You need a new payment method and address in the country you're switching to

Changing your App Store country means switching which regional store your device uses to download apps, make purchases, and manage subscriptions. Apple ties your App Store region to your Apple ID, your payment method, and your billing address — so you can't simply flip a switch. You have to update your payment information to match a real address in the new country, then change the region in your account settings.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and works the same way on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You'll need a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or local payment option) registered to an address in the country you're moving to. If you don't have one yet, you can set up a payment method first, then complete the region change.

Key Takeaways

  • Your App Store country is locked to your Apple ID and billing address, so you must update your payment method and address to match the new country before changing regions.
  • You can change your App Store country through Settings on iPhone and iPad, or System Settings on Mac, under your Apple ID account.
  • After you change regions, your existing apps stay on your device, but you can only download and update apps available in the new country's store.
  • Subscriptions and in-app purchases tied to your old region may stop working or require you to cancel and re-subscribe in the new store.
  • You can only change your App Store country once every 90 days, so plan ahead if you're moving between regions.

Update your payment method and billing address first

Before you change your App Store country, you need a payment method registered to an address in the new country. Open Settings (iPhone or iPad) or System Settings (Mac), tap or click your name at the top, then select Payment & Shipping. Add a new payment method — a credit card, debit card, or local payment option like a bank account — and make sure the billing address matches a real address in the country you're switching to.

If you're moving to a country where Apple doesn't accept your current card type, you may need to open a local bank account or use a payment service that works in that region. Some countries also accept iTunes gift cards as a payment method, which can be an alternative if you don't have a local card yet.

Once your new payment method is saved and verified, you're ready to change your region. Apple will confirm the address matches the country you're moving to, so make sure it's accurate.

Change your region in your Apple ID settings

On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name, then select Media & Purchases. Tap View Account, then tap Country/Region. Select the new country from the list and review Apple's terms of service for that region. Tap Change Country or Region, then confirm your new billing address and payment method.

On Mac, open System Settings, click your name in the sidebar, then select Media & Purchases. Click View Account, then click Country/Region. Follow the same steps to select your new country and confirm your address and payment method.

Apple will process the change immediately. Your Apple ID is now tied to the new country's App Store, and your device will start showing apps and content available in that region.

What happens to your existing apps and subscriptions

Apps you've already downloaded stay on your device after you change regions. You can continue using them normally, and you can update them as long as they're still available in the new country's store. If an app is removed from the new store, you won't be able to update it, but the version you have will keep working.

Subscriptions and in-app purchases are more complicated. If you have an active subscription tied to your old region, it may stop working or show an error when you try to use it. You'll likely need to cancel the old subscription and re-subscribe through the new country's store. Some apps charge different prices in different regions, so your subscription cost may change.

Before you change regions, review any active subscriptions in your account. Open Settings or System Settings, tap or click your name, select Subscriptions, and note which ones you want to keep. After you change regions, you can re-subscribe to them in the new store.

The 90-day waiting period between region changes

Apple enforces a 90-day waiting period between App Store region changes. Once you switch to a new country, you cannot change to a different country for 90 days. This rule applies even if you change your mind immediately after switching.

If you need to change regions again before 90 days have passed, you'll see an error message telling you when you're may be able to access to change again. Plan your region change carefully, especially if you're traveling or moving between countries frequently.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see an error saying your payment method is invalid, make sure your billing address exactly matches what your bank or card issuer has on file. Even small differences like abbreviations or apartment numbers can cause the verification to fail. Try removing the payment method and adding it again with the exact address format.

If you can't find the Country/Region option in your settings, make sure you're signed into your Apple ID and that you have a payment method saved. Some accounts require you to add a valid payment method before you can change regions. If you're still stuck, sign out of your Apple ID completely, then sign back in and try again.

If an app won't update after you change regions, it may no longer be available in the new country's store. Check the App Store to see if it's listed. If it's not, you can keep using the version you have, but you won't receive updates. Some developers remove apps from certain regions due to licensing or regulatory reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the App Store from multiple countries at the same time?

No. Your Apple ID can only be tied to one App Store region at a time. If you need apps from multiple countries, you would need to create separate Apple IDs for each region, but you can only use one ID per device at a time.

Will my apps stop working if I change App Store countries?

No. Apps you've already downloaded will continue to work. You just won't be able to update them if they're no longer available in the new country's store. Most apps remain available across regions, so this is rarely a problem.

What if I don't have a payment method for the new country yet?

You need a valid payment method registered to an address in the new country before you can change regions. If you don't have one, open a local bank account, get a debit card, or purchase an iTunes gift card in the new country and use that as your payment method.

Can I change my App Store country if I'm traveling temporarily?

Technically yes, but you shouldn't. The 90-day waiting period means you'll be stuck in that region's store for three months. Only change your App Store country if you're moving permanently or staying in a country for at least 90 days.

Do I lose my purchase history when I change App Store countries?

No. Your purchase history stays with your Apple ID. You can view all your past purchases and re-download apps you've bought, even after changing regions, as long as those apps are available in your new country's store.