Have you moved to another country or need access to an app that is only available in a different region?

Changing your App Store country can help you see apps, subscriptions, payment options, prices, and other content available in that location. But there is one thing to keep in mind: changing your App Store region is not the same as changing your phone’s location.

In this guide, we will walk you through how to change your App Store country on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, and the web. We will also cover some of the most common problems you may run into along the way.

Before changing your App Store country

Before you start changing your region, it is worth checking a few things on your Apple Account.

Here is what you should check:

• Use your remaining Apple Account balance. Your store credit generally does not move from one country to another. If you have a small balance left, spend it before starting the region change.
• Cancel active subscriptions. This can include Apple Music, Apple TV channels, Apple Arcade, and subscriptions purchased through apps.
• Wait for pending transactions to finish. Refunds, pre-orders, rentals, and other pending purchases may need to be completed before Apple allows you to change regions.
• Leave Family Sharing if necessary. Being part of a Family Sharing group can prevent you from changing your country or region.
• Save important apps and media. Some apps, shows, music, or other content may not be available after you move to a different store.
• Have a payment method ready. Apple may ask for a payment method and billing address that work in your new country.

If any of these conditions are still active, Apple may stop you from completing the change.

There is another important point if you are thinking about using a VPN.

A premium VPN like iProVPN can change the apparent location of your internet connection, but it does not automatically change your App Store country. Your App Store region is connected to your Apple Account settings. In other words, connecting to a VPN server in another country does not simply move your App Store to that country’s store.

Change App Store country on iPhone or iPad

If you use an iPhone or iPad, you can change your App Store country through your Apple Account settings.

The steps are generally the same on recent versions of iOS and iPadOS.

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Tap your name or Apple Account at the top of the screen.
3. Tap Media & Purchases.
4. Select View Account. You may need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple Account password.
5. Look for Country/Region and tap it.
6. Select Change Country or Region.
7. Choose the country you want to switch to.
8. Read Apple’s Terms and Conditions and tap Agree if you want to continue.
9. Enter a payment method and billing address for the new country.
10. Follow the remaining prompts and tap Next or Done.

Keep in mind that the payment methods available to you can depend on the country you select.

Change App Store country on Mac

If you prefer using a Mac, you do not necessarily need to change the region from an iPhone or iPad.

You can manage the setting directly through the Mac App Store.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the App Store on your Mac.
2. Click your name or Apple Account in the bottom-left corner.
3. Click Account Settings near the top of the window.
4. Sign in if Apple asks you to do so.
5. Scroll until you find Country/Region.
6. Click Change Country or Region.
7. Choose the country you want to use.
8. Review Apple’s Terms and Conditions and accept them.
9. Enter the requested payment information and billing address.
10. Click Continue to complete the change.

Change App Store country on Windows or online

You can also manage your Apple Account through the web. This can be useful if you are using Windows or simply prefer managing your account from a browser.

To change your country online:

1. Go to Apple’s Account website.
2. Sign in using your Apple Account.
3. Complete two-factor authentication if Apple asks for it.
4. Open Personal Information.
5. Find Country/Region.
6. Select Change Country or Region.
7. Choose the country you want to switch to.
8. Review and accept the applicable Terms and Conditions.
9. Enter your new billing address and payment details.
10. Follow the remaining instructions to finish the process.

Why can’t I change my App Store country?

Here are some of the most common reasons:

• You still have an active subscription. Check Apple and third-party subscriptions connected to your account.
• Your Apple Account has remaining credit. Even a small amount of store balance can prevent the region change.
• You have a pending transaction. A refund, pre-order, rental, or purchase may still be processing.
• You are using Family Sharing. You may need to leave the Family Sharing group before changing your country.
• You have an unpaid balance. Apple may require you to clear outstanding payments first.
• Your payment information does not match. The payment method and billing address may need to be valid for the country you selected.

Should you use a VPN to change your App Store country?

This is a common question, especially when someone wants to download an app that is not available in their current region.

A VPN can make your internet connection appear to come from another country. That is useful for privacy and for accessing some region-based websites and services.

However, a VPN does not directly change the country connected to your Apple Account.

For example, connecting to a VPN server in the UK does not automatically change a US Apple Account into a UK Apple Account.

If you actually need to change your App Store region, you still have to use Apple’s account settings and meet its requirements.

A VPN can still be useful alongside the App Store when you want to protect your connection on public WiFi or add another layer of online privacy.

Conclusion

Changing your App Store country is fairly straightforward once your Apple Account is ready. If you have permanently moved to another country, changing your main App Store region can make sense. It lets your Apple services better match your new location, including local apps, pricing, payment methods, and other content.

Before making any changes, check your account balance, subscriptions, pending purchases, and Family Sharing status. A few minutes of preparation can save you from account problems later.