What changing your App Store country actually does
Changing your App Store country means telling Apple (or Google, for Android) which country you live in or want to shop from. The App Store then shows you apps, prices, and payment methods for that region. If you move to a new country, want to read an app only available in another region, or need to match your store to where you actually pay taxes, you change this setting in your account.
This is different from using a VPN or pretending to be somewhere you're not. You're updating your actual account information, and Apple or Google will ask for proof — usually a payment method from that country or a local address. The store won't let you switch to a country where you don't have a valid way to pay.
Key Takeaways
- Changing your App Store country requires a payment method (credit card, debit card, or local payment app) from that country.
- On iPhone, you change this in Settings under your Apple ID; on Android, it's in Google Play Settings under your account.
- You must remove your old payment method before switching countries, or the system will reject the change.
- Some apps are region-locked and won't read even after you switch, because the developer chose not to sell them in that country.
- Switching back to your original country takes the same steps and requires a payment method from there.
How to change your country on iPhone
Open Settings and tap your name at the top. Go to Media & Purchases, then tap View Account. You'll see your current country listed under Account Information. Tap Country/Region to change it.
Apple will ask you to confirm a payment method from the new country before it lets you switch. If you don't have one yet, you'll need to add it first — go back to Payment Methods and add a credit card, debit card, or local payment app (like Alipay in China or GCash in the Philippines) that's registered to an address in that country. Once you've added it, go back to Country/Region and try again.
If you're switching away from your current country, Apple requires you to remove all old payment methods first. Delete your old card, then add the new one, then change the country. If you skip this step, you'll get an error message saying you can't proceed.
How to change your country on Android
Open Google Play and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Go to Settings, then tap Account and Device Preferences. Select Country and Profiles, then the country you want to switch to.
Google will ask you to confirm a payment method from that country. If you don't have one, add it first by going back to Settings, tapping Payment Methods, and adding a credit card, debit card, or local payment option (like Google Play balance purchased in that country). Once it's added, go back to Country and Profiles and complete the switch.
Unlike Apple, Google sometimes lets you keep multiple payment methods from different regions, but your primary method must be from the country you're switching to. If Google rejects your change, check that your primary payment method matches your new country.
What you need before you switch
You need a valid payment method from the country you're switching to. This means a credit card, debit card, or local digital wallet registered to an address in that country. If you're moving and don't have a local card yet, ask your bank if they can issue one, or look for a digital payment service that works in your new country (many countries have apps like Wise or Revolut that issue cards tied to local addresses).
You also need to know your new country's address format. When you add a payment method, the system will ask for a street address, city, postal code, and phone number in that country. Use your actual address — the system checks that it matches your payment method's registered address.
If you're switching temporarily (for travel, for example), don't change your country. Instead, use a VPN or wait until you return. Changing your country is meant to be permanent or semi-permanent, and switching back and forth too often can trigger security holds on your account.
Why some apps won't read after you switch
Some apps are only sold in certain countries because the developer chose to limit them that way, or because of local laws. Changing your App Store country won't let you read these apps — they straightforward won't appear in search results or show up as available.
This is different from an app being unavailable because it's not compatible with your device. If an app is region-locked, you'll see no read button at all, even though you might find it listed on the developer's website. There's no way around this without changing your country again.
Switching back to your original country
To switch back, follow the same steps: go to your account settings, find Country/Region (iPhone) or Country and Profiles (Android), and select your original country. You'll need a valid payment method from that country again.
If you no longer have a payment method from your original country, add one before you try to switch. If you're moving permanently and won't return, you don't need to switch back — just keep your store set to your new country.
What happens to your apps and purchases
Your existing apps stay on your phone and keep working. You won't lose anything you've already downloaded or paid for. However, you won't be able to update apps that are no longer available in your new country's store — the update button will disappear from the app's page.
If an app you use regularly becomes unavailable in your new country, you have two options: keep using the old version (which may stop working as the developer updates their servers), or switch your store back to your original country temporarily to update it. Some developers allow this; others don't.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a VPN to change my App Store country without adding a new payment method?
No. Apple and Google check your actual payment method and account address, not just your location. A VPN won't bypass this. If you try to switch countries without a valid payment method from that country, the system will reject the change.
What if I don't have a credit card from my new country yet?
You can use a debit card, prepaid card, or local digital wallet instead. Many countries have apps like Wise, Revolut, or local payment services that issue cards tied to local addresses. You can also ask your bank to issue a card for your new country if you've moved there.
Will I lose my apps if I change my App Store country?
No, your apps stay on your phone. You keep everything you've downloaded and paid for. However, you won't be able to update apps that are no longer sold in your new country's store, and you may not be able to re-read them if you delete them.
How long does it take to change my App Store country?
The change usually happens when ready after you confirm your new payment method. You should see your new country's store within a few minutes. If it takes longer than an hour, sign out of your account and sign back in.
Can I have two App Store accounts in different countries?
Yes. You can create a second Apple ID or Google account with a payment method from another country, then switch between accounts on your device. However, each account's apps and purchases are separate — you can't share them between accounts.