To change your Apple App Store country, go to Settings, tap your name, then Media & Purchases, then View Account, and select Country/Region. On Android, go to the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, then Settings, then General, then Account and device preferences, and look for Country and profiles. Both platforms have restrictions worth knowing before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Apple requires active subscriptions to be cancelled before you change country.
- You also need to use or lose any store credit balance.
- You need a payment method valid for the new country.
- Google says you can change your Play country only once every 12 months.
- Check store rules before you move.
Changing Your App Store Country on iPhone
1. Open Settings and tap your Apple ID name at the top.
2. Tap Media & Purchases.
3. Tap View Account, then sign in if prompted.
4. Tap Country/Region, then Change Country or Region.
5. Select your new country and agree to the updated terms.
Additionally, you’ll need a valid payment method for the new country, or you can choose “None” if available, and any remaining Apple ID balance in your old country’s currency won’t transfer over.
Why You Might Not Be Able to Change It
Apple blocks the country change if you have any active subscriptions, unused gift card balance, or a pending purchase. Consequently, you’ll need to cancel subscriptions and use up any remaining balance before the option becomes available.
Changing Your Google Play Store Country
1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap your profile icon, then Settings.
3. Tap General, then Account and device preferences.
4. Look for Country and profiles, then follow the prompts to update your region.
Furthermore, Google restricts this change to once every 12 months, requires you to be physically located in the new country based on your IP address, and requires a valid local payment method for that country.
What You Might Lose Access To
Switching your store country can affect access to certain apps, games, books, movies, and TV shows that are only licensed for your previous region. Therefore, before switching, it’s worth checking whether any apps or subscriptions you rely on are actually available in the country you’re switching to.
Why People Change Their App Store Country
Common reasons include accessing apps or games not yet released in their home country, testing region-specific pricing, or preparing for a move abroad. In contrast, using a VPN alone to fake your location without going through the official settings change is against both Apple’s and Google’s terms of service and can result in account restrictions.
What Happens to Your Existing Apps
Apps you’ve already downloaded generally remain installed after a country change, though updates for apps not available in your new region may stop working correctly. Additionally, subscriptions tied to your old region typically need to be re-subscribed through the new store if you still want access.
Planning the Switch in Advance
Since both platforms place restrictions on how and when you can change your store country, it’s worth planning ahead rather than attempting the switch at the last minute before a trip or move. Cancel any subscriptions, use up gift card balances, and confirm you have a payment method valid in the destination country before starting the process, so you’re not left waiting mid-transition.
Changing Store Country: Apple vs Google
| Item | Apple App Store | Google Play |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Settings, your name, Media and Purchases | Play Store, Settings, Country and profiles |
| Subscriptions | Cancel active ones first | May need to cancel or let them end |
| Balance | Use remaining credit first | Credit may not move |
| Payment method | Needed for the new country | Needed for the new country |
| Frequency | No fixed limit stated here | Once every 12 months |
Avoid Risky Workarounds
Do not use fake addresses or unofficial services to bypass region rules. Next, remember that apps may disappear or change in your new store. Additionally, you may lose access to some purchases. Back up app data first.
Official Sources and Further Reading
Read the official steps: Apple Support, Google Play Help. TechJBS is independent and not affiliated with these organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch my App Store country back after changing it?
Yes, though Apple may have its own cooldown period between changes, and any active subscriptions or balances would again need to be resolved first.
How often can I change my Google Play Store country?
Google limits this to once every 12 months, so plan the change carefully rather than switching frequently.
Do I need a local address to change my store country?
For Google Play, you generally need to be physically located in the new country and have a local payment method. Apple’s requirements focus more on payment method and account terms rather than physical location verification.
Will changing my country affect apps I’ve already purchased?
Previously purchased apps typically remain installed, but redownloading them or receiving updates may be affected if they’re not available in your new store region.
Can I keep my apps after changing country?
Installed apps stay, but updates may differ if the app is not available in the new store.
Why can I not change my App Store country?
Active subscriptions, store credit or pending purchases can block it.
How often can I change my Play country?
Google says once every 12 months.
Looking for more app store tips? Browse our App Guides section, check our guide to downloading apps on iPhone, or read Fix & Support articles.
