Can I change Apple App Store region?

Whether you have moved to a new country or want access to apps only available in a different App Store region, you may want to change your Apple ID’s assigned country or region in the App Store. This allows you to view and download apps that are not available in your current App Store location. Here are some quick answers about changing your Apple App Store region:

Table of Contents

Is it possible to change App Store region?

Yes, it is possible to change the App Store region your Apple ID is associated with. However, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind.

How do I change my App Store region?

To change your App Store region, you will need to edit the country/region settings for your Apple ID. This can be done on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac/PC. The basic process is:

Open Settings app on your device or System Preferences on a Mac/PC
Tap on your Apple ID name or sign in with your Apple ID
Select “Media & Purchases”

Tap “View Account”
Tap “Change Country or Region”
Select your new country or region

Agree to the Terms and Conditions

Your App Store region will now switch to the new country you selected. Keep in mind you can only change countries once every 90 days.

Can I switch back to my original region?

Yes, you can switch back to your original App Store region after changing to a new one. However, you will need to wait 90 days from the last region change before doing so.

Will my app data and purchases carry over?

Most of your existing app data and purchases will remain accessible after changing App Store regions. However, some things that will not carry over include:

App store credit – this is region locked
Paid apps – you may need to repurchase apps in the new region

In-app purchases and subscriptions – these may not transfer over

Are there any risks or downsides?

There are a few potential risks or downsides to be aware of when changing App Store regions:

As mentioned above, you will lose any app store credit balance when switching regions

Some apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions may not transfer over
You may need to re-download some apps as they may not be available in the new region
Promo code redemptions and app gifting may be limited by regional restrictions

Only some features of Apple services like Apple Music may work when switching countries

Can I download apps from other regions without changing?

Unfortunately, no. Your Apple ID’s region dictates the App Store you can access. To download and use apps from a different App Store, you will need to change your Apple ID’s assigned country or region.

What about changing regions for other Apple services?

In addition to the App Store, your Apple ID’s region also impacts other Apple services like Apple Music, iCloud, iBooks Store, and iTunes Store. The same process can be used to change country/region for these other services too. Just keep in mind that functionality or content may be limited when switching countries.

Conclusion

Switching your Apple ID’s App Store region is possible, but has some limitations around app access, purchases, and service functionality to be aware of. Consider the impacts to your existing apps and services before changing regions. In most cases, you’ll need to wait 90 days before reverting back to your original country or region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have accounts in multiple App Store regions?

No, each Apple ID can only be associated with one App Store region at a time. You’ll need to switch between regions by changing your Apple ID’s country/region settings.

Do my paid apps transfer over if I switch to a new region?

Most paid apps will not transfer over when changing App Store regions. You’ll likely have to repurchase any paid apps once you switch to the new region.

What happens to my iCloud storage if I change regions?

Your iCloud storage and content will remain available even if you change App Store regions. However, some iCloud features may not work properly when switching countries.

Can I download an app from another region to use in my country?

No, you can only download and use apps from the App Store of your Apple ID’s set region. To use apps from a different region, you have to switch your Apple ID’s country/region.

How often can I change my Apple ID’s region?

You can only change your assigned App Store region once every 90 days. Attempts to change more frequently will result in an error.

Will I keep app recommendations for my new region?

App recommendations and featured apps will automatically update to reflect your new App Store region when you change your country/region.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully change your Apple ID’s App Store region:

Check eligibility to change region – You can only change countries once every 90 days.

Decide on new region – Pick a country/region to switch your Apple ID to. Consider app and service availability.
Update payment method – You may need to update to a payment method usable in the new region.
Back up data – Fully back up your device data and app purchases through iCloud or iTunes.

Sign out of iTunes & App Stores – Sign out on all devices before changing regions.
Change Apple ID region – Follow steps listed earlier to update region in account settings.
Download apps – Search for and download apps now available in your new region.

Manage subscriptions – Check on and manage any affected subscriptions or in-app purchases.
Contact Apple Support (if needed) – Get help recovering missing apps, purchases, or addressing any issues.

