You can change the country in Google Play Store by updating your Google Account location or creating a new account tied to a different country

Google Play Store ties your access to apps, games, and content to the country where your Google Account is registered. If you move to a new country or want to access apps available only in a specific region, you will need to change this setting. The method depends on whether you want to update your existing account or switch to a new one — and some changes are permanent for a set period.

The fastest way is to update your Google Account's country setting directly in your account settings. This works if you have moved, changed your billing address, or want to match your account to where you actually live. A second option is to create a separate Google Account registered to a different country, which you can use alongside your main account on the same phone. A third option — creating a new Play Store account from scratch — is more involved and means starting over with your app library.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Google Account's country in Settings by updating your location and adding a payment method from that country.
  • Google locks country changes for 12 months after you make one, so you cannot switch back and forth frequently.
  • Creating a second Google Account on your phone lets you access a different country's Play Store without losing your main account.
  • Some apps and games are only available in certain countries, and changing your country setting may remove access to apps you already own.
  • Payment methods must match your new country — a US credit card will not work if you switch to a UK account.

Changing your existing Google Account to a new country

Open the Google Play Store app and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Select Settings, then General, then Account and device preferences. Tap Country and profiles and select the country you want to switch to from the list.

Before you confirm, understand what happens next: Google will ask you to add a payment method from your new country. This can be a credit card, debit card, or local payment method issued in that country. If you do not have one, you will not be able to complete the change. Once you confirm the new country, Google locks your account to that country for 12 months — you cannot change it back or switch to a third country until that year is up.

After the change takes effect, your Play Store will show apps, games, and prices in your new country's currency. Some apps you previously owned may no longer appear in your library if they are not available in the new region. You will also lose access to any store credit or gift cards issued in your old country.

Using a second Google Account for a different country

If you do not want to lock your main account for 12 months, create a second Google Account and register it to a different country. On your Android phone, go to Settings, then Accounts, then Add account. Select Google and follow the steps to create a new account. During setup, use an address and payment method from your target country.

Once the new account is created, open the Play Store and tap your profile icon. Select Manage accounts and devices, then Manage accounts. You will see both accounts listed. Tap the account you want to use, and the Play Store will switch to that country's version. You can switch between accounts whenever you want without any waiting period.

This approach is useful if you want to download region-locked apps or games without affecting your main account. Your original account, apps, and purchases remain unchanged. The downside is that you are managing two separate accounts, and apps downloaded on one account will not appear on the other.

What happens to your apps and purchases when you change countries

Apps you have already purchased or downloaded may become unavailable after you change your country. This happens because some developers restrict their apps to specific regions for licensing, legal, or business reasons. When you switch countries, the Play Store removes these region-locked apps from your library, though you can sometimes reinstall them if you travel back or use a VPN — though Google's terms of service discourage VPN use to bypass regional restrictions.

Apps that are available worldwide will remain in your library and will continue to work. Your purchase history stays with your account, but you cannot download or reinstall region-locked apps from your new country. If you need those apps again, you would have to switch back to your original country, wait out the 12-month lock period, or use a second account.

Store credit and gift cards are also country-specific. If you have unused credit in your old country's store, you will lose access to it after switching. Spend any remaining credit before you make the change.

Payment methods and billing address requirements

Google requires that your payment method matches your new country. If you are switching to the United Kingdom, you need a UK-issued credit card, debit card, or UK payment service like Google Pay registered to a UK address. A US card will not work for a UK account, and vice versa.

Your billing address must also match your new country. Google checks this during the country change process. If your payment method's billing address does not match the country you are switching to, the change will fail. Update your billing address in your Google Account settings before you attempt the country change.

Some countries have limited payment options. If your target country does not support credit cards through Google Play, you may be able to use a local payment method, prepaid card, or carrier billing if available. Check Google's list of supported payment methods for your country before you start the process.

The 12-month lock and what it means

After you change your country, Google prevents you from changing it again for 12 months. This lock applies whether you are switching back to your original country or moving to a third country entirely. The 12-month period starts from the date you confirm the change, not from when you first initiated it.

This restriction exists to prevent fraud and account abuse. It also means you should be certain about your new country before you make the switch. If you move again within that year, you will have to wait until the lock expires before you can update your Play Store country.

The only way around this lock is to use a second Google Account. Since each account has its own 12-month timer, you can create multiple accounts in different countries and switch between them without waiting.

Troubleshooting common problems when changing countries

If you see an error message saying you cannot change your country, the most common reason is that your payment method or billing address does not match. Verify that your card is issued in the country you are switching to and that the billing address on file matches. If you recently changed your address, wait a few days for Google's systems to update before trying again.

If the country you want is not appearing in the list, it may not be supported by Google Play Store. Some countries have limited or no access to the Play Store. Check Google's official list of supported countries and regions to confirm your target country is available.

If you are locked out of changing your country because of the 12-month restriction, you cannot override it. Your only option is to wait for the lock to expire or create a second account. If you believe the lock was applied in error, contact Google Play Support through your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a VPN to access a different country's Play Store without changing my account?

A VPN may let you see a different country's store temporarily, but Google actively detects and blocks VPN use. Your account may be suspended or restricted if Google determines you are using a VPN to bypass regional restrictions. Changing your country officially through your account settings is the supported method.

What happens if I move to a new country but do not update my Play Store country?

Your Play Store will continue to show your old country's apps and prices. You may not see apps available in your new country, and some apps may stop working if they require a local payment method or are restricted to residents. Updating your country setting ensures you have access to the full store for where you actually are.

Can I have two Google Accounts with the same email address?

No. Each Google Account must have a unique email address. If you want to create a second account for a different country, you will need a separate email address. You can use a Gmail alias or a completely different email provider.

Will changing my country affect my Gmail or other Google services?

Changing your Play Store country only affects the Play Store app and your access to apps and games. Your Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, and other Google services will continue to work normally with no interruption. Your account language and location settings for other services remain separate from your Play Store country.

How do I know which countries Google Play Store supports?

Google publishes an official list of supported countries on its Play Store help page. Open the Play Store, tap your profile icon, go to Settings, then General, then Country and profiles. The dropdown list shows only countries where the Play Store is available. If your country is not in that list, the Play Store is not currently supported there.