You can change the country or region for your Apple ID through Settings, but Apple limits how often you can make the change
Your Apple ID is tied to a country or region, which determines which App Store you see, what payment methods you can use, and which apps are available to you. If you move to a different country, get an Apple ID in the wrong region by mistake, or want to access apps only sold in another region, you can change this setting yourself. The process takes a few minutes, but Apple enforces a waiting period between changes — typically you must wait 30 days after your last change before making another one.
The change happens in the Settings app on your device. You do not need to contact Apple support, and you do not need a new Apple ID. Your existing account, purchases, and subscriptions move with you to the new region.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, tap your name at the top, then select Media & Purchases to change your App Store country without creating a new account.
- You must have a valid payment method for the new country before you change regions, or the process will not complete.
- Apple enforces a 30-day waiting period between region changes, so you cannot switch back and forth repeatedly.
- Apps you downloaded in one region may stop working or updating if you switch to a region where they are not sold.
- Changing your App Store region is different from changing your device language or your Apple ID's primary address.
Steps to change your App Store country in Settings
Start in the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap your name at the very top of the screen — this opens your Apple ID menu. Then tap Media & Purchases. You will see your current country or region listed under the heading "Country/Region".
Tap Country/Region to open a list of all available countries. Scroll to find the country you want and tap it. A confirmation screen will appear asking you to review the change. Tap Change Country/Region to confirm. You may be asked to accept the terms and conditions for the new region — read through them and tap Agree at the bottom.
If you see a message saying you cannot change regions yet, Apple is enforcing the 30-day waiting period. You will need to wait until that period expires before trying again.
Payment method requirements for your new region
Before you change regions, you must have a valid payment method for that country on file. This means a credit card, debit card, or local payment option that matches the country you are moving to. If you do not have one, the change will fail at the confirmation step.
You can add a payment method before you change regions. Go to Settings, tap your name, then Payment Method. Tap Add Payment Method and enter the card details. Make sure the billing address matches the country you are switching to — Apple checks this. If you are moving to a country where Apple accepts a different payment method (like a local bank transfer or digital wallet), you may need to set that up first through your bank or payment provider.
Some regions do not require a payment method on file if you only plan to download free apps. However, Apple's system usually requires one anyway, so it is safer to add one before you attempt the change.
What happens to your apps and subscriptions after you switch
Apps you already own stay on your device and continue to work after you change regions. However, they will no longer receive updates if they are not sold in your new App Store. This means security patches and new features will stop arriving. If an app is removed from your new region's store entirely, it may stop working after a few months or after your device updates.
Subscriptions you are paying for — like Apple Music, iCloud+, or app subscriptions — continue to work and renew in your new region. Your payment method will be charged in the currency of your new country. Some subscriptions may cost more or less in the new region, and the price will change at your next renewal date.
If you have a family sharing group, changing your region affects which apps family members can see and download. Members in different regions may see different app catalogs.
The 30-day waiting period between region changes
Apple enforces a mandatory 30-day wait between region changes. This is a security measure to prevent account takeovers and unauthorized access. If you try to change regions before 30 days have passed since your last change, you will see an error message telling you when you can change again.
The 30 days starts from the moment you successfully completed your last region change, not from when you attempted it. If you change regions on January 15, you cannot change again until February 14. There is no way to bypass this waiting period, and contacting Apple support will not shorten it.
If you made a mistake and changed to the wrong region, you will have to wait the full 30 days before you can change back. Plan your region change carefully to avoid this situation.
Changing your region is different from changing your address or language
Your App Store region, your device language, and your Apple ID's billing address are three separate settings. Changing one does not change the others. If you move to a new country but only change your device language to match, your App Store will still show apps from your old region.
Your billing address (the address on your payment method) does not have to match your App Store region, though Apple recommends they do. If they do not match, some payment methods may be declined. Your device language is purely cosmetic — it controls what language your iPhone or iPad displays, but it does not affect which App Store you see.
If you want to change your primary Apple ID address for other reasons — like updating your contact information — that is a separate process in Settings under Name, Phone Numbers, Email. Changing your address there does not change your App Store region.
What to do if the region change fails
If you see an error message during the region change process, the most common causes are a payment method that does not match the new country, an address mismatch, or an active 30-day waiting period. Check that your payment method's billing address matches the country you are switching to, and that the card is not expired or blocked.
If the error persists, sign out of your Apple ID completely, then sign back in. Go to Settings, tap your name, scroll to the bottom, and tap Sign Out. Wait a few minutes, then sign back in with your Apple ID and password. After signing back in, try the region change again.
If you still cannot change regions after trying these steps, you may need to contact Apple Support. They can check your account for holds or restrictions that are preventing the change. You can reach them through the Apple Support app, the Apple website, or by calling Apple directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a VPN to access apps from a different region without changing my App Store country?
A VPN will not let you download apps from a different region's App Store. Apple checks your actual location and payment method, not just your IP address. The only way to access a different region's App Store is to change your country setting through Settings. Using a VPN to try to bypass regional restrictions violates Apple's terms of service.
What happens to my iCloud storage and backups when I change regions?
Your iCloud account and all your backups stay exactly the same. Changing your App Store region does not affect iCloud at all. Your photos, documents, and device backups continue to sync normally, and you are charged in your new region's currency at your next renewal date.
Can I have two Apple IDs in different regions on the same device?
Yes. You can set up multiple Apple IDs on one device and sign into different ones for different purposes. However, only one Apple ID can be your primary account for purchases and iCloud. To use a second Apple ID for the App Store, go to Settings, tap Media & Purchases, and tap Sign Out, then sign in with the other Apple ID. This lets you switch between regions without waiting 30 days.
Will changing my App Store region affect my Apple Music or other subscriptions?
Your subscriptions will continue, but they will renew in the currency and pricing of your new region. Some services may cost more or less in the new country. Check the pricing before you change regions if cost is a concern. Your subscription will not be cancelled or interrupted by the region change.
How do I know what country my App Store is currently set to?
Open Settings, tap your name, then Media & Purchases. Your current country or region is shown at the top under "Country/Region". This is the App Store you are currently using, regardless of where you physically are or what language your device is set to.