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# System prepended metadata

title: Discover how to change App Store country

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# Discover how to change App Store country

Accessing apps, games, and services restricted to specific regions requires changing your App Store country. This is a common task for people moving abroad or those seeking content not available in their home location.

![how-to-change-app-store-country](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/BJx0wL0zbl.jpg)

This guide covers the essential preparation steps and the exact methods to update your Apple ID region on various devices.

## 1. The Logic Behind Regional Locks

Apple operates distinct storefronts for each country due to complex legal and financial reasons.

### **Why Is It Not Automatic?**
Every country has different tax laws, copyright agreements, and banking regulations. When you move your account from one region to another, you are essentially closing a contract in one jurisdiction and opening a new one in another.

### **The Digital Border**
This is why you cannot simply toggle a switch. The system requires a complete settlement of your "digital affairs" in the old country before you can enter the new one. Understanding this helps explain why the preparation steps are so strict.

## 2. Essential Prerequisites: The "Clean Slate" Protocol

Before you attempt to change settings, you must ensure your account is free of any ties to your current region. Failure to do this is the primary cause of error messages.

### **Requirement A: Zero Store Credit**
You cannot switch regions if you have a balance.
* **The Rule:** Your Apple ID balance must be exactly $0.00.
* **The Issue:** Even a single cent will block the process.
* **The Fix:** Spend the balance on a cheap item. If the remaining amount is too small to spend, you must contact Apple Support to remove it manually.

### **Requirement B: No Active Subscriptions**
Subscriptions are legal contracts tied to a specific regional store.
* **The Rule:** You must cancel all active subscriptions.
* **The Detail:** This includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud+, and any third-party apps billed through Apple.
* **The Wait:** canceling is not enough; you must wait for the subscription period to actually expire.

### **Requirement C: Family Sharing**
Family groups cannot span multiple regions.
* **The Rule:** You cannot change your country if you are a member of a Family Sharing group.
* **The Fix:** You must dissolve the family group or leave it. You can create a new group once all members have switched to the new region.

## 3. Method 1: Changing Country on iPhone or iPad

This is the most common method for users on the go. It updates the setting for your entire Apple ID across all devices.

### **Step 1: Access Settings**
Open the **Settings** app on your device. Tap your **Name/Apple ID** banner at the very top of the list.

### **Step 2: Media & Purchases**
Select **Media & Purchases**. A menu will pop up; select **View Account**. You may be asked to sign in with Face ID or your password.

### **Step 3: Region Selection**
Tap on **Country/Region**. Then tap **Change Country or Region**.

### **Step 4: Choosing the Location**
Scroll through the list and select your new country. You will be presented with new Terms and Conditions.

### **Step 5: Agreement**
Review the terms and tap **Agree** in the top right corner. Confirm by tapping **Agree** again.

### **Step 6: Payment Details**
Select a payment method valid for the new country. Enter your new billing address and tap **Next**.

## 4. Method 2: Changing Country on Mac

Using a computer is often easier for entering address details or verifying billing information.

### **Step 1: Open the Music App**
Launch the **Apple Music** app (formerly iTunes).

### **Step 2: Account Menu**
Navigate to the menu bar at the top of the screen. Click **Account** and then select **Account Settings**.

### **Step 3: Login**
Enter your Apple ID and password if prompted to access the secure account page.

### **Step 4: Change Region**
Look for the **Apple ID Summary** section. Click on the link that says **Change Country or Region**.

### **Step 5: Finalize**
Select the new region from the dropdown menu. Agree to the terms and input your new local payment method and address.

## 5. Method 3: Changing Country Online

If you do not have your devices handy, you can use a web browser.

### **Step 1: The Portal**
Go to **account.apple.com** and sign in.

### **Step 2: Personal Information**
Click on the **Personal Information** tab in the sidebar.

### **Step 3: Update**
Select **Country/Region**. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your location and payment details.

## 6. The Payment Method Dilemma

One of the biggest hurdles is the requirement for a local payment method.

### **Local Cards Required**
Apple generally requires a credit or debit card issued by a bank in the new country. You cannot use a US credit card in the UK App Store.

### **The "None" Option**
In some specific cases, you may see "None" listed as a payment option.
* **When it works:** This allows you to create an account without a card.
* **When it fails:** If you have a history of unpaid balances or if the region requires age verification, this option may be hidden.

### **Gift Cards**
You cannot use gift cards from Country A in Country B. Do not buy a gift card for the new region until *after* you have successfully switched your account settings.

## 7. What Happens to Your Content?

Switching regions is a migration, not a copy-paste.

### **App Updates**
Apps downloaded in your old region may stop receiving automatic updates.
* **The Solution:** You might need to delete the app and re-download it from the new store to link it to the new region.

### **Purchase History**
Your "Purchased" tab will reset.
* **The Reality:** Purchases made in the old country are hidden. They are not deleted, but you cannot see them while logged into the new storefront.

### **iCloud Music Library**
If you use iCloud Music Library, be aware that switching regions will likely empty your library.
* **The Warning:** Ensure you have physical backups of any music that is not available on streaming platforms.

## 8. Strategic Advice: The Dual Account Alternative

If you travel frequently between two countries, switching your main account back and forth is tedious and impractical due to the subscription cancellation requirement.

### **The Better Strategy**
Instead of changing your region, create a **second Apple ID**.
* **Account A:** Your home country (keeps your main iCloud, Photos, and iMessage).
* **Account B:** The new country (used only for the App Store).

### **How It Works**
You can sign out of the App Store (only) on your iPhone without signing out of iCloud.
* **The Benefit:** This allows you to download local apps (like banking or transit) using Account B while keeping your photos and messages safe on Account A.
* **The Trade-off:** You will need to remember two passwords and switch accounts occasionally to update apps.

## Conclusion

Changing your App Store country allows you to fully integrate into a new digital ecosystem. While the process requires strict adherence to Apple's financial rules, following these steps ensures a smooth transition.

Whether you are permanently relocating or just accessing region-locked content, preparation is key. Ensure your balance is zero and your subscriptions are cleared before you start.

**Discover everything here:** [https://safelyo.com/how-to-change-app-store-country/](https://safelyo.com/how-to-change-app-store-country/)

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