I recently moved to a new country and need to download apps specific to this region. My App Store account is still set to my old country, and I’m not sure how to change it. Can anyone guide me through the process?
Alright, so you moved, and the App Store is stubbornly loyal to your old country? Here’s the lowdown:
- Open Settings: On your iPhone or iPad, find ‘Settings’ ‘cause that’s the mothership.
- Tap on your name: Yeah, right at the top. It says something like ‘Apple ID, iCloud, yadda yadda.’
- Scroll to Media & Purchases: Tap on that, then hit ‘View Account.’ Might ask for your password or Face ID. Security, y’know.
- Country/Region: You’ll find this option. Tap it, then hit ‘Change Country or Region.’
- Pick Your New Country: Scroll or search for your new home.
- Agree to Terms: Terms and conditions… skim ‘em or don’t; nobody’s actually reading those.
- Update Your Payment Method: This is the tricky part. It wants a payment method VALID in the new country. So, yeah, those old cards tied to your previous address aren’t gonna cut it. If you’re card-less, you can try entering none (if it lets you), but having a card or PayPal linked to the new country is usually a win.
- Address Details: It’ll need a billing address tied to the new country. If you’re not set up with one yet, uh… improvise. BUT don’t be shady, Apple will find you.
Things to note:
- Existing Subscriptions: They’re gonna throw a tantrum. Cancel ‘em, wait for them to end, then proceed.
- App Availability: Apps from your old country’s store might poof if they’re not available in the new one. Hope you’re not attached.
- Switch Limits: Apple doesn’t love frequent movers. So no rapid shifts back and forth—stay loyal.
If you face hiccups like “This can’t be changed at this time,” blame Apple’s policies. It’s a real test of patience.
Too much hassle? Some folks create a separate Apple ID for the new country. Two accounts, double the fun. Or frustration. Whatever you prefer. Cheers.
Alright, buckle up, here’s a blunt take. Changing your App Store country is a royal pain in the you know what, and Apple makes sure it’s not a smooth ride. But hey, let’s address what @jeff covered and where reality checks hit.
Sure, following those steps is fine… until it’s not. The whole payment method thing? Oh, you’ll need a card from your shiny new country, and guess what? If you’re still in the process of getting settled, you’re probably outta luck unless you have a local buddy with a card or manage to link PayPal from your new home base. “Just change your country,” they said—simple, they said. 
Oh, and let’s talk about ‘Subscriptions throwing tantrums.’ That’s an understatement. Say goodbye to anything you’re currently subscribed to in your old country until it’s canceled and done. Yes, even if you’re halfway through that yearly membership you were loving so much. Don’t cancel? Well, enjoy being stuck in digital limbo.
Apps disappearing? Yep, totally a thing. Some are region-locked tighter than a drum. Meaning anything from your old app life could vanish if it doesn’t play ball in your new location. At this point, Apple ID purgatory or creating a second account starts sounding way better. But managing dual IDs? Also annoying.
Honestly, anyone who’s lived through this will tell you Apple really could’ve made this easier. At least give people a transition grace period or something? Making you jump through hoops for access to your apps in 2023 feels archaic.