The Google Play store allows you to download apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, books, magazines, and more on your Android device. By default, the Play store shows content based on the country your account is set to. However, you may want to change your Play store country for various reasons – accessing content not available in your region, using gift cards/promo codes meant for a different country, downloading region locked apps, or getting better deals on apps/media.
Changing the country on Google Play is easy to do but requires a few steps. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to change your Play store country or region and start accessing content from a different geographic location.
Reasons to Change Google Play Store Country
Here are some of the main reasons you may want to change the country setting on the Google Play store:
Accessing Content Unavailable in Your Region
Some apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, books and other content on the Play store are only available in certain countries due to geographic restrictions and licensing deals. Switching your country can help you access region-locked content not available in your current location.
For example, streaming services like Hulu or BBC iPlayer are only accessible in the USA and UK respectively. Setting your country to the US or UK would allow you to download these apps and access their library.
Using Gift Cards/Promo Codes for Another Country
Gift cards and promo codes for the Play store often only work in specific countries. If you have a gift card or promo code meant for a different country, changing your Play store country to match will allow you to redeem it.
For instance, if you have a Google Play gift card bought in the US but live in India, switching your country to the US would let you use that gift card balance to make purchases on the Play store.
Downloading Region Locked Apps
Some apps on the Play store can only be downloaded in certain countries due to developer or publisher restrictions. Changing your country may allow you to bypass the regional restrictions and download the app.
For example, many Japan-exclusive game apps like Monster Strike can only be downloaded if your country is set to Japan.
Getting Better Deals on Apps/Media
Pricing and promotions can vary across different Play store countries. Switching to a new country may get you better deals on apps, games, movies, books and other content.
Countries like India and Indonesia often have lower prices on apps and games. Setting your country to one of these regions can help save you money on purchases. Promotional discounts also differ – changing your country allows you to take advantage of sales not offered in your current location.
Requirements to Change Play Store Country
Before changing your Google Play store country, ensure your account and device meet these requirements:
Non-Android TV Device
The Google Play country can only be changed on Android smartphones, tablets and other non-Android TV devices. Changing country is not possible on Android TVs.
Valid Payment Method for New Country
Your Google account must have a valid payment method for the country you want to switch to. Credit/debit cards, prepaid gift cards and other payment methods only work in certain countries.
Add a payment method usable in the new country before changing.
No Active Family Library Sharing
If your Google account is part of a family group with active library sharing, you cannot change your Play store country. Leave the family group or disable library sharing first.
No Active Play Pass, Movie Rental or Subscription
You cannot change your Play store country if you have an active Play Pass subscription, rented movie or paid app/game subscription. Cancel these first before switching countries.
Sufficient Balance for New Country
Ensure your Google Play balance can cover subscription fees and taxes in the new country you want to switch to. Some countries have higher recurring subscription costs or taxes.
How to Change Google Play Store Country
Follow these steps to change your country or region on the Google Play store:
On Your Android Device
1. Open the Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap on your profile picture or initial at the top right.
3. Select Settings from the menu.
4. Tap on Account.
5. Choose Country and profiles.
6. Select the country you want to change to from the list.
7. Read the on-screen precautions and tap CHANGE COUNTRY at the bottom.
8. Accept the Terms of Service.
9. Select a payment method usable in the new country.
10. Your Play store country will now be updated. The change may take a few hours to reflect across the Play store.
On the Play Store Website
1. Go to play.google.com on your browser.
2. Click on your profile picture at the top right.
3. Select Settings from the menu.
4. Click on Account.
5. Next to Country, click Change.
6. Pick your new country from the options.
7. Read and accept the Terms of Service.
8. Add a payment method valid for the new country.
9. Click Change country at the bottom.
10. The Play store website and app will now show content for your updated country within a few hours.
Things to Note When Changing Play Store Country
Here are some things to keep in mind when changing your Google Play country:
You Can Only Change Countries Once Per Year
Google limits you to only one Play store country change per year to prevent abuse. Choose your new country wisely as you won’t be able to switch again for 12 months.
Some Purchased Apps May Become Unavailable
If you purchased an app that’s not available in the new country, access will be revoked once you switch. Make sure apps you paid for are also available in the country you want to change to.
Google Play Balance Doesn’t Carry Over
Your existing Google Play account balance does not carry over to the new country. Use your balance to make purchases before changing countries.
Deals and Pricing will Match New Country
App prices, in-app purchases and subscriptions will update to match the pricing of your new Play store country. Stay on top of conversion rates so you aren’t surprised.
Updates May Stop if App Not Available in New Country
If you change countries and an installed app is geo-restricted in the new region, you will no longer receive updates for that app going forward.
Content Restrictions Based on Credit Card Country
Some content may still be limited based on the issuing country of your credit/debit card, even if your Play store country is different.
Taxes and Billing Address Country Should Match
To avoid issues, your Google account billing address country should match the payment method country once you switch Play store regions.
Using a VPN to Change Play Store Country
Another way to access different regional content on the Play store without changing accounts is using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Here is how it works:
What a VPN Does
A VPN masks your real IP address and simulates connecting from another country. It tricks online services like the Play store into thinking you’re accessing from a different location.
Connecting Through VPN Server Locations
Most VPN services allow connecting through server locations across the world. For example, connecting through a US server makes it appear like you are accessing the internet from within the USA.
Accessing Geo-Restricted Content
By connecting to a VPN server in a specific country, you can bypass geographic restrictions on content for that country. This allows you to view and download region locked apps and media.
Use VPN Android Apps
The easiest way is using reputable VPN apps for Android like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, TunnelBear, CyberGhost etc. Connect to a server in your desired country and access its localized Play store content.
Works Without Changing Play Account
The benefit of using a VPN is it lets you access restricted content without modifying your actual Google account country. Your account remains unchanged.
Temporary Access Only
Do note using a VPN only provides temporary access to region-restricted content while connected through the VPN server. If you disconnect the VPN or connect to a server in a different country, access to that content will be lost again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is changing countries on Google Play against the rules?
No, Google officially permits changing your Play store country once per year. It is not against their terms of service. However, using unauthorized modded app stores or pirated content would violate their policies.
Can I revert back to my original Play store country?
Once you change your Play country, you cannot change it again for 1 year. You will have to wait 12 months before being able to switch back to your original country.
What happens if I move countries permanently?
In case you move to a new country permanently, contact Google Play support to explain your situation. They may be able to make an exception and allow you to change countries despite the limit.
Do I need to use a credit/debit card from the new country?
While not mandatory, using a local payment method from your new Play store country is recommended to avoid any potential payment issues or transaction fees.
Can I use VPN to download paid apps for free?
No, while VPNs allow you to bypass geographic restrictions, you still need a valid payment method to download paid apps from the Play store.
Conclusion
Changing your Google Play store country or using a VPN to access regional content provides many benefits – from accessing content unavailable in your region to availing better pricing and deals.
Just be aware of the limits, billing changes, and app availability issues that can arise when switching countries. With the steps and advice outlined in this guide, you can easily change your Play store country or leverage VPN services to view content geo-restricted to other locations.
