iPhone 4 can't download apps

[JCA88]

Alright, so I'm on my parents' phone plan. I'm using an iphone 4 (my dad's old phone before he upgraded...then later switched to Samsung).

I just realized I can't download apps. Apparently my dad had the same problem with his phone, called Apple support, and they said they blocked him from downloading apps because he was "trying to get into something he wasn't supposed to" (his words, he didn't elaborate). I guess he took a lot of offense to the accusation which is why he switched to Samsung. And he said they refused to unblock him.

(if he was getting into something he wasn't supposed to it was definitely by accident, he is neither technically nor maliciously inclined)

The problem is that I just signed up to deliver for UberEats, and now I can't download the app - but they already have my phone # and info, so I'm worried there will be problems if I try to switch to a new # or something.

My initial and probably obvious thought is to call Apple with my parents' account info and figure out exactly what the problem was and how to remedy it. But since I'm new to all this (never downloaded or used an app before) I'm posting here to get feedback on the easiest/cheapest way to find a solution.

 

[Russtopher]

Alright, so I'm on my parents' phone plan. I'm using an iphone 4 (my dad's old phone before he upgraded...then later switched to Samsung).

I just realized I can't download apps. Apparently my dad had the same problem with his phone, called Apple support, and they said they blocked him from downloading apps because he was "trying to get into something he wasn't supposed to" (his words, he didn't elaborate). I guess he took a lot of offense to the accusation which is why he switched to Samsung. And he said they refused to unblock him.

(if he was getting into something he wasn't supposed to it was definitely by accident, he is neither technically nor maliciously inclined)

The problem is that I just signed up to deliver for UberEats, and now I can't download the app - but they already have my phone # and info, so I'm worried there will be problems if I try to switch to a new # or something.

My initial and probably obvious thought is to call Apple with my parents' account info and figure out exactly what the problem was and how to remedy it. But since I'm new to all this (never downloaded or used an app before) I'm posting here to get feedback on the easiest/cheapest way to find a solution.

"Trying to get into something he wasn't supposed to." WTF! Was he hacking into the Pentagon?

 

[ericwn]

This story has a few weird elements that don't make much sense to me. You are now the owner of the phone, I expect you received it erased and registered it to your own Apple ID. With that done, make sure you give Apple a call or make an appointment for support in the retail store.

 

[infinitejest]

iOS 7 is the latest iOS you can install on your iPhone 4 but UberEats requires iOS 8.

 

[ericwn]

That sounds like a plausible solution already! Didn't even consider it might not be compatible with an old OS.