Change Your Country in Account Settings

To change the country on your TikTok account, open the app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Then tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right, scroll down, and select Settings and privacy. Tap Account, then Phone number or email. You will see your current country listed here — tap it to change it to a different one from the dropdown menu.

The country you select should match where you currently live or where you want your account region to be. TikTok uses this information to show you region-specific content, ads, and features. After you change it, the update takes effect when ready, though it may take a few minutes for all features to reflect the new region.

If you do not see a country dropdown or the option is greyed out, your account may be linked to a phone number or email that is registered to a different country. In that case, you may need to update your phone number or email address first before changing the country setting.

Key Takeaways

  • Your country setting is found in Settings and privacy > Account > Phone number or email, where you can tap the current country to select a new one.
  • Changing your country affects which content, ads, and regional features TikTok shows you.
  • The change takes effect right away, though some features may take a few minutes to update across the app.
  • If the country field is locked or unavailable, you may need to update your linked phone number or email address first.
  • You can change your country as many times as you want, but doing so frequently may trigger account review by TikTok.

Why TikTok Asks for Your Country

TikTok collects your country information for several reasons. The app uses it to determine which laws and content policies explore to your account, since different countries have different rules about what can be posted and viewed. Your country also controls which payment methods are available if you want to buy coins or send gifts, and which creators you can support in your region.

The country setting also shapes your For You Page. TikTok uses your location to recommend videos from creators in your region and to show ads targeted to your area. If you change countries, you will start seeing different trending sounds, hashtags, and creators that are popular in that region instead.

What Happens When You Change Your Country

When you update your country, several things shift on your account. Your For You Page will begin showing content popular in the new country, and the language of some features may change if that country uses a different primary language. Trending sounds and hashtags will reflect what is trending in your new region rather than your old one.

Payment methods may also change. If you had coins or a payment method set up in your previous country, you may need to add a new payment method that works in your new country. Some features, like live gifting or certain creator tools, may become unavailable or work differently depending on where you are.

TikTok may also review your account if you change countries very frequently or if the change seems unusual (for example, changing from one country to another every few days). This is a security measure to prevent account takeovers. If this happens, you may be asked to verify your identity or confirm the change.

Changing Country on Different Devices

The steps are the same whether you use an iPhone or Android phone. Open TikTok, go to your profile, tap the menu icon, select Settings and privacy, tap Account, and then tap Phone number or email to change your country. The process takes the same amount of time on both devices.

If you use TikTok on a computer or tablet, you can also change your country through the web version. Log in to TikTok.com, click your profile picture in the top right, select Settings and privacy, go to Account, and look for the country field. However, the web version may not show all the same options as the mobile app, so using your phone is usually simpler.

When You Cannot Change Your Country

If the country field is locked or will not let you change it, the most common reason is that your phone number or email is registered to a different country. TikTok links your account to your contact information, and it may not let you change the country until that matches. To fix this, update your phone number or email address to one from the country you want to switch to, then try changing the country again.

Another reason the field might be locked is if your account is very new. TikTok sometimes prevents country changes on accounts less than a few days old as a security measure. If your account is brand new, wait a few days and try again.

If you have changed your country many times in a short period, TikTok may temporarily lock the setting while it reviews your account for security. In this case, you will need to wait a few days before you can change it again. If the field stays locked for more than a week, contact TikTok support through the app by going to Settings and privacy > Help > Report a problem.

Moving to a New Country: What to Update

If you are actually moving to a new country, changing your TikTok country is just one step. You should also update your phone number to a local one if possible, since some features work better with a number from your new country. Update your email address if it was tied to your old country's services. You may also want to update your payment method so you can buy coins or send gifts without issues.

After you change your country, give the app a day or two to fully adjust your recommendations and features. Your For You Page will gradually shift to show more content from your new region. If you notice that you are still seeing mostly content from your old country after a few days, try closing and reopening the app, or clearing your cache in Settings and privacy > Cache.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my country delete my videos or followers?

No. Changing your country does not affect your videos, followers, or any content you have posted. Your account stays exactly the same — only the region setting and what content TikTok shows you will change.

Can I change my country back to the original one?

Yes, you can change your country as many times as you want. However, if you change it very frequently (several times a week), TikTok may lock the setting temporarily as a security check. If this happens, wait a few days before trying again.

What if my payment method stops working after I change my country?

Some payment methods only work in certain countries. After you change your country, go to Settings and privacy > Balance or Wallet and update your payment method to one that works in your new region. You may need to add a credit card, debit card, or local payment method from that country.

Does changing my country affect my TikTok Shop or creator account?

If you have a creator account or TikTok Shop, changing your country may affect your earnings, payout methods, and which features are available to you. Before changing your country, check your creator dashboard to see if there are any warnings or required updates for your new region.

How long does it take for my For You Page to update after I change my country?

Your For You Page usually starts showing content from your new country within a few minutes, but it can take up to a day for the full shift to happen. TikTok's algorithm gradually adjusts what it shows you based on your new region.