and phone details, and tap Finish.
Step 6: Confirm the Free Download
Verify that you can now successfully download the free app.
Step 7: Search for and Download Binance
Since you can now download free apps, search for "Binance" and proceed with the download.
Alternative Solution A: Use a Placeholder and Remove It
If the "None" option still refuses to appear:
- Select Credit/Debit Card as the payment method.
- Use a validly formatted card number from a virtual card generator.
- Enter any three digits for the CVV.
- Set an expiry date in the future.
- Complete the account setup.
Note: Apple will only validate the number format and will not actually charge the card (as it is invalid).
Once the account setup is complete, immediately go to appleid.apple.com to remove the payment method:
- Sign In → Payment → Edit → Delete Card.
Your account will now remain in a "No Payment Method" state.
Alternative Solution B: Use an English-Only Environment
In some cases, Apple's detection of your language or IP address might affect the availability of the "None" option. You can try:
- Changing your iPhone settings: Settings → General → Language & Region → Change to English.
- Turning off mobile data and using a stable WiFi connection.
- Restarting the App Store.
- Triggering the account completion process again.
The "None" option has a higher appearance rate in English-language settings.
Probability of the "None" Option by Region
| Region | "None" Probability |
|---|---|
| US | High |
| Hong Kong | Medium |
| Japan | Medium |
| UK | High |
| Canada | High |
For beginners, it is recommended to prioritize regions with a high probability of the "None" option appearing.
How to Remove an Existing Card
If you have already linked a virtual or real card and want to switch back to "None":
- Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Payment & Shipping.
- Tap Edit next to the card → Delete Card.
- The system will ask if you want to switch to "None."
- Select None.
You can also do this via the web at appleid.apple.com under the "Payment" section.
Common "What Went Wrong?" Scenarios
Scenario 1: No "None" but a "Redeem Gift Card" option appears
This is another way the App Store offers to skip card entry. Tap the Gift Card option, but do not enter any code. Tap Back, and the "None" option often appears.
Scenario 2: "Insufficient Funds" popup
Even if it says insufficient funds, you don't actually need a balance for free apps. Tap Cancel and proceed; it usually doesn't block the setup.
Scenario 3: "This Apple ID has not yet been used in the iTunes Store"
This just means the account is "inactive." Follow the prompts in the popup to complete the activation, and the payment options will eventually appear.
Can I Use Fake Card Numbers?
Apple will not charge the card, but the number must:
- Pass the Luhn checksum validation.
- Match the country/region of the account (e.g., a US account requires a US-based card format).
- Have a valid future expiry date.
However, using fake numbers carries a risk of security flags. The "None" option is always the preferred method.
FAQ
Q: What if I already entered a real credit card?
A: Go to appleid.apple.com → Payment → Delete. You won't be charged after deleting the card.
Q: What is the "None" option called in the HK store?
A: It is listed as "沒有" (None).
Q: When will Apple refuse the "None" option?
A: If you have active unpaid subscriptions or owe money for an in-app purchase. This is rare for new accounts.
Q: Can I transfer an Apple ID balance?
A: Apple ID balances cannot be transferred between accounts. This is why staying in the "None" state is the most convenient for beginners.
Further Reading
- How to Register a US Apple ID: Full Walk-through
- How to Register a Hong Kong Apple ID: The Alternative
- Complete Steps to Download Binance via Region Switching: From Zero to Installation