How to use a VPN for Google Play to change Store country in 2023

When you move or travel, it can take weeks for the Google Play Store to update and show apps relevant to your new location because the platform showcases geo-located apps. This means you may lose access to downloading banking apps, streaming platforms, and region-restricted content. However, you can change the Google Play Store region manually or with a VPN, which is the best solution.

While you can change the Google Play Store country manually, you still need to be in that country physically. On top of that, you can only do it once a year. Meanwhile, a reliable VPN comes with many servers, so you can change the location to the desired country unlimited times, and easily bypass geo-restricted content in seconds.

While not all VPNs can change the Google Play Store country, we have tested and handpicked providers that are capable of bypassing Store geo-restrictions. So continue reading to find VPNs that proved to successfully change regions on the Google Play Store, and follow step-by-step guides on how to change your country both using a VPN and manually.

How to change country on Google Play Store with VPN

1. Select your VPN. We recommend NordVPN, now 68% OFF
2. Clear your data on the Google Play Store
3. Connect to a VPN server in the region you want to access
4. Change your Play Store location to match that region
5. Download the apps you want to access

Why do you need a VPN to change Google Play Store country?

Using a VPN is one of the best methods and an effective way to change your Google Play Store country. It allows you to modify your device's IP address and connect to a desired country.

For instance, if you are located outside the UK and wish to stream content on the BBC iPlayer, you will encounter a message stating that the app is unavailable in your region.

By connecting to a VPN server in the desired country, you can overcome these restrictions imposed by the Google Play Store and individual app companies.

For example, connecting to the UK server will grant you access to BBC iPlayer, bypassing any geographical limitations. Moreover, you can use this method to access streaming services like Hulu or Max, which are exclusively available in the US, or enjoy Sky Go from outside Europe.

Change Play Store location with NordVPN

Best VPNs for changing Google Play Store region

1. NordVPN – the best VPN to change location on Google Play Store
2. Surfshark – budget-friendly VPN for Google Play Store
3. Atlas VPN – versatile Google Play VPN

Best VPNs to change Google Play Store country – our detailed list

If you are looking for a VPN to change your Google Play Store’s country, then it should include a large server fleet in many locations, an intuitive Android app, strict privacy policy, and features that ensure your seamless VPN usage. We tested and selected the best VPNs capable of changing Google Play Store country, so continue reading and select the one that fits you the best.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN to change location on Google Play Store

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NordVPN is the best VPN to change location on Google Play Store. It offers a massive server fleet, robust Android security features, and an intuitive app that you can use on different Android mobiles, tablets, and Chromebook.

This VPN is one of the best providers to change location on your Google Play Store due to its large 5,800+ servers fleet in 60 countries. So, you can easily switch your IP address to a new one and change Google Play Store in an eye blink.

More so, NordVPN includes an obfuscation feature that conceals the fact you’re using a VPN. This way, you can use the VPN to change Google Play Store without worrying about being detected. It also employs a strict no-logs policy and is regularly audited. You can rest assured it won’t share or track any of your data.

Get NordVPN for just $3.19/month. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free.

To find out more, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – excellent quality-to-price ratio VPN for Google Play Store

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Another excellent VPN for an easy location change on Google Play Store is Surfshark. Alongside a big server network, it also offers a feature-rich Android app, and a subscription to secure unlimited simultaneous connections.

Surfshark allows changing regions on Google Play Store in seconds thanks to its large 3,200+ server network spanning 100 countries.

On top of that, a feature-packed Android app includes a Camouflage Mode (obfuscation) that masks VPN usage, so you can access other countries without getting detected. It also runs with an independently audited no-logs policy ensuring that none of your downloads or other activities will be seen or logged by the VPN.

Surfshark is a great bargain that you can get for just $2.30/month. If something, it also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our Surfshark review to learn more.

3. Atlas VPN – well-rounded Google Play VPN service

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Atlas VPN is one more versatile VPN that makes changing IP address easy, and therefore, you’ll access another country in your Google Play Store effortlessly.

Atlas VPN has over 1,000+ servers in 42 countries, allowing you to choose another location easily and bypass geo-blocks on Google Play Store in this way. It includes unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use the well-rounded Atlas VPN’s Android app on every device you want to secure and use to access Google Play Store.

In the Android app, you get a SafeBrowse, a malware blocking tool, that will help you avoid downloading malicious files from the Google Play Store. Also, it runs on an independently audited no-logs policy, meaning that whatever you download or browse on your Android is only visible to you.

Atlas VPN is one of the cheapest options available on the market that you can get for $1.82/month. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee and a limited free version to test it.

