How to Change the App Store Country in 2025 (iPhone & Mac)

Many countries have unique sets of movies, shows, and apps available on the Apple App Store, and you can only access them using an account with the respective location. In addition, redeeming an iTunes gift card is only possible in the country it was purchased in.

A VPN masks your location and bypasses geo-blocks to help you access desired apps and services from anywhere. For example, the only way I was able to access League of Legends: Wild Rift on my iPhone while traveling to India was by changing the App Store country to the US while using a VPN. This also let me redeem a US iTunes gift card without problems.

Why You Need a VPN to Change Your Apple App Store Country

While you can change your Apple App Store country without a VPN, you may run into issues installing and using certain apps. You'll most likely see a message saying: “App Not Available. This app is currently not available in your country or region.”

This is because some apps, such as those for streaming services and games, are restricted to only a select few regions. Even though you’ve changed your App Store country in the settings, Apple can still see where you’re actually located and block access to region-restricted apps accordingly. It can do this via a few ways — namely by tracing the location of your IP address or by using your device’s GPS services to see where you are located.

However, a VPN allows you to replace your real IP address with one originating from the country of your choice. By disabling the Location Services and GPS on your device in conjunction with a quality VPN, you will be able to bypass region restrictions on apps and use them freely.

How to Change the App Store Country With a VPN

If you want to access apps unavailable in your country’s App Store, you’ll need to change your Apple ID region. This can be done without a VPN — but you’ll quickly find that you will be unable to download or use many apps. This is due to Apple detecting your current location and applying region restrictions.

A VPN masks your location and makes it seem like you’re browsing from a country of your choice, allowing you to bypass these blocks. This method also works for the following Apple services:

• Apple Fitness+
• Apple Music
• Apple Books
• Apple News
• Game Center
• Apple TV app

Here’s how you can change the App Store location on your Mac, iPhone/iPad, and iTunes.

Change the App Store Location on Your Mac

To change the App Store location on your Mac, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Download a VPN. It’s also easy to use, even for beginners. I’d also recommend disabling any GPS or location services on your device.

Step 2: Connect to a server of your choice. Ensure you select a location that helps you access your favorite apps and services without any restrictions.

Step 3: Go to System Preferences and click on your Apple ID.

The Apple ID option is usually found on the top right

Step 4: Click the Media & Purchases tab on the left and select Manage.

Make sure you have canceled all your subscriptions before proceeding

Step 5: Select the Change Country or Region button and choose the country or region you want to switch to.

You will need to agree to some terms and conditions to continue

Step 6: Enter your payment information and billing address for the new country, or choose None if you don't want to add a payment method.

Step 7: Log in with your account again, and your App Store region will be changed.

Once you've changed your App Store location, available apps, prices, and promotions may differ based on the new country or region you've selected.

Change the App Store Location on Your iPhone and iPad

To change the App Store location on your iPhone, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Download a VPN and connect to a server in the country you’d like to switch your App Store location to. Also, disable any GPS or location services.

Step 2: Open Settings and tap on your name at the top of the screen.

Ensure you’re logged in with the account you want to change the region of

Step 3: Select Media & Purchases.

Remove all subscriptions and spend any credit before proceeding further

Step 4: Click the View Account button from a pop-up menu.

Enter your password if prompted

Step 5: Select the country or region you want to switch to and tap Next.

You will be asked to agree to the terms and conditions

Step 6: Enter your new payment information and billing address to change the App Store country on your device.

Step 7: After completing the process, the App Store region will be changed to the new location.

FAQs on Changing Your App Store Country With a VPN

Is it legal to change the App Store country?

Yes, changing the App Store location on your device is legal. However, this will not allow you to access region-restricted apps if your IP address doesn’t match the new location. That’s why it’s necessary to use a quality VPN to access geo-restricted apps on the App Store.

In certain countries, like China and Russia, the use of a VPN is banned or restricted, and can hence be considered illegal. We do not support any form of illegal activities, therefore, we urge you to familiarize yourself with the local laws prior to utilizing a VPN in tandem with altering your App Store's country.

Why can't I change my country on the App Store?

If you can't change your App Store region, make sure you've canceled your subscriptions and spent all existing store credit. If you’ve confirmed this and you’re still not able to change App Store country, try the following:

• Check you’re not in a Family Sharing group, as this can prevent you from changing App Store region. This can be done in the settings, under “Family Sharing”.
• Wait for any memberships, pre-orders, film rentals or Season Passes to end. You may also cancel them if you do not wish to wait for these to naturally expire.
• Ensure the payment method for the new region you are entering is valid.
• If you’re still having trouble, contact Apple support.

Remember that while a VPN is not necessary for this process, you may not be able to access certain apps on the new App Store region without one. That’s why I recommend using a quality VPN so you have complete access to all apps and services on the new App Store country.

How can I change the Apple App Store country without a credit card?

While you need to enter a valid payment method to switch Apple App store region, some countries support alternatives to credit cards. For example, the US Apple App Store supports PayPal and gift cards, which could be used to circumvent the need to directly link credit card information.

You can also create a new Apple ID account in the region of your choice without attaching payment information. All of our top VPNs for changing App Store country can let you easily achieve this by making you appear as if you’re creating an account from the desired country.

However, without a payment method, you will be unable to purchase premium apps or pay for subscription services. You can get around this by using a VPN to purchase and redeem Apple gift cards in the country of your new account

How do I keep iTunes and App Store purchases from a different country?

You should be able to download most apps, music, films, TV programmes, and books after changing your Apple App Store country. However, if any of these pieces of media are not available in your new region, they will become inaccessible. It’s recommended to download anything you believe to be region-restricted before changing App Store country.

If you didn’t do this and you’ve lost access to one of your favorite apps or other content, you can use a VPN to switch your App Store country to a location where it is available to download it once more.

How can I create a second Apple ID account for another country?

You can set up a new Apple ID account using your Apple device. Ensure you have an appropriate payment method on hand and choose the right country for your new profile. To establish a secondary Apple ID account for a different country, adhere to the following instructions:

Step 1: Sign out of your current Apple ID account on your iPhone or Mac.

Step 2: Open the Apple App Store, tap the Account icon, and choose the Create New Apple ID option. Select the new location and fill in the email address and password boxes.

Step 3: Enter a new payment method and billing address located in the new region and click Done.

It’s also possible to transfer apps and other purchases to the new account. Log in to iCloud, select Apple ID > Media & Purchases, and choose the Transfer Purchases option.

Remember that you will likely be unable to download or effectively use region-restricted apps or services on the new account unless you use a VPN to get an IP address in the associated App Store country.

Can I change the App Store region with a free VPN?

You can, but it’s not recommended. Most free VPNs only offer a very limited number of poor-performing servers, while enforcing tight data caps.

Many free VPNs do not manage to hide your real IP address either, so you won’t have access to region-restricted apps and other purchases. Some may even purposefully share your data with third parties to make a profit. Using a premium (but affordable) VPN with a trusted money-back guarantee is a far better option.

Change Your Apple App Store Country Now

Shifting to a new App Store region and freely accessing the apps within it can be a confusing process. However, if you follow this guide and use a quality VPN to change your App Store location, you shouldn’t run into any issues. So you’ll be able to install apps unavailable in your current country and access geo-blocked content while traveling.