Want to change App Store country to get region-specific apps but failed? Kinds of reasons can make you cannot change country in App Store. Read this guide to know why and how to fix it.
Can’t change country/region
Please help! I can’t seem to change the Country/Region on my iPhone. I used to live in the States and my Apple ID wad connected to a US card. That was a year ago now I live in South Africa and the US credit card has insufficient funds. I'm trying to change the credit card to a South African credit card but I can't change the Country/Region. How can I fix this?
- Question from Apple Community
Occasionally, you might find yourself needing to change App Store country on iPhone. Whether you've relocated or stumbled upon an enticing iPhone app unavailable in your current location, adjusting the location allows you to continue enjoying the App Store without limitations. However, it can be frustrating when you find you cannot change country in App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
Fear not, in this guide, we'll explore the reasons behind this issue and provide practical solutions to help you overcome it.
Before fixing the issue, you may ask, “why I cannot change country in App Store?” Several factors can contribute to the inability to change your country in the App Store. Here are some common reasons: β Active Subscriptions or Unsettled Payments: If you have active subscriptions or unpaid balances in your account, you may not be able to change your country until these issues are resolved. Apple requires that all outstanding payments be settled before making changes to your country settings. β App Store Credit Balance: If you have remaining credit in your App Store account, you may need to spend or transfer it before changing your country. App Store credits are often tied to specific regions and cannot be used in other countries. β Family Sharing: If you're part of a Family Sharing group, changing your country can affect the shared purchases and content among family members. Apple may restrict country changes for accounts linked to Family Sharing to prevent disruptions in shared content access. β Recent Country Change: If you've recently changed your country or region, Apple may impose a waiting period before allowing another change. This waiting period typically lasts for a certain duration, during which you cannot switch countries again.
Now that we understand why you might encounter difficulties in changing your country on the App Store, let's explore some effective fixes to resolve this issue. Just try the following fixes one after another until your issue gets fixed.
The first thing you should do to troubleshoot “cannot change App Store country” is to make sure you have canceled all of your subscriptions. What’s more, you should wait until the subscription period ends. Here are the steps that you can follow to cancel them at your own will.
Step 1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone > Tap [your name] > Choose Subscriptions.
Step 2. Now, select the active subscription and tap Cancel Subscription to manually cancel it.
Ensure that any pre-orders, movie rentals, memberships, or season passes are completed before attempting to change your App Store country on your iOS device. Failure to do so may prevent you from making the change successfully. Here is how to cancel a pre-order on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 1. Go to the App Store > Tap your profile at the top right corner of the screen > Tap [your name].
Step 2. Tap Pre-Orders and Arcade Games Coming Soon. Now, select the pre-order and then cancel it by following the instructions.
Before changing the App Store country or region, clear any pending Apple ID balance or store credit. You can't transfer the balance to another region. Spend the balance before proceeding.
To check your balance, open the App Store on your device > your profile > Select Payment & Shipping. Check your App Store balance to see if there is any remaining credit.
If you have credit, consider using it to purchase apps, games, or other content from the App Store. Alternatively, you can contact Apple Support to request a refund for your remaining balance. After using or transferring your App Store credit, attempt to change your country again.
Before changing your country in the App Store, ensure you're not part of a Family Sharing group as this may restrict the change. To proceed, leave the group. Note, family members aged 13 or older can remove themselves, but if Screen Time is enabled, the family organizer must remove you.
To leave Family Sharing, go to the Settings app > Tap [your name] > Tap Family Sharing > Your name > Tap Stop Using Family Sharing.
If you're still unable to change the App Store region on your iPhone after completing all the necessary steps mentioned above, try signing out of your Apple ID and then signing back in.
To do this, open the Settings app, tap on your profile, scroll down, and select "Sign Out." Follow the instructions to finish the process.
After signing back in, attempt to switch the App Store country to see if the issue persists. You'll be required to input your new payment details, billing address, and agree to the terms and conditions.
Encountering issues when trying to change your country in the App Store can be frustrating, but with the right solutions, you can overcome these obstacles and access the content you desire. By resolving payment issues, you can successfully change your country settings and explore a world of new apps and content.