Want to access apps and content from a different country’s App Store?
You might need to do this for various reasons. Perhaps you’re travelling abroad, or want to download an app that’s only available in another region.
Luckily, it’s straightforward to change your App Store region directly on your iPhone. Let me guide you through the process.
Steps to Change Your App Store Region on iPhone
Follow these simple steps to change your country in the App Store. Itβs a quick process and you can revert back to your original region whenever you need.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
First, locate and tap the ‘Settings’ app icon on your iPhone’s home screen. It’s usually represented by a grey gear icon.
Step 2: Tap on Your Apple ID Profile
At the top of the Settings menu, you’ll see your name and Apple ID. Tap on this section to access your Apple ID account settings.
Step 3: Access Media & Purchases
In the Apple ID menu, find and tap on ‘Media & Purchases’. This option manages your subscriptions and media content linked to your Apple ID.
Step 4: View Account
After tapping ‘Media & Purchases’, a pop-up might appear. Select ‘View Account’. You might be asked to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
Step 5: Go to Country/Region
Within your Account Settings, scroll down and tap on ‘Country/Region’.
This is where you can adjust your App Store country settings.
Step 6: Change Country or Region
Tap on ‘Change Country or Region’. This will present you with a list of countries and regions to choose from.
Step 7: Select Your New Region
Scroll through the list and select the country or region you want to switch to.
Remember to choose the correct region for the App Store you wish to access.
Step 8: Agree to Terms and Conditions
After selecting a new region, you’ll be presented with Apple’s Terms and Conditions.
You must read and agree to these terms by tapping ‘Agree’ in the top right corner. Confirm your agreement in the pop-up window.
Step 9: Update Payment Information (If Required)
You might be prompted to update your payment information.
This is sometimes necessary, especially if you’re switching to a region with a different currency or tax system.
You may need to enter a valid payment method for the new region or select ‘None’ if you prefer not to add payment details at this time.
Ensure the payment information is valid for the selected region.
If you choose ‘None’ as your payment method, be aware that you might only be able to download free apps.
Accessing paid apps and in-app purchases may require a valid payment method for the chosen region.
Step 10: Completion
Once you have completed these steps, your App Store region will be changed. You can now browse and download apps from the App Store of your newly selected country or region.
The changes might take a few moments to fully propagate. You might need to close and reopen the App Store app for the changes to fully take effect.
Important Considerations
Before you change your App Store location, keep these points in mind:
- Subscriptions: Some subscriptions may not transfer across regions. You might need to cancel and resubscribe when you switch regions, and again when you switch back.
- Apple ID Balance: Any Apple ID balance you have might not be usable in a different region. You may need to spend your balance before changing regions.
- Region-locked content: Content downloaded or purchased in one region might not be accessible in another. Check the terms and conditions for content usage limitations.
- Payment Information: Ensure you have a valid payment method for the new region if required. Using a payment method from your original region may cause issues.
Changing Back to Your Original Region
It’s easy to revert back to your original App Store region. Just repeat the steps outlined above and select your original country or region in Step 7. Remember to update your payment information accordingly if prompted.
Changing your iPhone App Store region is a reversible process, giving you flexibility and control over your app access.
Why Change Your App Store Region?
There are several legitimate reasons why you might want to change region on app store.
- Access region-specific apps: Some apps are launched in specific countries first. Or they might only be available in certain regions due to content restrictions or licensing agreements.
- Download content unavailable in your country: Streaming services and other apps often have different content libraries based on region. Changing your App Store region can sometimes give you access to a wider selection.
- Travelling abroad: If you’ve moved or are travelling, you might want to access apps and services that are more relevant to your current location.
- Early access to apps: Occasionally, app developers release apps in smaller markets initially before global rollouts. Changing regions can grant you early access.
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