How do I switch countries in App Store?

Switching your Apple ID country allows you to access apps and content that may only be available in certain countries. It’s a straightforward process that can be done right from your iPhone, iPad, or computer.

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Why Would You Want to Switch Countries?

There are a few main reasons you may want to switch to a different Apple ID country:

Access apps or content not available in your current country – Certain apps, movies, TV shows, books, or music may only be available in specific countries due to licensing restrictions. Switching allows you to access a different regional store.

Take advantage of pricing differences – App pricing can vary across regions. Switching to a country with lower prices on apps you want could save you money.
Use services limited to specific countries – Some Apple services like Apple News+ and Apple TV+ have geographic restrictions. A country switch lets you access them.

Requirements for Switching Apple ID Country

Before changing your Apple ID country, you need:

An active payment method for that country. This can be a credit card, debit card, prepaid card, or PayPal account.
An address in that country. You can use a real address or hotel, but it must be a valid address.
To meet any age restrictions for that country’s store. For example, the store in Japan requires you to be 18+.

Meeting these requirements ensures your new account follows local laws. You also may need to provide verification like a copy of a bank statement or utility bill.

How to Change Apple ID Country on iPhone/iPad

Follow these steps to easily change countries on your iPhone or iPad:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases.

Tap View Account.
Tap Change Country or Region.
Choose the new country and tap Continue.

Enter your payment and tax info for that country.
Read and agree to the new Terms & Conditions.

Once complete, your Apple ID country will be changed. You’ll have access to that country’s App Store and any country-restricted services.

Changing Country on Mac

To change your Apple ID country on a Mac, follow these steps:

Click the Apple menu icon and choose System Preferences.
Click Apple ID.

Authenticate with your password or Touch ID if prompted.
In the Overview screen, click Change Country or Region.
Select the new country and click Continue.

Enter updated payment and tax info, then agree to the Terms & Conditions.

After following these steps, your Apple ID country will be switched to the new one. The App Store will reload with the chosen country’s content.

Changing Apple ID Country Online

You can also change countries for your Apple ID through appleid.apple.com:

Sign in and go to the Account Settings page.
Under Country/Region, click Change Country or Region.
Enter your password and follow the on-screen instructions.

Select your new country, enter your payment info and confirm.

Changing online will also update your country across all your Apple devices automatically. It has the same requirements as the mobile and desktop methods.

What Happens When You Change Countries?

Here are key things that happen after changing your Apple ID country:

Your App Store/iTunes Store country will update. You’ll access that country’s apps, music, movies, TV shows, books, and more.
Your Apple Music membership may cancel. You’ll need to re-subscribe in the new country.
Your app downloads, purchases, and subscriptions transfer.

Your AppleCare+ coverage ends. You’ll need to buy AppleCare+ in the new country.
iCloud storage plans continue at the same prices.
Your contacts, calendars, notes, photos and other iCloud content remains available.

So most of your content and data will transfer seamlessly. The main changes are to country-specific services like the App Store and Apple Music.

Key Things to Know About Switching Countries

Here are some other important things to note about changing your Apple ID country:

You can only change countries once every 6 months.

Your balance doesn’t transfer between countries.
Parent/child connections for Family Sharing are disconnected.
Personalized Apple Music playlists won’t transfer.

Once changed, your new account follows the laws and regulations of the new country.

Keep these limitations in mind before deciding to change countries. Make sure to use any remaining balance beforehand too.

Adding a Second Apple ID in a Different Country

If you don’t want to fully change countries, you can also add a second Apple ID in another country. Here’s how:

Create a new Apple ID on your device or at appleid.apple.com. Use an address in the desired country.
Add that new Apple ID on your device under Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases.
Sign in to the App Store with the new ID and change your country.

This allows you to easily switch between two different country accounts on your device. Just sign out then sign back in with the other Apple ID as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about changing Apple ID country:

Is it safe to change countries?

Yes, Apple has safety measures in place for country switches. Your data remains secure and private.

Can I revert back to my previous country?

You can switch back to your prior country after 6 months. Your info from that country will be intact.

Do my credit/debit cards transfer over?

No, you’ll need to enter new payment method(s) valid for your new country.

What if I have an iTunes/App Store gift card balance?

Your gift card balance won’t transfer countries. Be sure to spend it before switching.

Does my purchased content transfer over?

Yes, all previous app downloads, in-app purchases, TV shows, movies, books, and music will stay in your account after switching.

Will my photos and messages transfer over?

Yes, all content stored in iCloud like photos, videos, messages, notes, etc. will remain available after you change countries.

Summary

Switching your Apple ID country allows you to access different regional App Stores and services. The process is straightforward from iPhone, iPad, Mac, or online. Be aware of the changes that occur to music, payment methods, Family Sharing, and more when transitioning between countries. But generally, your content will remain intact. Use gift card balances beforehand, and make sure you meet the new country’s requirements for a smooth transition.