You can change your App Store region by updating your Apple ID country settings or creating a new account for a different region

The App Store region you see depends on the country associated with your Apple ID and payment method. If you move to a new country, want to access apps only available in another region, or need to switch for any reason, you have two main paths: update your existing Apple ID to a new country, or create a separate Apple ID for that region. The method you choose depends on whether you want to keep your current apps and purchase history or start fresh.

Changing regions is permanent for 12 months once you switch — Apple locks you out of changing again until that year passes. This matters because apps you bought in one region may not transfer to another, and some apps only work in specific countries. Before you switch, download any region-specific apps you want to keep, because you won't be able to re-download them from a different region's store.

Key Takeaways

  • Changing your App Store region requires updating your Apple ID country and adding a payment method from that country.
  • Once you change regions, you cannot change again for 12 months, so plan ahead if you think you might move back.
  • Apps you purchased in one region stay tied to that region and won't appear in your library after you switch.
  • Creating a second Apple ID for a different region lets you keep your original account and apps without the 12-month lock.

How to change your region on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap your name at the top. Select Media & Purchases, then tap View Account. You'll see your current country or region listed. Tap Country/Region to change it.

The App Store will ask you to confirm your new country and enter a payment method from that region — a credit card, debit card, or local payment option tied to an address in that country. Some regions also accept no payment method on file if you only plan to download free apps, but you'll need one to buy anything. After you enter your payment details and confirm, your region changes immediately. You won't be able to change it again for 12 months.

How to change your region on a Mac

Open the App Store app and click your account icon in the top right corner. Select Account Settings. Under your name, you'll see your current country or region. Click Change next to it.

Follow the same steps as on iPhone: confirm your new country and add a payment method from that region. The change takes effect right away, and the 12-month lock applies here too. If you use the same Apple ID across multiple devices, changing your region on one device changes it everywhere.

What happens to your apps and purchases after you switch

Apps you already own stay on your device and will continue to work and receive updates, even after you change regions. However, they won't appear in your App Store library under the new region, so you can't re-download them if you delete them. If an app is no longer available in your new region, you may not be able to update it past a certain version.

Purchases you made in your old region — apps, in-app purchases, subscriptions — remain tied to that region's store. If you had an active subscription, it continues to renew and charge your old payment method. You'll need to cancel it manually in your account settings before switching, or it will keep billing you even though you can't access the app from your new region's store.

Creating a separate Apple ID for a different region instead

If you don't want to lose access to your current apps and the 12-month lock concerns you, create a new Apple ID for the other region. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases > View Account > Family Sharing (or sign out and create a new account). Choose Create a new Apple ID and follow the prompts, selecting your new country during setup.

With a second account, you can switch between them on your device without losing either one. Your original account keeps all your apps and purchase history, and your new account gives you access to the other region's App Store. On iPhone and iPad, you can only be signed into one App Store account at a time, so you'll need to sign out and back in to switch between them. On a Mac, you can have multiple accounts set up and switch between them in System Settings.

Payment methods and what each region accepts

Every region requires a valid payment method from that country. The United States accepts US credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Gift Cards. The United Kingdom accepts UK cards and UK iTunes Gift Cards. Canada, Australia, and most European countries follow the same pattern — your card must be issued by a bank in that country, and your billing address must match.

Some regions have additional options. Japan accepts Japanese credit cards and prepaid cards. India and several Southeast Asian countries accept local payment methods like UPI or carrier billing. If you don't have a card from your new region, you can sometimes use a prepaid gift card sold in that country, though availability varies. Check Apple's support page for your specific country to see what payment methods are accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my region back after 12 months?

Yes. After 12 months have passed since your last region change, you can change to a different region. The 12-month timer starts over each time you switch, so if you change back to your original country, you'll be locked for another 12 months before changing again.

Will my apps work if I travel to a different country temporarily?

Yes. Your apps continue to work and update as long as you're signed into your Apple ID, regardless of where you physically are. You only need to change your App Store region if you're moving permanently or want to access apps only available in another region's store.

What if I don't have a payment method from my new region?

Some regions allow you to set up an Apple ID without a payment method if you only download free apps. However, most regions require at least one valid payment method on file. If you can't add one, a prepaid gift card from that country sometimes works, though this varies by region.

Can I use a VPN to access a different region's App Store?

No. The App Store checks your Apple ID's registered country, not your location. A VPN won't let you access another region's store. You must actually change your Apple ID's country setting to see a different region's apps.

Do I lose my iCloud data if I change my App Store region?

No. Your iCloud account, photos, contacts, and other data stay the same. Changing your App Store region only affects which apps you can see and download — it doesn't touch your iCloud storage or backups.