How to Change App Store Country on iPhone, iPad, macOS, and Why? A Complete Guide

February 12, 2026 ByJohan CurtisNo Comments 6 minutes

Moving abroad, traveling long-term, or just need an app that’s only available in another region? Changing your App Store country is possible, but only if you clear Apple’s prerequisites first.

Change App Store Country on iPhone

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Changing your App Store country to the country of your origin or relocation depends on a number of factors and has its benefits. Below is a practical, no-fluff walkthrough for iPhone/iPad, Mac, and the web, plus smart workarounds (like creating a second Apple ID) so you don’t wreck your current setup!

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How to Change the App Store Country on your iOS device: Quick List

Whether you own an iPhone, iPad, or macOS, changing your App Store country to your benefit doesn’t take a lot of time if you know how to. Here is how you can change the App Store Country on your iOS device:

Settings
proxy
Premium VPN (most convenient)

How to Change App Store Country on iPhone/iPad (iOS 19+)

Most users begin here. This method works on iPhone 16 series and older models.

Open Settings > tap [Your Name] at the top.
Go to Media & Purchases > View Account (sign in if prompted).
Tap Country/Region > Change Country or Region.
Pick a new country from the list (e.g., “United States”).
Review terms > tap Agree (twice).
Enter a payment method for the new region > enter billing address/phone.
Tap Next > verify with password.

After completion, your App Store, iTunes, and Apple services will reflect the new country’s catalog, pricing, and payment options. Just restart your phone if it doesn’t update your settings.

Changing App Store Country on Your Mac

Follow these steps to change the App Store country on Mac:

Open the Apple Music app (or Apple TV app on newer macOS).
From the menu bar, choose Account > Account Settings (sign in if needed).
On the Account Information page, click Change Country or Region.
Select your new country/region.
Agree to the Terms & Conditions.
Enter your new payment details and billing address.
Click Continue

Change App Store country on the web

Don’t have a device at your disposal? No issues. Here’s how the same thing can be done on your web browser:

Go to account.apple.com and sign in.
Click Personal Information.
Click Country/Region > Change Country or Region.
Select your new country/region.
Follow the prompts to add a payment method and billing address, then confirm.

When to Change Your App Store Country?

If:

You’ve permanently moved to a new country and need local apps, payment methods, and pricing.
You need a region‑locked app or content (e.g., banking, streaming, government services) that isn’t available in the store where you are.

Then you must definitely proceed with changing your App Store country at the earliest.

Why must you change your App Store Country?

Changing your App Store country has numerous benefits, apart from the reason(s) you are changing your location. If you have recently relocated to another country or are just traveling, you may notice that some apps don’t work at all in the country of your current location, while some apps work in a limited way.

This is because your App Store region is tied to your Apple ID, controlling app availability, language, and currency. Developers release apps differently by country due to licensing, taxes, and regulations. For example, the Pokémon GO video game features vary by location, while some tools like VPNs face restrictions in places like China.

Benefits include:

Access Exclusive Apps: Download region-locked titles.
Save Money: Subscriptions often cost less in countries like India or Argentina.
Currency Flexibility: Redeem gift cards from specific regions.

However, switching doesn’t occur instantly. Apple requires a valid payment method from the new country and blocks changes if you have active subscriptions or a balance. Always back up data first.

What to Do Before Changing App Store Country

Complete these steps in order before proceeding with the amendments in your App Store country:

Spend or Remove Apple ID Balance: Zero out store credit by buying small items.
Cancel Active Subscriptions: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions. End Apple Music, iCloud+, or app subs. Wait for billing cycles to finish.
Finish Rentals/Pre-Orders: Complete movies/TV or cancel via Account > Purchase History.
Leave Family Sharing: Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing > Leave. Family organizers can’t change regions easily.
Download Owned Content: Apps/books may vanish post-change. Use Library to save.
Prepare a payment method for the new country: Need a credit/debit card, PayPal, or carrier billing valid in the new country. “None” works only for free apps.

Without these, you’ll see “This Apple ID cannot be used” errors. Plan 24-48 hours.

What Happens After You Change Your App Store Country?

Immediate: New apps/pricing appear.
Delayed: iCloud sync (up to 24h); subscriptions resume in new currency.
Risks: Lose access to old region apps/music. Gift cards region-locked.

Reverting: Repeat steps—same prerequisites.

Common Issues and How to Fix

“Cannot Change” Error:
- Cancel and wait until Active subscriptions expire
- Spend Remaining Apple ID balance or contact support for small amounts
- Wait for completion of any Pending transactions
- Leave the group of Family Sharing membership.

If anything else prevails, contact Apple Support via support.apple.com if stuck (chat available 24/7).

FAQs

How many times can I change my App Store country?

Apple doesn’t publish a strict limit, but frequent changes can cause issues with subscriptions and content access. Treat this as a “when you really need it” action, not a toggle.

Will I lose my apps if I change App Store country?

Apps already installed on your device stay on your device, but some may stop updating or become unavailable in the new region. If you delete them, you might not be able to re‑download them in a new country.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to change App Store country empowers global access without borders. Follow the correct steps to avoid frustration and roadblocks in the eleventh hour. Most issues, if they occur, stem from pending balances or remaining payments. This blog packs everything you need to know in order to change your App Store country on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and on the web as well.