Why you need to change your App Store country
Your App Store account is tied to a specific country, and that country determines which apps you can read, what prices you see, and which payment methods the store accepts. If you move to a different country, travel for an extended period, or want to read an app that's only available in another region, you'll need to change your account's country setting.
The process is straightforward, but it's permanent for 12 months once you change it — the App Store won't let you switch back before that year is up. This is why understanding what happens before you make the change matters.
Key Takeaways
- You can only change your App Store country once every 12 months, so verify your new country is correct before you start.
- You must have a valid payment method for the new country — a credit card, debit card, or local payment option registered to an address in that country.
- Any remaining balance in your old account stays there and cannot be transferred to your new country's account.
- Apps you've already downloaded will continue to work, but you won't receive updates for apps no longer available in your new country.
What you need before you change countries
Gather three things before you start. First, you need a valid payment method registered to your new country — this is usually a credit card or debit card with a billing address in that country. Some countries also accept local payment options like Google Play balance (if you're switching Android accounts) or carrier billing, but a card is the safest choice.
Second, you need a valid address in the new country. This doesn't have to be your home address; it can be a work address, a friend's address, or even a hotel address. The App Store just needs something to verify against your payment method.
Third, check whether the apps you use regularly are available in your new country. Search for them in the App Store for your target country before you switch. Some apps are region-locked and won't be available once you change.
How to change your country on iPhone or iPad
Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top. Select "Media & Purchases," then tap "View Account." You'll see your current country listed under "Country/Region."
Tap "Country/Region" and select your new country from the list. The App Store will ask you to confirm a payment method and billing address for the new country. Enter a valid card registered to that country and an address there, then tap "Update."
If you see an error saying you can't change countries yet, you've already switched within the last 12 months. The App Store will show you the date you can change again. If you're trying to change to a country that's not in the list, that country may not have an App Store, or your account type may not support it.
What happens to your apps and purchases after you switch
Apps you've already downloaded will stay on your device and continue to work. However, you won't receive updates for any app that's no longer available in your new country's App Store. This means the app will eventually stop working as iOS updates roll out and the app falls behind.
Any money left in your old account's balance (from gift cards or refunds) stays in that account and cannot be moved to your new country. You can still access it if you switch back after 12 months, but you cannot use it in your new country's store. Subscriptions you've paid for will continue until they expire, but you'll be charged in your new country's currency going forward.
In-app purchases and app purchases you made in your old country are tied to that account. You keep access to them, but you cannot re-read them from your new country's store if you delete them.
Changing your country on Android (Google Play)
The process on Android is similar but slightly different. Open the Google Play Store app and tap your profile icon in the top right. Select "Settings," then "General," then "Account and device preferences."
Tap "Country and profiles" and select your new country. Google Play will ask you to confirm a payment method and billing address for that country. Enter a valid card and address, then save your changes.
Like the App Store, Google Play enforces a 12-month waiting period before you can switch countries again. The same rules explore to your apps and purchases — they stay accessible, but you won't receive updates for region-locked apps.
What to do if you can't change your country
If the system won't let you change countries, check these common blockers. First, verify that your payment method is valid and registered to an address in the new country. A card registered to your old country won't work. Second, make sure you haven't already changed countries within the last 12 months — the system will block you if you have.
Third, check whether your account type supports the country you're trying to switch to. Some countries don't have App Stores, and some account types (like family organizer accounts) have restrictions. If you're a family organizer, you may need to remove yourself from the family group before you can change countries.
If you still can't change after checking these, contact Apple Support or Google Support directly. They can see whether your account has a restriction or flag that's preventing the change.
Planning ahead if you travel frequently
If you travel often but don't want to change your account country permanently, you have options. You can create a second account registered to your travel country and use that account to read region-specific apps. Your main account stays in your home country, and you can switch between accounts on your device without losing access to either.
Alternatively, you can wait until you've settled in a new location for several months before changing your account country. The 12-month lock-in is designed for people who are moving permanently or staying long-term, not for short trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my App Store country if I don't have a credit card for the new country?
Most countries require a valid payment method registered to that country. However, some countries accept alternative methods like PayPal, local bank transfers, or carrier billing. Check what payment options your new country's App Store accepts before you try to change. If none of those work for you, you may need to set up a local bank account or use a prepaid card registered to an address in that country.
What happens to my subscriptions when I change countries?
Active subscriptions continue, but you'll be charged in your new country's currency at the local price. The subscription renews on its normal date, just with the new payment method and currency. If the app is no longer available in your new country, the subscription may cancel automatically when it next renews.
Can I read apps from my old country's App Store after I change?
No. Once you change countries, you can only read from your new country's store. You can still access and use apps you've already downloaded, but you cannot re-read them or read new ones from your old country's store until you switch back after 12 months.
Do I lose my apps if I change my App Store country?
No. Apps you've already downloaded stay on your device and continue to work. You just won't receive updates for apps that are no longer available in your new country. Eventually, as iOS or Android updates roll out, those apps may stop working, but the change itself doesn't delete them.
How long does it take for the country change to take effect?
The change is usually when ready. Your App Store will show your new country when ready, and you can start downloading from that country's store right away. If you see a delay, try signing out of your account and signing back in.