Carefully go through each step to ensure a smooth transition when changing your Apple ID’s country or region in the App Store. Give yourself time to redownload apps, manage subscriptions, and adjust to any functionality changes when switching regions.

Impact on Apps and Services

Changing your App Store region can impact functionality and access for many Apple apps and services. Here are details on what happens when you switch countries:

App/Service	Impact of Changing Region
App Store	Gain access to different apps; may need to redownload apps and repurchase paid apps
Apple Music	Only radio stations from new region; subscribed content may not be available
Apple TV	Only apps and content from new region will be accessible
Apple Books	Only books available in new region can be downloaded
App Store Credit	Balance will not carry over to new region
iCloud Storage	Stored data remains accessible but some functionality may not work

As you can see, most Apple apps and services will be limited to just content and features available in your new region. Be sure to consider these impacts before deciding to change your Apple ID’s assigned country or region.

Using VPN to Change Regions

Some users consider using a VPN service to make it appear as if they are in a different country and access that region’s App Store. Here are some important things to keep in mind about using a VPN:

Apple recommends against using a VPN to change regions.
The App Store terms and conditions prohibit region hopping via VPN.
Apple can detect and block VPN usage to circumvent regional restrictions.

Your Apple ID could potentially be banned for violating the terms of service.
Apps downloaded via VPN may stop working if Apple detects region switching.

Overall, using a VPN to access another App Store region is risky and ill-advised. It is much safer to properly change your Apple ID’s country by following the official process outlined earlier in this article.

Tips for Switching Regions

Follow these tips to make switching between App Store regions as smooth as possible:

Set up a payment method valid for your new region.
Back up your full device data and settings.

Check for app availability in the new region beforehand.
Write down all your subscribed services and in-app purchases.
Cancel any inactive or unused subscriptions beforehand.

Wait to redeem content codes until after changing regions.
Leave enough time to redownload all your apps.
Contact Apple Support if you encounter any issues.

Carefully preparing and giving yourself plenty of time will help avoid headaches when transitioning between App Store regions. Don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support if you have any problems accessing apps or services after switching countries.

Downsides of Switching Regions

While accessing apps and content unavailable in your current country can be appealing, there are some notable downsides to consider before changing your Apple ID’s region:

App functionality may be broken or limited.

Music, movies, books, and other media will be restricted.
You’ll lose any app store credit when switching.
Some apps reject sign-in from other regions.

Promo codes may not work in other countries.
Paid apps and in-app purchases usually won’t transfer over.
Can only switch regions once every 90 days.

Risk of banned account and loss of access if Apple detects region switching via VPN.
Regional content restrictions violate terms of service when circumvented.

In many cases, the disadvantages outweigh the benefits. Consider whether you can live with the limitations before attempting to change your Apple ID’s region just to access a few blocked apps or services.

Long-Term Impacts

If you decide to permanently change to another App Store region, be prepared for the long-term impacts to your Apple services:

Repurchasing apps & media – Apps, music, movies, TV shows may need to be rebought.
Managing subscriptions – Ongoing subscriptions may not work properly in other regions.

New features – Some new services may launch sooner in different countries.
Language support – Some Siri features and services may only support certain languages.
Payment methods – Your payment method on file will need to work in the new country.

Contacts & communication – iMessage, FaceTime, calls, and contacts could be affected.
Warranties & service – Hardware warranty service will be through the new region.

Consider both short-term needs and long-term consequences carefully before settling on permanently switching your Apple ID’s country or region.

Key Takeaways

Here are some key points to remember about changing your Apple App Store region:

You can only switch countries for your Apple ID once every 90 days.
Some app data, purchases, and subscriptions don’t carry over when changing regions.

Functionality for Apple services like iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple TV can be limited.
Using a VPN to access other regions risks account bans violating App Store terms.
Carefully consider the long-term consequences before changing regions.

Fully back up your device and plan for redownloading apps to ease the transition.
Contact Apple Support if you have any problems accessing apps or services after switching.

With some preparation, you can usually switch your Apple ID’s region successfully. Just be sure to follow Apple’s guidelines to avoid potential account restrictions down the road.