How To Change Country In App Store

The Apple App Store is a gateway to millions of apps, games, and services. However, the availability of apps and content can vary depending on the country or region associated with your Apple ID. If you’ve recently moved to a new country or want to access apps exclusive to a specific region, you might need to change the country associated with your App Store account.

Changing your App Store country requires a few steps and some preparation, especially if you have active subscriptions or store credit. This guide will walk you through the process in detail, ensuring a smooth transition while avoiding potential pitfalls.

Why Change Your App Store Country?

There are several reasons why you might want to change your App Store country:

1. Access Regional Apps: Some apps, games, or services are exclusive to certain regions.

2. Move to a New Country: If you’ve relocated, you’ll need to update your App Store country to match your new address and payment method.

3. Take Advantage of Regional Pricing: Pricing for apps and subscriptions may vary by region.

4. Use Country-Specific Features: Some features, such as Apple Pay or local streaming services, are only available in specific countries.

Preparation Before Changing Your Country

Before changing your App Store country, ensure you address the following:

1. Cancel Active Subscriptions

You can’t change your country while you have active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID.

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap your name, then Subscriptions.

Cancel any subscriptions you don’t need or plan to renew after changing your country.

2. Spend Remaining Store Credit

If you have a balance in your Apple ID, it must be used up before you can change your country.

To check your balance:

• Open the App Store.
• Tap your profile picture and check for remaining credit.

3. Update Payment Method

You’ll need a valid payment method for the new country. Ensure you have a credit card, debit card, or other payment options that are accepted in the region.

4. Back Up Your Apps and Data

Some apps and services may not be available in the new country. Back up important data and ensure you can re-download essential apps.

5. Leave Family Sharing

If you’re part of a Family Sharing group, you’ll need to leave the group to change your country.

Steps to Change Country in the App Store

Method 1: Change Country Directly on Your iPhone or iPad

Step 1: Open Your Account Settings

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.

3. Select Media & Purchases.

4. Tap View Account and sign in with your Apple ID password if prompted.

Step 2: Access Country/Region Settings

1. In the Account Settings menu, tap Country/Region.

2. Select Change Country or Region.

Step 3: Choose Your New Country

1. From the list of countries, select the one you want to switch to.

2. Review the terms and conditions, then tap Agree.

Step 4: Update Payment and Address Information

1. Enter a valid payment method for the new country.

2. Provide a billing address that matches the region.

3. Tap Next to save your changes.

Method 2: Change Country Using iTunes on a Computer

Step 1: Open iTunes and Sign In

1. Open iTunes on your Mac or PC.

2. Sign in with your Apple ID by clicking Account > Sign In.

Step 2: Access Account Settings

1. Click Account in the menu bar.

2. Select View My Account and sign in again if prompted.

Step 3: Change Country or Region

1. In the Apple ID Summary, click Change Country or Region.

2. Choose your new country from the dropdown menu.

Step 4: Update Payment Information

1. Enter a valid payment method and billing address for the new country.

2. Confirm your changes.

Method 3: Create a New Apple ID

If you don’t want to change the country for your current Apple ID, you can create a new one for the desired region.

Steps to Create a New Apple ID

1. Sign out of your current Apple ID on your device by going to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out.

2. Open the App Store and select a free app to download.

3. When prompted, choose to create a new Apple ID.

4. Select the desired country during setup.

5. Add a payment method and billing address for the new region.

What Happens After Changing Your Country?

1. App Availability: Apps, music, and movies you purchased in the previous country may no longer be available for download.

2. Subscriptions: Active subscriptions tied to your old region will be canceled, and you’ll need to re-subscribe in the new region.

3. iCloud Storage Plan: If you have an iCloud storage plan, it will be canceled, and you’ll need to purchase a new one in the new region.

4. Regional Pricing: Apps and services may be priced differently.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Can’t Change Country Due to Active Subscriptions

• Ensure all subscriptions are canceled.
• Wait for the current billing cycle to end before trying again

2. Payment Method Not Accepted

• Confirm that your payment method is valid for the new region.
• Use an alternative method like Apple Gift Cards specific to the new country.

3. Family Sharing Restrictions

Leave your Family Sharing group before attempting to change the country.

4. Remaining Store Credit

Spend any remaining credit on apps, movies, or other content before changing your country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I switch back to my original country later?

Yes, you can repeat the process to switch back to your original country, provided you meet all the requirements.

Q2: Will I lose my purchased apps after changing countries?

You won’t lose your purchased apps, but some may no longer be available for re-download in the new country.

Q3: Can I use the same payment method across multiple countries?

No, your payment method must be valid for the specific country you’re switching to.

Q4: How long does it take for the change to take effect?

The change is usually instant, but in some cases, it may take a few minutes.

Q5: Do I need to update my Apple ID email address when changing countries?

No, your email address remains the same regardless of your country.

Conclusion

Changing your App Store country can unlock a world of new apps, games, and services tailored to your new location. Whether you’ve moved to a new country or simply want access to region-specific content, the process is straightforward when you prepare adequately.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly transition to a new App Store region while minimizing disruptions to your apps and services. Remember to cancel active subscriptions, spend your store credit, and ensure you have a valid payment method for the new country.

With your App Store set up for your desired region, you can enjoy the best apps, games, and content available worldwide.