Changing your App Store location means telling Apple which country's store you want to browse and read from
Your App Store is tied to the country where your Apple ID was created. If you move to a different country, want to access apps only available in another region, or need to match your ID to where you actually live, you can change this setting. The process is straightforward but requires a valid payment method for your new location — Apple needs a real address and a working card or payment account from that country.
The change takes effect when ready, but you cannot switch back and forth more than a few times per year without waiting. Apple limits location changes to prevent fraud and abuse of regional pricing.
Key Takeaways
- You change your App Store location through Settings on your device, not through the App Store app itself.
- You will need a valid payment method registered to your new country — a credit card, debit card, or local payment account that matches your new address.
- Your Apple ID location and your device location are separate settings; changing one does not automatically change the other.
- After you change locations, apps you downloaded from your old store may stop working if they are not available in your new region.
- Apple limits how often you can change locations, so plan ahead if you are moving or traveling for an extended time.
What you need before you start
Gather a valid payment method from the country you are moving to. This can be a credit card, debit card, or a local payment account like Alipay in China or GCash in the Philippines. The card or account must be registered to an address in that country — Apple verifies this during the change.
You also need to know your new address in that country. Apple will ask for a street address, city, postal code, and phone number. If you do not have a permanent address yet, a temporary one (like a hotel or a friend's address) can work, but you will need to update it later if you want to make purchases.
If you have a family sharing group set up, only the family organizer can change the location. Other family members cannot change it independently.
Steps to change your location on iPhone or iPad
Open Settings and tap your name at the top. Tap Media & Purchases, then View Account. You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID password.
Tap Country/Region. A list of countries appears. Scroll to find your new country and tap it. A confirmation screen appears showing what will happen — your payment method will be updated, and your account will move to that store.
Tap Change Country or Region. You will be taken to a screen asking for your new address and payment method. Enter your street address, city, postal code, and phone number for your new location. Then add or select a payment method that is registered to that country.
Review the information and tap Update. The change takes effect when ready. You will receive a confirmation email from Apple.
Steps to change your location on Mac
Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions) and click your name in the sidebar. Click Media & Purchases. Click Account Settings and sign in if prompted.
Click Country/Region and select your new country from the list. Enter your new address and payment method, then click Update. The change applies to your entire Apple ID across all devices.
What happens after you change your location
Your App Store when ready shows apps and prices in your new country's currency. Any subscriptions you have will continue, but their prices may change to reflect your new region. Some apps you downloaded from your old store may no longer be available in your new region and could stop working or stop receiving updates.
If you have a balance on an Apple gift card from your old country, you cannot use it in your new store. You will need to spend it before you change locations, or contact Apple Support to discuss your options.
Your device location (used for maps, weather, and location services) is separate from your App Store location. Changing your App Store location does not move your device location. You can adjust device location separately in Settings under Privacy & Security if needed.
How often you can change your location
Apple allows you to change your App Store location once every 90 days. If you try to change it more frequently, you will see an error message telling you when you can change it again. This limit exists to prevent fraud and regional pricing abuse.
If you are moving permanently and need to change sooner, contact Apple Support and explain your situation. They can sometimes override the waiting period if you provide proof of relocation, like a lease or utility bill in your new country.
Troubleshooting common problems
If your payment method is rejected, the most common reason is that your card or account is not registered to an address in that country. Check with your bank to confirm the address on file matches the one you entered. Some banks flag international transactions as suspicious — you may need to contact them to approve Apple's verification attempt.
If you see a message that you cannot change your location, you may have already changed it within the last 90 days. Wait until the timer expires, or contact Apple Support with proof of relocation.
If apps stop working after you change locations, they may not be available in your new region. You can try downloading them again from your new store, but if they do not appear, they are not sold there. Some apps are region-locked by the developer for licensing or legal reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a VPN to access a different country's App Store?
No. Apple detects VPN use and will not let you change your location or access a store that does not match your actual location. Your device's real location (determined by IP address and other signals) must match the country you are trying to access.
What happens to my apps if I change locations?
Apps you already downloaded stay on your device and continue to work unless the developer removes them from your new region. You will not receive updates for apps that are no longer available in your new store. You can still use them, but they may become outdated or stop working over time.
Can I have two Apple IDs in different countries?
Yes. You can create a separate Apple ID registered to a different country and use it on the same device. Go to Settings, tap Family Sharing, and add a new family member, or sign out of your current ID and sign in with a different one. However, you can only use one App Store at a time on a single device.
Do I have to change my location if I travel for a few weeks?
No. You only need to change your location if you are moving permanently or staying long enough to get a local payment method. For short trips, your App Store location stays the same, and you can still read apps using your original payment method.
What if I do not have a credit card from my new country?
Some countries accept alternative payment methods like PayPal, local digital wallets, or prepaid cards registered to a local address. Check Apple's payment methods page for your specific country. If none of those options work, you may need to wait until you have a local card or account before changing your location.