Changing your Apple ID’s country or region setting on the App Store is a common request, but unfortunately, it’s not possible to do so freely. There are a few reasons why Apple restricts region switching on the App Store.
Availability of Content
The main reason is that apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, and books on the App Store and iTunes Store are not available in every country and region. The content that’s available depends on the licensing deals Apple has made with content providers like app developers, musicians, film studios etc. in each country.
For example, a particular app or game may only be available in the U.S. App Store because that’s what the developer chose based on their target market and business priorities. So if you could easily switch your App Store country from the U.S. to another region, you would suddenly lose access to that content you previously had, which is not an ideal user experience.
Pricing and Taxes
Pricing and taxation also vary by region, so allowing customers to switch between regions freely would make it difficult to manage pricing accurately and collect the right taxes.
Apps and other content may be priced differently in different markets. For example, an app that costs $1.99 in the U.S. may cost £1.49 in the U.K. If you switched your App Store country from the U.S. to the U.K., you shouldn’t suddenly be able to buy that app for £1.49 – you should pay the U.S. price.
Likewise, Apple has to collect sales tax in many jurisdictions, and the tax rates differ between countries and states. If customers could switch regions, Apple would have a hard time enforcing the correct tax rules.
Protecting Against Fraud and Abuse
Preventingregion switching also helps Apple and developers prevent abuse, like customers trying to access content that is not available or meant to be purchased in their actual region.
For example, someone in the U.S. might try to switch their App Store country to Argentina so they can take advantage of much lower prices. That would be unfair for developers who priced their app for each specific market.
So in summary, the App Store country lock protects the availability of localized content, ensures accurate pricing and taxation, and prevents fraud – all of which benefits customers, Apple, and developers overall.
When Can You Change Your App Store Country?
That said, you are allowed to change your App Store/iTunes Store country if you permanently move to a new country. Apple understands that people move around the world and may need to update their store region when they relocate.
To change your App Store country, you’ll need to provide Apple with proof that you now reside in the new country, such as an address, payment method, and phone number from that region. You can contact Apple Support to ask about changing your store region.
Keep in mind that if you change your App Store country, your existing app data, purchases, and app collections may be unavailable in the new country. You’ll have to redownload anything you’ve previously purchased, and some of your purchased content may not even be available in the new region, unfortunately.
Using Gift Cards to Switch Regions
Some users try to get around the region lock by using gift cards from another country to change their App Store region. For example, an American customer might use a Canadian gift card to link their account to the Canadian App Store.
This used to work temporarily, but Apple has cracked down on this method, and it will likely result in your account being locked or restricted if you try it now. So gift card region switching is not really a viable workaround.
Using a Separate Apple ID
One option that does work is creating a whole new Apple ID specifically tied to another country’s App Store. For instance, you could make a Canadian Apple ID to download Canadian App Store apps that you want to try.
The downside is that this means starting a whole new account with separate purchases, app data etc. But it does allow access to another App Store region without putting your main Apple ID account at risk.
Just don’t try to switch back and forth constantly between the two IDs to exploit pricing differences or other perks. Apple frowns on that kind of abuse of the system.
Using a VPN to Visit Other App Stores
Another way some people access other regions’ App Stores is by using a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN can make it look like your device is connected from a different country, so you can visit that country’s version of the App Store website.
This approach works to browse and download free apps and updates. But it likely won’t succeed for purchasing paid apps, music, movies etc. from that Store, because Apple still has your actual payment method on file, which won’t match the VPN country.
Also, using a VPN to frequently access other stores or download region-restricted content may get your Apple ID locked or banned.
Ask the App Developer for Availability
If there’s a particular app you want to use that’s not available in your region’s App Store, it never hurts to contact the developer directly and ask them about availability where you live. They may have plans to launch the app in more countries soon or offer other ways to access the app.
Developers want to expand their reach and may help if they can. Just don’t be entitled or demanding about it, and understand they have business reasons driving their launch plans.
Wait for Global App Launches Over Time
On a related note, the general trend is for apps to become more widely available globally over time. Apps typically start off available in a few key markets like the U.S. Then the developers expand availability to more countries and regions over weeks, months or years as business warrants.
So if an app currently isn’t available in your location, patience may pay off in some cases. Check back on the App Store periodically to see if regional availability has expanded.
Give Apple Feedback on App Availability
You can also give direct feedback to Apple on the App Store about apps you’d like to see launch in your country. On an app’s App Store page, scroll down and tap “Report a Problem.” You can then request they make that app available where you live.
Apple collects and analyzes these requests, so it’s worthwhile letting them know about demand for certain apps in underserved markets. The more people ask for an app, the more likely Apple will prioritize negotiating for its release in more regions.
Summary
While freely changing your App Store country is not possible, there are a few workarounds like using a separate Apple ID or VPN that can provide access to other regions in some cases. You can also give feedback directly to both Apple and app developers requesting expanded availability.
But in general, remember that regional restrictions exist for good reasons like licensing, pricing, taxes, and fraud prevention. Be careful about techniques to circumvent the rules, and avoid accessing content not meant for your region.
With billions of customers across dozens of countries to serve, Apple has to balance consumer demands with business realities. But over time, persistence, patience, and understanding on the users’ part can help expand app availability globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Apple restrict changing regions?
Apple restricts region changes because app availability, pricing, taxes, and fraud prevention all vary between App Store countries. Allowing customers to freely switch would undermine localized content licensing and tax policies.
Can I change my App Store country if I move permanently?
Yes, you can contact Apple Support to change your App Store country if you permanently move to a new region. But you’ll lose access to some of your existing purchases and app data.
Will using gift cards let me switch to another App Store?
No, using other countries’ gift cards to change App Store regions no longer works. Apple actively blocks this method to prevent abuse.
Is it safe to use multiple Apple IDs for different regions?
Yes, creating separate Apple IDs linked to different store regions is likely the safest way to access multiple App Stores. Just don’t constantly switch between IDs to exploit pricing differences.
Can a VPN let me view other App Stores?
A VPN can let you visit and download free apps in other regions’ App Stores, but won’t work for paid transactions. Also, excessive use of VPNs risks account bans.
What if an app I want isn’t available in my country?
You can contact the app developer to request availability where you live. Also, give feedback to Apple via “Report a Problem” for any apps you want in your region.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why does Apple restrict changing regions? | Apple restricts region changes because app availability, pricing, taxes, and fraud prevention all vary between App Store countries. Allowing customers to freely switch would undermine localized content licensing and tax policies. |
| Can I change my App Store country if I move permanently? | Yes, you can contact Apple Support to change your App Store country if you permanently move to a new region. But you’ll lose access to some of your existing purchases and app data. |
| Will using gift cards let me switch to another App Store? | No, using other countries’ gift cards to change App Store regions no longer works. Apple actively blocks this method to prevent abuse. |
| Is it safe to use multiple Apple IDs for different regions? | Yes, creating separate Apple IDs linked to different store regions is likely the safest way to access multiple App Stores. Just don’t constantly switch between IDs to exploit pricing differences. |
| Can a VPN let me view other App Stores? | A VPN can let you visit and download free apps in other regions’ App Stores, but won’t work for paid transactions. Also, excessive use of VPNs risks account bans. |
| What if an app I want isn’t available in my country? | You can contact the app developer to request availability where you live. Also, give feedback to Apple via “Report a Problem” for any apps you want in your region. |
Changing your Apple ID country or region is restricted by Apple on the App Store for a variety of good reasons. While workarounds exist, it’s best to access content meant for your actual location. With patience and understanding of licensing limitations, the selection worldwide continues improving over time.