You need an Apple ID registered to a different country to switch App Stores
The App Store is locked to the country where your Apple ID was created. You cannot simply flip a setting to browse apps from another country. Instead, you have two real paths: create a new Apple ID registered to the country you want, or change the country on your existing Apple ID. The second option is faster if you plan to keep using the same account, but it has a catch — you must have a payment method from that country, and your account cannot have an outstanding balance.
Before you start, know that switching countries clears your existing payment method from the account. Apps you bought in your original country stay in your library and will still work, but you cannot download them again unless you switch back. If you have family sharing turned on, switching countries will disable it until everyone in the group is in the same country.
Key Takeaways
- Changing your App Store country requires a valid payment method from that country — a credit card, debit card, or local payment service registered to an address there.
- Your account must have a zero balance before you can change countries; if you owe money or have store credit, you must settle it first.
- Apps you bought in your original country remain in your library but cannot be re-downloaded until you switch back to that country.
- Family sharing stops working when you change countries and must be set up again once everyone is in the same country.
- Creating a separate Apple ID for a different country is faster if you only want to browse and download apps there occasionally.
Check your account balance before you start
Open the App Store and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Tap your name, then tap "Media and Purchases." If you see a balance owed, you cannot change countries until you pay it. Tap "Payment Method" and follow the prompts to add funds or update your payment information.
If you have store credit from a gift card or refund, that counts as a balance too. Spend it on apps or in-app purchases before you proceed, or contact Apple Support to have it removed — though they will usually ask you to spend it first.
Gather a payment method from your target country
You will need a credit card, debit card, or local payment service registered to an address in the country you are switching to. A card issued by a bank in that country works best. If you do not have one, some countries accept digital payment services like Google Pay or Apple Pay linked to a local account, but this varies by region.
If you are moving to a country where you do not yet have a bank account, ask whether the country has a digital wallet or payment app that works with the App Store — many do. You can also ask a family member or friend in that country to add their payment method to your account temporarily, though you will need to remove it and add your own before the change is permanent.
Change your country on your existing Apple ID
On iPhone or iPad: Open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap "Media and Purchases." Tap "View Account," then tap your country or region name at the top of the screen. Tap "Change Country or Region," select your new country from the list, and tap "Agree" to the terms. Enter your new payment method when prompted.
On a Mac: Open System Settings, click your name in the sidebar, then click "Media and Purchases." Click "View Account," then click your country or region name. Click "Change Country or Region," select your new country, and click "Agree." Enter your payment details when the prompt appears.
On a Windows PC or web browser: Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, click "Media and Purchases," then click "View Account." Click your country or region name, select your new country, and click "Agree." Add your new payment method when prompted.
The change takes effect immediately. Your App Store will now show apps and prices in your new country's currency. If you see an error saying you cannot change countries yet, wait 24 hours and try again — Apple sometimes enforces a waiting period between changes.
Create a separate Apple ID for a different country instead
If you only want to download apps from another country occasionally, or if you do not have a payment method there, creating a second Apple ID is simpler than changing your main account. Go to appleid.apple.com on any device, click "Create your Apple ID," and fill in the form. When you reach the payment method step, select your target country and enter a valid payment method from there.
Once the account is created, sign out of your main Apple ID on your device and sign in with the new one. You can now browse and download from that country's App Store. To switch back, sign out and sign in with your original Apple ID. You can keep both accounts on the same device and switch between them whenever you need to.
The downside is that apps purchased on each account stay separate — you cannot access apps bought on your main account when signed in to the secondary one. But this method avoids the hassle of changing your primary account and does not require you to have a payment method ready right away.
What happens to your apps and subscriptions
Apps you bought in your original country stay in your library forever. If you switch back to that country later, you can re-download them at no cost. However, while you are in a different country, those apps will not appear in search results or your library — they are hidden until you switch back.
Subscriptions tied to your Apple ID, like Apple Music or iCloud+, continue to work regardless of which country your App Store is set to. However, the price you pay may change based on your new country's currency and tax rates. Check your subscription settings after switching to see the updated cost.
Apps that require a specific country to run — like banking apps or region-locked games — may stop working or show an error when you switch. If you need to use those apps regularly, switching countries is not practical, and creating a second Apple ID is the better choice.
Troubleshooting common problems
You see an error saying you cannot change countries: Your account may have a balance, an active family sharing group, or an outstanding transaction. Check your payment method, settle any balance, and remove yourself from family sharing before trying again. If the error persists, wait 24 hours — Apple enforces a cooldown between country changes.
Your payment method is rejected: Make sure the address on your card matches the address you entered in your Apple ID. Some countries require the billing address to match the country exactly. If you are using a debit card, check that it is enabled for online purchases. Contact your bank if the card is declined multiple times.
Apps are not showing up in your new country: Close the App Store completely and reopen it. If that does not work, sign out of your Apple ID in Settings, wait 30 seconds, and sign back in. The App Store should refresh to show apps available in your new country.
You want to switch back to your original country: Follow the same steps as changing to a new country, but select your original country and enter a payment method from there. Your old apps will reappear in your library once the change is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a VPN to access another country's App Store?
No. The App Store checks your actual location and payment method, not your IP address. Using a VPN will not let you access a different country's store. You must change your country in your account settings or create a new Apple ID registered to that country.
What if I do not have a payment method from the country I want to switch to?
Create a second Apple ID instead of changing your main account. You can set up a new Apple ID with a payment method from any country, even if you do not live there. Keep your main account unchanged and switch to the secondary account when you need apps from a different country.
Will my apps stop working if I change countries?
Apps you already downloaded will continue to work. Apps you bought in your original country will disappear from your library while you are in a different country, but they will reappear if you switch back. Some region-locked apps may stop working entirely after a country change.
How long does it take to change countries?
The change is instant once you confirm it. Your App Store will show your new country's apps and prices immediately. If you see an error, Apple may require you to wait 24 hours before trying again.
Can I change countries on my Apple ID multiple times?
Yes, but Apple enforces a waiting period between changes — usually 24 hours. If you need to switch countries frequently, creating multiple Apple IDs is more practical than repeatedly changing your main account.