Get to know more on our Atlas VPN review.

4. ExpressVPN – fast VPN service with a decent list of features

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ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPNs among users to bypass various geo-blocks like on Google Play Store because of its massive size server network, excellent Android app, and robust security.

ExpressVPN’s 3,000+ servers in 94 countries ensure you find a server that’s either useful or closer to you. This VPN comes with an intuitive Android app too, and the best part is that you can secure multiple devices with one account as the provider includes 8 simultaneous connections option.

More so, ExpressVPN offers a Threat Manager that prevents all apps and websites on your device from communicating with a set of third parties known. And it also follows an independently audited no-logs policy, so your activities are only visible to you.

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN costing from $6.67/month. You can either grab an ExpressVPN coupon for savings or take it for a spin with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Learn more about the features in our ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost – Google Play Store VPN with the most servers

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CyberGhost VPN is among top tier VPNs for changing Google Play Store location due to a colossal server fleet, excellent Android app, and robust functionality.

With CyberGhost you can access a different country on your Google Play store thanks to its colossal number of over 9,600 servers distributed across 91 countries. And its specialized servers for gaming can enhance your experience even more. It has an intuitive Android app and comes with 7 simultaneous connections, meaning you can use several devices at once.

In fact, there are also servers for streaming that constantly rotate your IP address, has an automatic kill switch feature, and has also gone through independent audits.

It’s a very budget-friendly VPN that you can get for just $2.19/month. And if you want to try it, there’s a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our CyberGhost review and find out more.

How we tested and selected these Google Play Store VPNs

This is what we paid attention to when choosing the best VPN for changing Google Play Store country:

1. Server fleet. The bigger number of servers and the wider geographical distribution is the more versatile content you will access. That’s why we selected those VPNs that offer geographically diverse server fleets.
2. Android app and compatibility. We made sure our suggested VPNs are compatible with Android, Windows, and other similar devices. On top of that, they all have an intuitive interface, and are compatible with other devices like Chromebook or Android TV, including OS such as Windows, macOS, iOS for more reliability.
3. Features. For a VPN to successfully access different country on Google Play Store, it should include features that enhance privacy and security. Therefore, we selected VPNs that have a kill switch, threat protection, obfuscation, and more.
4. Privacy measures. Our selected VPN providers follow strict and independently audited no-logs policies. It means that all of them take additional measures to ensure that whatever you download or do on Google Play Store is visible just for you.

The best Google Play Store countries to connect to

Google Play stores vary across countries. Therefore, the best one will depend on your needs. For example, certain streaming platforms are inaccessible outside the UK, while some betting apps are exclusive to the UK and Europe. There are even Asian communication apps that users outside of Asia can’t access and use.

The following table highlights examples of platforms specifically accessible in these regions:

Although most Google Play libraries are consistent or similar across countries, Line communication platform may not be accessible if you are in Europe, and vice versa. Moreover, certain Google Play features, such as Google TV, e-books, audiobooks, movies & TV, and Newsstand, are not universally available.

Consequently, a reliable VPN can help you connect to the country where your desired app is accessible, enabling you to enjoy the content without encountering regional restrictions on the Google Play Store.

Change Play Store country with NordVPN

How to change the Google Play Store location with a VPN

While you can change the country manually on the Google Play Store, it’s not as easy as doing it with a VPN. This tool helps you connect to another country for you to appear as if you’re there.

Read on and find steps on how to change the Google Play Store location with a VPN on Android and Windows.

Change Google Play Store country on Android with a VPN

A reliable VPN can help trick your Android device into thinking that you’re in a different country. All you need to do is follow these simple steps:

1. Get a strong VPN with servers in the country where the apps you want are available. We recommend NordVPN, now 68% OFF
2. Connect to a VPN
3. Create a new Google Play account when connected to the VPN
4. Skip phone number and payment method registration
5. Look for the app that should be available now
6. If the app is still not available, clear the app's cache and settings in the 'Settings' menu of the phone

Change Play Store country with NordVPN

Change Google Play Store country on Windows with a VPN

If you want to enjoy apps that are unavailable in your region, you can also access them on your Windows. The process won’t differ on your Chromebook either, however, not all Android apps may be available. Here’s how you can easily change the Store location on Windows:

1. Get a trustworthy VPN with servers in a country where the apps you want are available. Our top recommendation is NordVPN with 68% OFF
2. Connect to a VPN
3. Create a new Google Play account when connected to the VPN. You can also connect to the account you created on Android (if you did it)
4. Skip phone number and payment method registration
5. Look for the app that should be available now
6. If the app is still not available, clear browser settings and browsing data. You can also sign out of the account, change the server, and log into the same account

Change Play Store country with NordVPN

How to change the Google Play Store location on your device manually

You can also change the Google Play Store location on your device manually. But unfortunately, you can’t just switch to a new country because you need to be physically present in the country you want to change to.

