Change your App Store region by updating your Apple ID country in Settings

To change which App Store you see on your iPhone, you need to change the country or region linked to your Apple ID. This is done through the Settings app, not the App Store itself. The process takes about five minutes and requires your Apple ID password.

Your App Store region determines which apps are available to you, what prices you see, and which payment methods you can use. If you move to a different country, travel for an extended period, or want access to region-specific apps, changing your region makes those apps visible in your store.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap your name at the top, then select iTunes & App Store to change your region through your Apple ID.
  • You must have a valid payment method for the new region before you change, or the change will not complete.
  • Apps you bought in your old region stay on your phone, but you cannot update them until you change back or add a payment method for the new region.
  • Changing regions does not affect iCloud, email, or other Apple services — only what appears in the App Store.
  • If you have an unpaid balance on your account, you must pay it before changing regions.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin: your Apple ID password, a valid payment method for the new region (a credit card, debit card, or local payment option), and the address where you currently live or will be living in that region. You cannot use a payment method from a different country than the one you are changing to.

Check your current account balance first. If you have any unpaid charges, App Store credit, or a negative balance, you must resolve it before the system will let you change regions. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Store, tap your Apple ID, then select View Apple ID. Scroll to Payment Information to see your balance.

Steps to change your App Store region

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap your name at the very top of the screen.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap iTunes & App Store. Tap your Apple ID again at the top of that screen.

Step 3: Tap View Apple ID. You may be asked to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your password.

Step 4: Scroll down to Country/Region and tap it. A list of countries appears.

Step 5: Select the new country or region you want. Tap Next.

Step 6: Review the terms and conditions for that region, then tap Agree in the top right corner.

Step 7: Enter or update your payment method and billing address for the new region. The address must match the country you selected. Tap Next.

Step 8: Confirm your phone number for the new region if prompted. Tap Next, then Done.

Your App Store region changes when ready. Close and reopen the App Store app to see the new region's content.

What happens to apps you already own

Apps you downloaded in your old region remain on your phone and continue to work. However, you cannot update them until you either change your region back or add a valid payment method for your new region to your account.

If an app is no longer available in your new region, you can still use it if it is already installed, but you cannot reinstall it if you delete it. The app will not appear in your Purchased tab in the App Store under your new region.

Changing regions without a payment method

If you do not have a credit card or debit card for the new region, you can use an iTunes gift card or App Store gift card purchased in that region. Buy the gift card in person or online from a retailer in the target country, then redeem it on your iPhone before you change regions.

To redeem a gift card, open the App Store, scroll to the bottom, tap your profile picture, then tap Redeem Gift Card or Code. Scan or enter the code. Once the credit is on your account, you can change your region even if you do not add a physical payment method.

Some regions also accept local payment options like mobile carrier billing or digital wallets. When you reach the payment method screen during the region change, you will see what options are available for your chosen country.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the system says your payment method is invalid, check that your billing address exactly matches the address format used in that country. Some countries require a postal code; others do not. Call your card issuer to confirm the card is not blocked for international use.

If you see an error about an unpaid balance, go back to View Apple ID and check Payment Information again. Even small amounts owed will block a region change. Pay any balance through the same screen.

If the new region does not appear in the list, your account may have restrictions. Sign out of your Apple ID completely (Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out), then sign back in and try again. If the problem persists, restart your iPhone.

Changing regions back to your original country

The process to change back is identical to changing to a new region. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Store > [Your Apple ID] > View Apple ID > Country/Region, select your original country, and update your payment method and address.

Before you change back, note which apps you want to keep from your temporary region. Once you switch, those apps may no longer be available in your original region's store, and you will not be able to update them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my App Store region more than once?

Yes, you can change regions as many times as you need. However, Apple may flag your account if you change regions very frequently (more than a few times per month). If this happens, you may be temporarily locked out of changing regions. Wait a few weeks before trying again.

Does changing my App Store region affect my iCloud or Apple ID email?

No. Changing your App Store region only affects which apps you see in the store and what prices appear. Your iCloud storage, email address, and other Apple services remain unchanged and work the same way.

What if I change regions but still want to read an app from my old region?

If the app is already installed on your phone, it will continue to work. If you deleted it or want to install it on another device, you will need to change your region back temporarily, read the app, then change regions again. Alternatively, check whether the app is available in your new region under a different name or publisher.

Do I lose my apps if I change regions?

No. Apps you own stay on your phone and continue to work. You just cannot update them until you change regions back or add a payment method for your new region. Deleting an app and reinstalling it is the only way to lose access to a region-specific app.

Can I use a VPN to change my App Store region?

No. Apple checks your actual location and payment method, not your IP address. Using a VPN will not let you access a different region's App Store. You must actually change your region through your Apple ID settings with a valid payment method for that country.