Ema Pennell
Whether you’re traveling or moving abroad, the App Store on your Apple device will stay linked to the country or region you originally set up — making some local apps unavailable. To access location-specific apps, you will need to change the App Store country. Let’s look at all the whys, hows, and things to consider to make this switch as smooth as possible.
Why would you need to change your App Store country?
There are several reasons why you may want or need to change the country or region linked to your Apple ID and App Store:
- Accessing region-specific apps. The content available on the App Store and iTunes varies by country, meaning you may not be able to use location-based apps or access specific content when traveling if your Apple ID remains connected to your home country;
- Relocating to a new country. If you move to another country, you might have to change the country or region on your iPhone or other Apple device. Updating your App Store location will unlock country-specific apps and allow you to access local services you may need to better integrate into your new life;
- Accessing local promotions. If you’re staying in a different country than the one set on your Apple ID, you might miss out on local region-based offers. Changing your App Store country or region could help you access better prices for apps and services;
- Using a local payment method. Some payment methods can be restricted based on a country or region, so you may not be able to make a purchase. Switching the App Store country could unlock local payment methods, such as local credit cards, gift cards, or coupons.
How to change your App Store country
The method of changing the Apple App Store country or region differs depending on which device you use. Let’s see how you can switch the App Store location on your iOS devices, Macs, or online.
On your iPhone/iPad
Here’s what you need to do to change the App Store country or region on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your App ID profile.
- Go to Media & Purchases.
- Tap View Account. If prompted, sign in to your account.
- Select Country/Region.
- Tap Change Country or Region.
- Choose your new country or region from the list.
- Review the Terms and Conditions and click Agree. If prompted, tap Agree again to confirm.
- Choose a valid payment method for your new country or region, enter your new payment information and billing address, and tap Next.
If you plan to make purchases from the App Store, you must provide valid payment details for that country. However, if you’re only planning on downloading free apps while traveling, creating a new Apple ID linked to another country without new billing details might suffice.
On your MacBook
To change the App Store region on your macOS device, follow these steps:
- Open Apple Music on your Mac.
- Select Account from the menu bar and click Account Settings.
- Sign in to your Apple Account if prompted.
- In the Account Information tab, click Change Country or Region.
- Select a new country or region.
- Review the Terms & Conditions and hit Agree. Click Agree again to confirm.
- Enter the new billing address and payment details, and click Continue.
On the web
You can also change your App Store location online. Here’s how:
- Go to account.apple.com and sign into your Apple Account.
- Click Personal Information.
- Select Country/Region and follow the instructions to set your new country or region. You will need to provide a valid payment method.
Things to consider before changing your country or region on the App Store
There are a few things you should know when changing your App Store location. Before you proceed with the switch:
- Spend the remaining balance on your current Apple Account — your Apple ID balance cannot be transferred to the new account;
- You have to cancel active paid subscriptions and wait for them to expire — your active subscriptions can block the switch to a different App Store location;
- Wait for pending store credit refunds to process. Also, wait for memberships, movie rentals, pre-orders, and other pending transactions to complete;
- Have a payment method for your new country or region ready — you may not be able to start using the App Store right away if you don’t have a local payment method already set up;
- Download any apps, ebooks, music, movies, and TV shows you might want to access in the future on other devices — some apps and content might not be available in certain countries or regions;
- You might have to adjust or upgrade your iCloud+ plan after you update your Apple Account billing address and payment method with the new pricing in your chosen country or region;
- Leave your Family Sharing group if you’re a part of one; otherwise, you won’t be able to change your country.
Final thoughts on changing your App Store country
Changing your App Store country or region can be helpful or even necessary when traveling or moving abroad. Having read this article, you know there might be some roadblocks you have to consider before making the switch. However, by following the provided steps, the transition should be smooth and easy.
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Get SurfsharkFrequently Asked Questions
Can you use a VPN to change the country on the App Store?
No, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) cannot change the App Store country or region because your App Store location is attached to your Apple ID, not your IP address. To change your App Store country, you have to update your Apple ID account.
However, after you change your App Store country, a VPN can help you access the apps that may no longer be available in your new location. When you connect to a VPN server in another location, you assume the IP address of that region, which allows you to access location-specific content — perfect for travelers and expats.
Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.
How do you change the App Store country without a credit card?
To change your App Store country without a credit card, you can create a new Apple ID account and select None as your payment option. However, some apps and services may require a valid local payment method to function.
Why can’t I change my App Store country?
You may be unable to change your App Store country for various reasons. These include having an active subscription (Apple Music, iCloud+, etc.), pending refunds, a remaining balance in your current account, or being part of Family Sharing.
Will I lose my apps if I change App Store country?
You will not lose access to your installed apps after changing your App Store country. However, some apps may be unavailable in the new location, meaning they might stop functioning properly or receiving updates. Additionally, if you delete an app that’s not available in the new location, you won’t be able to redownload it from the newly set up App Store.
