4 Ways to Switch Countries in iTunes or App Store

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Do you want to shop in the App Stores of other countries, or maybe you want to see what iTunes stores in other countries show? Apple allows you to switch countries in both iTunes and the App Store, as long as you can verify that you have an address in that country. If you want to switch countries but don't actually live in the country you want to switch to, you can search, but you can't buy.

Step

Method 1 of 4: Switch Country on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Step 1. Open the iTunes App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

This method will only work if you have a credit card with a billing address in the country where you want to change your account. Alternatively, a gift card issued in the region originating from the country you want to use to switch accounts can also be used.

Step 2. Go to the features page (or homepage) and click Apple ID

If you're not signed in, click Sign In and enter your Apple ID username and password.

Step 3. Click View Apple ID or View Account

Step 4. Click Country/Region

Step 5. Click Change Country or Region

Step 6. Enter the country you want to use to change your account

Remember, you must have a valid credit card with a billing address in the country you want to use to change your account. If you have selected the country, tap Next.

Step 7. Agree to the terms and conditions from Apple

Step 8. Enter your credit card and billing information

The credit card billing information must match the country you want to switch to.

Step 9. Done

You will now be able to search for and purchase songs and apps from your new iTunes or App store.

Method 2 of 4: Switch Country on Mac or PC

Step 1. Sign in to iTunes or App Store using your Apple ID

Once iTunes or the App Store opens, if you haven't already, click Sign in and enter your Apple ID username and password.

Unlike what you might think, you can't just change the country or region of your account by changing the flags at the bottom of the features page or homepage. This will only allow you to browse selected iTunes or App Stores in that country (see Method 3), but you will be signed out of your account. So you won't be able to make a purchase

Step 2. Once logged in, click Account in the right toolbar

You may be asked to enter your Apple ID again.

Step 3. Click the Change Country or Region link on your Account page

Step 4. Select the country you want to switch to

Remember, you can only switch to a country where you have a local billing address on a valid credit card, or you have a local gift card. You can't switch countries if you don't have a local credit card or gift certificate. Click Change once you have selected a country.

Step 5. Press Continue when you are directed to the Welcome to the iTunes Store page

Step 6. Read and agree to Apple's Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Select the checkbox that says "I have read and agree to these terms and conditions." Click Agree.

Step 7. Enter a valid payment method

If you have a credit card, enter it now. Valid local gift cards will also be accepted.

Step 8. Enter the billing address associated with your local credit card

Click Continue.

Method 3 of 4: Browsing a Different iTunes or App Store

Step 1. Open iTunes store and scroll to the bottom right of the screen

Click the flag at the bottom of the screen. The flag must match the country you currently live in.

Step 2. Scroll down the list of flags and select the flag of the country you want to explore

You will be directed to that country's iTunes or App Store homepage. You can browse what the country has to offer, but you won't be able to buy music, movies, or apps.

Method 4 of 4: Resolving Common Problems

Step 1. Troubleshooting an active iTunes Match subscription

iTunes won't allow you to switch countries or regions with an active Match subscription, which stores all your music in iCloud. Cancel your subscription or wait for it to expire then you can switch countries. To cancel iTunes Match,

1. Open iTunes and click the App Store link at the top of the toolbar
2. Click Sign in and enter your Apple ID username and password
3. Click Store → View My Account

4. Look for the "iTunes in the Cloud" section and click "Turn Off Auto-Renew" next to iTunes Match.

   

   Step 2. Solve the incomplete pass issue

   If you have a seasonal pass or multi-pass, you must complete it to switch countries. You must complete the pass by watching the episodes associated with the pass or Wait for the pass to expire.

   

   Step 3. Solve the issue of unfinished movie rentals

   Wait at least 30 days without renewing your lease and you will be able to switch accounts.

   

   Step 4. Solve store credit balance problems

   Unfortunately, you must use up all the credits in your store balance before you switch accounts. If you don't have enough money to buy something, add a credit card to your account; then buy something slightly above the amount of credit you have. The credit will be used and the remaining amount will be charged to your credit card. Without any credit, you will be able to switch accounts.

   

   Step 5. Resolve pending store credit refund issues

   Wait a few hours for the refund to apply to your account, then try switching again. It usually only takes a few hours to issue a refund.

   

   Step 6. Learn how to recover your Apple ID and password

   If you're having trouble switching countries because you don't remember your Apple ID or password, click here.

   

   Step 7. Try updating to the latest version of iTunes if nothing else works

   If you've tried all the tricks in the book and still can't get what you want, try updating iTunes to the latest version.