What changing your Apple Store region actually does

Changing your Apple Store region switches which country's app store, pricing, and payment methods your Apple ID uses. When you change regions, you see apps priced in a different currency, access region-specific apps that aren't available in your current location, and can use local payment methods for that region. The change takes effect when ready, but you cannot switch back for at least 14 days.

This is different from changing your device's language or location settings. Those affect how your phone displays text and which maps data it shows. Changing your Apple Store region changes which digital storefront you're buying from — it's like walking into an Apple Store in a different country.

Key Takeaways

  • You must empty your Apple ID balance and have no pending subscriptions before you can change regions, or the system will block the change.
  • After you change regions, you cannot switch back for 14 days, so plan the change when you're sure about it.
  • Apps you bought in your old region stay on your device, but you cannot update them until you switch back or buy them again in the new region.
  • Some apps, subscriptions, and payment methods only work in specific regions, so check what you use regularly before you switch.

The requirements before you can change regions

Your Apple ID must meet three conditions before Apple will let you change regions. First, your account balance must be zero — if you have store credit remaining, you cannot proceed. Second, you cannot have any active subscriptions, including iCloud+ or Apple Music. Third, you need a valid payment method for the new region, such as a credit card issued in that country or a local payment service.

If you have a subscription, you must cancel it before you change regions. Go to Settings, tap your name, select Subscriptions, find the subscription you want to cancel, and tap Cancel Subscription. Wait for the cancellation to process — this usually takes a few minutes. If you have store credit, spend it on apps, games, or in-app purchases, or contact Apple Support to request a refund.

How to change your region step by step

Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad and tap your name at the top. Select Media & Purchases, then tap View Account. Tap Country/Region. You will see a list of available regions. Select the new region you want to use. A confirmation screen will appear showing the 14-day waiting period and the payment method requirements for that region. Tap Change Country or Region to confirm.

If you're using a Mac, open System Settings, click your name in the sidebar, select Media & Purchases, click View Account, and follow the same steps. The process is identical on all Apple devices — the region is tied to your Apple ID, not to individual devices.

After you confirm, the change takes effect when ready. Your App Store will now show apps and pricing in the new region's currency. Any apps you purchased in your old region will remain on your device, but you cannot update them until you switch back or purchase them again in the new region.

What happens to your apps and subscriptions after you switch

Apps you already own stay installed on your device, but they become "orphaned" — you cannot update them in the new region's App Store because the system sees them as purchased in a different region. If an app receives a critical security update, you will not be able to install it until you switch back to your original region or buy the app again in the new region.

Subscriptions you had in your old region will cancel automatically when you change regions. If you want the same service in the new region, you must resubscribe using a payment method valid in that region. Some services, like Apple Music or iCloud+, may have different pricing or features in different regions.

Apps that are not available in your new region will disappear from your device during the next sync. If you later switch back to your original region, they will reappear.

The 14-day waiting period and what it means

After you change regions, you must wait 14 days before you can change to a different region. This applies whether you want to switch to a third region or go back to your original one. The 14 days starts the moment you confirm the change, and there is no way to shorten this period.

Plan your region change carefully because you are locked in for two weeks. If you realize you made a mistake or need to access apps from your original region, you will have to wait the full 14 days before you can switch back. During this time, you can still use your device normally — the waiting period only prevents you from changing regions again.

Payment methods and pricing in different regions

Each region has its own set of accepted payment methods. The United States App Store accepts US credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Gift Cards. The United Kingdom App Store accepts UK cards and UK iTunes Gift Cards. Japan accepts Japanese credit cards and au WALLET. If you move to a region where you don't have a valid local payment method, you will need to add one before you can make purchases.

Prices vary significantly by region because of currency exchange rates, local taxes, and regional pricing strategies. An app that costs $4.99 in the US might cost £3.99 in the UK or ¥600 in Japan — these are not direct conversions. Some apps are more expensive in certain regions, and some are cheaper. Check the price in your target region before you switch if cost is a concern.

When you should and should not change regions

Change your region if you are moving to a new country and plan to stay there long-term, or if you need access to apps that are only available in a specific region. Changing regions makes sense if you have a valid payment method in the new region and you are willing to lose access to apps you bought in your old region until you switch back.

Do not change regions if you have apps you update regularly that are not available in the new region, or if you cannot get a valid payment method for that region. Do not change regions to avoid paying for an app — the same app may be cheaper in a different region, but switching regions just to save a few dollars is not practical because of the 14-day lockout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a VPN to access a different region's App Store without changing my region?

No. Apple detects VPN use and blocks access to the App Store if your location does not match your registered region. The only way to access a different region's App Store is to actually change your Apple ID's region through Settings.

What happens if I travel to a different country but don't change my region?

Your App Store stays the same as your registered region. You can still read and update apps normally. However, some apps may not work properly if they are region-locked or require a local payment method. Your device's location services will show your actual location, but your App Store region remains unchanged.

Can I change my region back before the 14 days are up?

No. Apple enforces a mandatory 14-day waiting period after any region change. You cannot switch back or to a different region until the 14 days have passed. Mark the date on your calendar so you know when you can change again.

Do I lose my apps if I change regions?

Apps you own stay on your device, but you cannot update them in the new region. If you want to update them, you must switch back to your original region or purchase them again in the new region. Apps that are not available in the new region will be removed during the next sync.

What if my new country is not listed as an option?

Not every country has its own App Store. If your country is not listed, you may need to choose a nearby region or contact Apple Support to find the closest available option. Some countries share an App Store with a neighboring region.