Can’t Change App Store Country or Region on iPhone? 6 Tips to Fix the Issue

Nov. 18, 2021

Every once in a while you may need to change App Store country or region on your iPhone. Whether you have moved to another country or come across an exciting iPhone app that hasn’t yet been rolled out in your country, you would need to change the location so that you can continue to take advantage of App Store without any restriction. But what if you have hit a roadblock that says you can’t change App Store country on your iPhone or iPad? No worries, here are 6 methods to fix the issue.

Can’t Change Apple ID Country or Region on iPhone and iPad?

There are a couple of important things to keep in mind before switching the App Store country on iOS. First and foremost, make sure you have a valid payment method for your new country or region. You can use Apple Pay (subject to availability), most credit and debit cards, store credit from redeeming gift cards, or from adding funds to your Apple ID or country/region-specific payment methods.

Not all types of content are available everywhere. Therefore, be sure to download your apps, books, TV shows, movies, and music so that you can access them without any issues. You can simplyback up your iPhonein order to safeguard most of your personal information as well.

If you have pre-orders, movie rentals, memberships or any season passes, make sure to wait until they are complete. Else, you won’t be able to change your App Store country on your iOS device.

To cancel a pre-order on your iPhone or iPad, openApp Store -> your photo at the top right corner of the screen -> Your name -> Pre-Orders/Arcade Games Coming Soon. Now, select the pre-order and then cancel it by following the instructions.

If you are usingapps that support Family Sharing, you may be a part of a Family Sharing group, and you may not be allowed to change your country. Thus, be sure to leave the Family Sharing group before trying to change the location in the App Store. Do note that any family member aged 13 or over can remove themselves from a family group. But if you have Screen Time enabled for your account, the family organizer must remove you.

Navigate to theSettings app on your iPhone or iPad -> Your profile -> Family Sharing -> Your name -> Stop Using Family Sharing.

It’s a must to clear off the pending Apple ID balance or store credit before trying to switch the App Store country or region. Currently, there is no way to transfer the Apple ID balance to App Store or iTunes in another region. Hence, you must spend all of your pending balance beforehand, respective of how much it is. To view your Apple ID balance, launchApp Store on your iPhone or iPad -> Your profile. Now, you should see your credit below your profile.

Once you have taken care of these basics, you will able to change the App Store country with ease on your iOS device. Simply go toApp Store -> Your profile -> Your name -> enter your Apple ID password -> Country/Region.

If you are still unable to change the App Store region on your iPhone even after checking off all the essentials (mentioned above), sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in. To get it done, go toSettings app -> your profile. Now, scroll down and tap onSign Out.Next, follow the instructions to complete the process.

After that, sign back in. Now, try to switch the App Store country to see if the problem has gone. You will need to enter your new payment information, billing address and agree to the terms and conditions.

In most cases, you may not have to come this far. However, we have all come across weird iOS issues at some point or the other. So, it wouldn’t be apt to rule out the possibility of a software bug that may be preventing you from switching the App Store region on your iPad or iPhone. Therefore, if none of the above-mentioned solutions have worked for you, update the software.

Navigate toSettings app -> General -> Software Update.Now, download and install the latest version of iOS/iPadOS.

Anyway, which one of the above tips has worked for you in fixing the “Can’t change App Store country or region on iPhone” issue? Let us know in the comments below.

An old school bibliophile who turned a tech nerd out of obsession. When he is not digging into hacks and tracking down stories that are breaking the internet, you may find him reciting poems.