IOS – How to get iTunes to take the security update info

iosios-appstoreitunesmacSecurity

Recently, when attempting to make a purchase (or free download) on the App Store iTunes was requesting I update my security info. This is not the 3 digit code on my credit card, but the 3 security questions and a backup email that help with account recovery; as referred to in: Is this "Security Info Required" prompt legitimate?

I tried entering new security answers and a backup email but repeatedly (across an iPad, iPhone and iTunes on a Mac) got the following error:

"Your request is temporarily unable to be processed."

It is impossible to download new apps until it works. What is the trick to make this pass successfully?

Best Answer

Eventually, I gave the same answers but left the backup email blank. That was accepted by iTunes and I was able to finish up and continue downloading new apps.

Next, I went to https://appleid.apple.com and chose "Password and Security" where I entered answers to 2 of the 3 questions I just generated. Then I was able to update all the 3 answers and add a "Rescue Email Address".

I'm not 100% sure if omitting the email was what got it to work or if it was just a matter of timing but I wanted to post this in case it helps anyone else get past the issue.