You change your App Store country by updating the payment method and billing address associated with your account

The App Store (on iPhone and iPad) and Google Play (on Android) tie your account to a specific country based on your payment method and billing address. If you move to a new country, travel for an extended period, or want to access apps only available in another region, you will need to update this information. The process is straightforward but has a few real constraints: you cannot straightforward flip a switch, you must have a valid payment method from the new country, and any apps you bought in your old country may stop working.

Apple and Google do this for legal reasons. App prices, taxes, and which apps are allowed to sell vary by country. Your account's country setting determines what you see in the store, what currency you pay in, and which payment methods the system will accept.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your App Store country by updating your billing address and payment method to match a new country.
  • You must have a valid payment method from the new country — a credit card with a billing address there, or a local gift card.
  • Apps you bought in your old country may stop working or updating once you switch, so check what you own before you change.
  • The change takes effect when ready, but you cannot switch back for at least 12 months on Apple or 6 months on Google.

How to change your country on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top. Go to Media & Purchases, then tap View Account. Scroll down and tap Country/Region. Tap Change Country or Region, read the terms, and select your new country from the list.

At this point the system will ask you to enter a payment method with a billing address in that country. You can use a credit or debit card issued by a bank in the new country, or you can buy an App Store gift card from a retailer there and redeem it first. If you use a gift card, Apple will let you proceed without a credit card on file. If you use a card, the billing address must match the country you selected — Apple checks this.

Once you confirm, the change is when ready. Your account is now tied to that country's App Store. You will see prices in the local currency and only apps available in that region.

How to change your country on Android

Open Google Play and tap your profile icon in the top right. Go to Settings, then tap Manage Your Google Account. Tap the Personal Info tab, scroll down to Country/Region, and tap it. Select your new country and confirm.

Google will then prompt you to add or update a payment method with a billing address in that country. Like Apple, Google accepts credit cards, debit cards, and Google Play gift cards. If you use a gift card, you can skip adding a card. If you add a card, the address must match the country you selected.

The change takes effect right away. Your Play Store will now show apps and prices for your new country.

What happens to apps you already own

Apps you bought in your old country will remain on your device and continue to work — you own them. However, they will not receive updates once you change your country. The app store in your new country may not carry the same version, or may not carry the app at all, so the system cannot fetch updates from the new region's store.

If an app stops working because it is too old, you have two options: reinstall it from your purchase history in the new country's store (if it is available there), or switch back to your old country temporarily to update it. Switching back requires waiting the minimum time limit — 12 months for Apple, 6 months for Google — so this is not a quick fix.

Before you change your country, open the App Store or Play Store and look at your Purchased or Library section. Make a note of apps you use regularly. If any are not available in your new country's store, you may want to delay the switch or find alternatives first.

Payment methods that work in each country

Both Apple and Google accept credit and debit cards issued by banks in the country you are moving to. The card's billing address must match — if you have a US card but a billing address in Canada, it will not work for a Canadian account.

Gift cards are the easiest workaround if you do not yet have a local card. You can buy an App Store gift card or Google Play gift card from a retailer in the new country and redeem it on your account. Once you redeem it, you can change your country without adding a payment card. The gift card balance will stay with you.

Some countries also accept local payment methods like PayPal, but this varies by region. Check the payment options listed in your account settings for your specific country before you move.

The waiting period if you change your mind

Apple requires you to wait 12 months before switching your country again. Google requires 6 months. This is a hard limit — there is no way around it, and contacting support will not shorten it.

The timer starts the moment you confirm the change, not when you add a new payment method. If you realize when ready that you made a mistake, you are still locked in for the full period. Plan your switch carefully and make sure you have a valid payment method in the new country before you proceed.

Why you might not be able to change your country

If you have an outstanding balance on your account — money you owe from a failed payment or a subscription charge — neither Apple nor Google will let you change your country until you pay it. Check your account settings and look for any notifications about unpaid charges.

If you are trying to change to a country that does not have an App Store or Play Store, the system will reject the request. A small number of countries are blocked due to US trade restrictions or lack of local infrastructure. If your new country is not in the dropdown list, it is not supported.

Some accounts also have parental controls or family sharing settings that prevent country changes. If you are part of a family group, the organizer may need to approve the change or remove you from the group first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a VPN to change my App Store country without moving?

No. Apple and Google check your actual billing address, not your IP address. A VPN will not fool the system. If you try to change your country without a valid payment method from that country, the system will reject it. Using a fake address is against the terms of service and can result in account suspension.

What if I move but do not have a local payment method yet?

Buy a gift card from a retailer in your new country and redeem it on your account. This lets you change your country without adding a credit card. Once you get a local card, you can add it to your account later if you want.

Will my subscriptions transfer to my new country?

Most subscriptions will continue, but the price will change to the local currency and rate. Some subscriptions may not be available in your new country and will be cancelled. Check your active subscriptions before you switch so you are not surprised by a cancellation or a price change.

Can I have accounts in two different countries at the same time?

No. Each Apple ID and Google account can only be tied to one country at a time. If you need apps from two different regions, you would need to create a second account, but you can only be signed into one account per device at a time.

How long does it take for the country change to take effect?

The change is when ready. Once you confirm your new country and payment method, your store will switch right away. You will see the new country's apps and prices within seconds.