Before you start
- A non-China Apple ID: the Claude app isn’t on the China App Store. If you don’t have one, see Create a non-China Apple ID.
- That Apple ID can pay: Settings → your name → Payment & Shipping has a working payment method, or the account has a balance (from a gift card).
- A Claude account: you can sign up and log in right in the app with email or Google.
Claude is only offered in countries and regions Anthropic supports; follow its terms when subscribing and using it.
1. Download and sign in
- Signed in to the App Store with your non-China Apple ID, search for “Claude by Anthropic” (developer: Anthropic) and install it.
- Open the app and log in with email or “Continue with Google”.
2. Subscribe in the app
- Tap your initials (top right) to open settings.
- Tap “Upgrade to Pro” (or the upgrade option) and choose the plan and monthly or yearly.
- The App Store payment sheet appears; check the price and Apple ID, then confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or your password.
3. Manage and cancel
Either works:
- Claude app: tap your initials → “Billing” → “Manage subscription”.
- iPhone Settings: Settings → your name → “Subscriptions” → Claude.
Know that:
- Cancel at least 24 hours before the next charge, or it renews automatically;
- after cancelling you can keep using it until the period ends;
- an App Store subscription is managed only on Apple’s side — you can’t change it on claude.ai, and refunds go through Apple (reportaproblem.apple.com).
Stuck?
Can't find Claude in the App Store?
You’re probably signed in with a China Apple ID. Sign out from your profile in the App Store, sign in with the non-China Apple ID and search again.
"Cannot complete purchase" or payment method invalid?
Check Payment & Shipping for this Apple ID: the payment method must belong to its country/region, or there must be enough balance. Top up with that region’s App Store gift card.
I subscribed on the web but the app still says upgrade?
Make sure the app is logged in to the same Claude account. Web and app subscriptions are separate — don’t subscribe twice.
Want to switch to a web subscription (possibly cheaper)?
Cancel on Apple’s side first; after the period ends, subscribe on claude.ai with a card.
Before moving on, check
✓ All ticked — on to the next step.