Changing your Apple ID country can be useful for accessing different App Stores or using certain services not available in your current country. Unfortunately, Apple requires a valid payment method for the new country to change your Apple ID’s country. So what can you do if you want to change your Apple country but don’t have a credit card for that region?
There are a few workarounds like using gift cards, switching between family members’ accounts, or creating an additional Apple ID. With the right strategy, you can change your Apple country without a credit card. This guide will walk through the possible options and the pros and cons of each approach.
Why Would You Want to Change Your Apple Country?
Here are some of the main reasons you may want to change your Apple ID’s country without a credit card for that region:
Accessing Other App Stores
The App Store offerings differ between countries. Switching your country can give you access to apps or games not available in your current App Store.
Using Region-Locked Services
Some Apple services like Apple Music and Apple TV+ have region-specific content libraries. Changing your country allows you to access a different selection of songs, videos, and shows.
Pricing Differences
App pricing and in-app purchases can vary across App Stores. You may be able to get better deals in another country’s App Store.
Traveling
If you’re traveling abroad, switching your Apple country to your destination can ensure full, localized App Store access during your trip.
Can I Change My Apple ID Country Without a Credit Card?
Unfortunately, no. Apple requires a valid payment method for the country you want to switch to. Even free apps are inaccessible without adding a payment method.
When attempting to change countries, Apple gives the error: “You cannot change the country or region for your Apple ID at this time. To do this, you must have a valid payment method for the new country or region.”
This policy is frustrating if you need to change countries temporarily or have no way to obtain a local credit card. But there are a few workarounds.
Workaround 1: Using Gift Cards
One method is using gift cards for the desired country to act as a payment source. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Purchase an App Store/iTunes Gift Card
Buy a gift card for the country’s App Store you want to switch to. Many third-party sellers like Amazon offer international gift cards in various denominations.
Step 2: Add the Gift Card to Your Apple Account
On your Apple device, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Store. Scroll down and tap “Redeem Gift Card or Code” then enter your gift card code.
Step 3: Change Your Apple Country
With the gift card funds added, you can now change your Apple country by going to Settings > [Your Name] > Country/Region. Select your new country from the list.
Step 4: Remove the Gift Card
Once your country is changed, you can remove the gift card to avoid unwanted charges. Go back to Settings > [Your Name] > Payment & Shipping and select your gift card. Tap “Delete Payment Method.”
Pros:
- Lets you access different App Stores without an international credit card
- Relatively inexpensive (gift cards can be as low as $10)
Cons:
- Need to purchase a new gift card after balance runs out
- Still costs money upfront
- Extra steps involved
Workaround 2: Family Sharing
If you have a family member with an Apple ID using the desired country, you can leverage Family Sharing to avoid entering new payment info.
Step 1: Set Up Family Sharing
Have the family member with the international Apple ID enable Family Sharing and add you to their family group.
Step 2: Change Your Apple Country
You can now change your Apple country to match theirs. The payment method on file for their account will cover yours as well.
Step 3: Leave Family Sharing
Once your country is switched, you can leave the family group while still keeping your new country.
Pros:
- Lets you change country without a local payment method
- No cost involved
Cons:
- Need access to a family member’s international Apple ID
- May have limited access to some services during sharing
- Extra steps to leave the family afterwards
Workaround 3: Creating a Secondary Apple ID
If the other options don’t work, you can create an additional Apple ID set to your desired country.
Step 1: Make a New Apple ID
Go through the process of adding a new Apple ID, entering an address for your new country when prompted.
Step 2: Download Content Using New ID
Sign into this ID on your device. You can now download apps, music, books, etc. from the new country’s store.
Step 3: Switch Back to Primary ID
When finished, sign back into your original ID. Media purchased under other IDs will remain available.
Pros:
- Lets you freely access different App Stores
- No ongoing costs or commitments
Cons:
- Need to constantly switch between Apple IDs
- Your apps and purchases will be split across accounts
- Apple may flag for abuse if overused
Summary: How to Change Apple Country without Credit Card
While Apple restricts country changes without local payment, there are a few workarounds:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Gift Cards | – Gain App Store access – Inexpensive |
– Limited balance – Extra steps |
| Family Sharing | – No cost – Simple |
– Need family member’s account – Limited access |
| New Apple ID | – Unlimited access – No ongoing cost |
– Constant switching – Split purchases |
The best option depends on your specific circumstances. With the right approach, you can change your Apple ID’s country without needing a local credit card or payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to change countries without a credit card?
Unfortunately, no. Apple explicitly requires a payment method from the new country to change your Apple ID’s country. The workarounds like gift cards or Family Sharing essentially act as temporary loopholes to this policy.
Can I use a virtual credit card?
Possibly, as long as it is registered to an address in the desired country. Many virtual credit card providers allow you to sign up with a foreign address, which Apple should accept for country changes.
What about debit cards/PayPal?
Debit cards, PayPal, and other payment methods are also acceptable, provided they are set up for the correct region. Apple mainly checks that you have a way to pay linked specifically to the country being switched to.
Does changing countries affect the apps I’ve downloaded?
No, your existing app downloads and purchases will stay on your device and remain accessible after changing countries. Only new downloads/purchases will be affected by the country switch. Media is tied to your Apple ID rather than your set country.
Can I switch back to my original country afterwards?
Yes, you can change your Apple country as often as needed. Once payment is provided for one country, Apple does not require re-verification when switching back. Just repeat the country change process, selecting your original region.
Conclusion
While Apple makes it difficult to change your Apple ID’s country without a local payment source, crafty workarounds exist. With gift cards, Family Sharing, or multiple Apple IDs, you can access foreign App Stores and services without needing an international credit card. Consider both the pros and cons of each approach to find the best fit based on your specific needs and situation.
With the right technique, you can unlock your device’s full capabilities and seamlessly switch locations, all without ever needing to add a foreign credit card just for country changes. Apple provides the restriction but where there’s a will, there’s a way!
