You can change your Apple Store region by switching the country or region in your Apple ID settings, but your apps and purchases stay tied to the old region until you move them

Your Apple Store region is determined by the country or region listed in your Apple ID. When you change it, you gain access to apps, music, books, and other content available in that region's store. However, the change does not automatically transfer your existing purchases or subscriptions — those remain attached to your previous region unless you take additional steps.

The process takes about five minutes and requires an active internet connection and your Apple ID password. You can change regions as often as you want, but Apple has restrictions: you must wait 14 days after changing regions before changing again, and you cannot change regions while you have an active subscription or unpaid balance on your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Changing your Apple Store region happens in Settings on your device or through your Apple ID account online, and requires your Apple ID password.
  • Your existing app purchases and subscriptions stay in your old region's store and may not work after you switch regions.
  • You must wait 14 days between region changes and cannot change regions if you have an active subscription or unpaid balance.
  • Apps purchased in one region sometimes work in another, but some region-locked apps will disappear from your device after you switch.
  • If you want to keep apps from multiple regions, you need separate Apple IDs for each region.

How to change your region on iPhone, iPad, or Mac

Open Settings and tap your name at the top of the screen. Select Media & Purchases, then tap View Account. You will see your current country or region listed under Account Information. Tap Country/Region and select a new one from the list.

On Mac, open System Settings, click your name in the sidebar, select Media & Purchases, then click View Account. The steps are the same from there. You will need to confirm your choice and may be asked to update your payment method if the new region requires a different format or currency.

If you are changing to a region that requires a payment method you do not have (for example, a credit card issued in that country), you can sometimes use a different payment method that works in that region. Some regions allow you to use a gift card instead of a credit card on file.

What happens to your apps and purchases after you switch

Apps you purchased in your old region remain on your device and continue to work, but they will not receive updates through the new region's store. To update them, you would need to switch back to your original region or use a separate Apple ID for that region.

Some apps are region-locked and will disappear from your device entirely after you change regions. This happens most often with apps that are only sold in specific countries or apps that have licensing restrictions tied to geography. You will not be able to reinstall these apps from the new region's store.

Subscriptions (like Apple Music, Apple TV+, or app subscriptions) tied to your old region will continue to charge you, but they may stop working once you switch regions. You should cancel any subscriptions before changing regions, then resubscribe in the new region if you want to keep them.

Changing your region through your Apple ID account online

You can also change your region without using a device by visiting appleid.apple.com in a web browser. Sign in with your Apple ID, click Account in the top menu, then select Country/Region under Account Information. Choose your new region and confirm the change.

This method is useful if you do not have access to an Apple device or if you want to change regions before setting up a new device. The change takes effect immediately across all your devices once you sign in with your Apple ID.

The 14-day waiting period and other restrictions

After you change regions, you must wait 14 days before changing again. This rule applies even if you change back to your original region. If you try to change before 14 days have passed, you will see an error message telling you when you can change next.

You cannot change regions if you have an unpaid balance on your account or an active subscription. If you have a subscription, you must cancel it first. If you have an unpaid balance (from a failed payment or a purchase you disputed), you must resolve it before the system will let you change regions.

Some regions have additional restrictions. For example, if you change to a region that requires a different payment method format, you may need to update your payment information before the change goes through.

Using multiple Apple IDs to access different regions

If you want to keep apps from multiple regions on the same device, you need a separate Apple ID for each region. You can set up multiple Apple IDs on one iPhone or iPad by going to Settings, tapping your name, scrolling down, and selecting Add Another Account. Each account can have its own region and its own app library.

To switch between accounts on your device, go to Settings, tap your name, scroll to the bottom, and tap Sign Out. Then sign in with a different Apple ID. Your apps will change based on which account is active, and you will see the app library for that region's store.

This approach works well if you travel frequently or live between two countries, but it means managing separate subscriptions and payment methods for each account. Apps purchased under one account will not appear in the library of another account, even on the same device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my apps stop working if I change regions?

Most apps continue to work after a region change, but they will not receive updates from the new region's store. Some region-locked apps will disappear from your device entirely. You can check which apps might be affected by searching for them in the new region's store before you switch.

Can I change my region back after 14 days?

Yes, but you must wait 14 days from your last region change before switching again. This applies whether you are changing to a new region or switching back to your original one. The 14-day timer starts over each time you make a change.

What payment methods work in different regions?

Each region's store accepts different payment methods. Most regions accept credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards. Some regions also accept local payment methods like bank transfers or mobile payment apps. When you change regions, you may need to add a payment method that works in that region.

Do my subscriptions transfer to the new region?

No. Subscriptions are tied to the region where you purchased them. You must cancel your old subscriptions before changing regions, then resubscribe in the new region if you want to continue. Your subscription will not automatically move or continue in the new region.

Can I change my region if I have a pending payment?

No. You must resolve any unpaid balances on your account before you can change regions. This includes failed payments, disputed charges, or any other outstanding balance. Once the balance is paid, you can proceed with changing your region.