Moreover, the option won’t be present instantly even if you’re in the country. It may take up to a few weeks for the country’s apps to appear on Play Store. Also, you can change the country only once a year.

Change Google Play country manually on a smartphone or a tablet

To manually update your current account’s location on an Android device, you will need to:

1. Go to the Google Play Store and click on the account icon in the top-right corner
2. Select ‘Settings’. On the menu, click on ‘General’. Then, tap on ‘Account and device preferences’
3. Scroll down and find ‘Country and profiles’
4. Depending on your IP address you will see which country you can connect to. Add a payment method from that country and you will change Google Play Store’s location

Change your Google account country manually on Windows/PC

You can also change your Google account location manually on your PC by following these steps:

1. Go to Google Play Store and select the account icon in the top right corner
2. Click on ‘Manage your Google Account’
3. In the left-hand menu, click on ‘Payments & Subscriptions’. Then, select ‘Payment methods’
4. Add a new payment method that is registered in the country you are trying to change to
5. Go to ‘Addresses’ and add a new address
6. If the payment method is legit, the store should automatically change regions

Best VPN for Google Play Store

Do you wish to access a specific app that is available in a specific location? Use NordVPN to mask your IP address and change your Google Play Store location easily. You can expect great speed and many security features from this provider.

cybernews® score

4.9 /5

• Fast speed
• Affordable pricing
• Large server fleet

Visit NordVPN

Video review

You can find detailed steps on how to change your Google Play Store location with a VPN and instructions on doing it manually. The video will assist you in selecting a VPN for the job, and changing the IP address. More so, it’ll guide you through must-know things while changing the country manually.

Can you change your Google Play Store location with a free VPN?

Yes, a free VPN for Google Play might be able to change your store location. However, that itself might come at a certain price.

It is a known fact that free VPNs are often more harmful than helpful. A free VPN usually lacks standard security features, has a small server fleet, and might not even block your IP all that well. And that is something you definitely need to access Google Play’s geo-restricted content.

Yet, worst of all, most free VPNs might be selling user data to third parties. And that is definitely not something to be after. For that reason, I suggest you look into freemium VPNs, or VPNs that offer free trials.

Some of the best VPNs with a free trial are:

1. NordVPN – offers a standard 30-day money-back guarantee plus a 7-day free trial. By opting for either, you can try the fast speeds, military-grade security, and a large fleet of servers for free.
2. Surfshark – similar to NordVPN, Surfshark also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial. Enjoy very secure and very fast services on as many devices as you wish. Free of charge, of course.

Google Play not working with a VPN – what to do?

Even though using a VPN for Google Play Store is very simple, even the best VPNs sometimes don’t work exactly as we need them. To solve that, here are a few things you can do:

• Clear your Google Play Store and browser’s cache, data, and cookies. Google Play or your browser may still contain the residue of your actual location, therefore, blocking your VPN from changing the location successfully. Clearing such data should be one of the first steps to help.
• Connect to a different server. The one you’re connected to may be overcrowded or blocked. So, connect to a different server for your VPN to do the job.
• Enable leak protection. Make sure that your VPN is not leaking your real IP address. Check whether you’ve enabled leak protection features, such as a kill switch, that prevent your actual IP address from showing.
• Try a different VPN service provider. We recommend following our recommendations and only using a reliable VPN service that has been tested to be trustworthy and capable of bypassing geo-restrictions. Completely free may lack leak protection and servers to change your country successfully.
• Contact your VPN provider. If the steps above don’t help, we recommend contacting your VPN’s customer support. This way you can identify whether the issue lays within the provider, or on the Google Play Store’s side.

Bottom line

The Google Play Store offers apps based on your geo-location. If you wish to download apps that are not available in your current location, there are two methods: using a VPN or manually changing your location.

The latter method has its limitations, such as requiring physical presence in the desired country or allowing location changes only once a year. In contrast, a reliable VPN with servers in your desired country is the ideal solution.

A VPN like NordVPN not only allows you to change your IP address to appear as if you are in the selected country but also eliminates the need to provide payment information or an address. Additionally, such a tool offers enhanced security features like leak protection, ensuring a seamless transition to the desired location on the Google Play Store.

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