How to change country in Google Play Store in 2024

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.

While you can change the Google Play Store country manually, you still need to be physically in that country. On top of that, you can only do it once a year. But there are ways to virtually change the country in the Google Play Store more than once a year and easily bypass geo-restricted content in seconds.

One of the most straightforward methods is the use of a VPN. In this article, we will explain how to do it, suggest the best pocket-friendly VPN providers, and explore other methods of changing Google Play country.

How to change Google Play country – a quick guide

1. Select your VPN. We recommend NordVPN, now 74% 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

Things to know about changing Google Play Store country

Google allows you to change your country once a year, but it’s not really useful. With many apps being geo-blocked or having other geo-restrictions, annual change can be more restrictive than freeing.

If you’re going on holidays or travel a lot for work, Google Play Store location restrictions can prevent you from accessing local food delivery apps, e-books, movies, or even banking apps.

Another issue is that if you do opt to change your country yearly, your payment method must match the ones available in your new country. You would also lose access to your Google Play balance and points.

So, the best way to temporarily access local apps and not lose the balance and points you already have is by using alternative ways to change Google Play country, like a VPN. While some geo-restrictions would remain, you should at least be able to access locally-compatible apps.

Best Google Play VPNs in 2024: detailed list

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for Google Play in 2024
2. Surfshark – budget-friendly Google Play VPN
3. Norton Secure VPN – Google Play VPN with additional security features

If you are looking for a the best Google Play VPN, then it should include a large server fleet in many locations, an intuitive Android app, 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 6300+ servers fleet in 111 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 $3.09/month. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free.

We thoroughly reviewed all of NordVPN’s features if you’d like to read more about it.

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 3200+ 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 $2.19/month. If something, it also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our Surfshark review to learn more.

3. Norton Secure VPN – a well-rounded Google Play VPN service

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Norton Secure VPN is great for changing countries on the Google Play Store because of its multiple security features. It can protect you when using a public Wi-Fi, which is very rarely secure.

Another reason why you should consider Norton VPN for your Google Play Store location change is privacy. Norton keeps no logs of your activity yet effectively conceals your identity and IP address.

However, Norton Secure VPN is not the cheapest option. While the most basic annual plan is quite affordable, costing $3.33/month, it only covers one device. The price increases quite significantly if you were to get ten-device coverage or a VPN + Antivirus pack.

You can learn more about Norton Secure VPN in our review.

How to change the Google Play Store country 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 country on Android

A reliable Google Play 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 74% 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 country on desktop

If you want to enjoy apps that are unavailable in your region, you can also access them on your desktop computer. You will need to download the Google Play app but keep in mind that you might not be able to download Android apps on Mac and iOS. Here’s how you can easily change the Store location on your desktop:

1. Get a trustworthy VPN with servers in a country where the apps you want are available. Our top recommendation is NordVPN with 74% 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 Google Play country 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 Android

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 Google Play country manually on desktop

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

How to change Google play country without payment

There are several ways to change the Google Play country without a payment method:

1. Get a VPN. Using a VPN is the most straightforward way to change your Google Play country without adding a payment method or having to wait for a whole year to pass. Free trials and versions of Premium VPNs, like NordVPN, can help you save money while still changing your location.
2. Use Google Play location change. Another free alternative to changing the Google Play store country would be to change the location manually once a year, as Google permits, but that’s significantly less convenient.
3. Create a new account. A free but also less convenient way would be to create a new Google Play Store account and clear all of your former data. A new account would allow you to change your location, but it’s way more time-consuming than just getting a VPN.

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

Google Play not working with a VPN: how to fix it

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.

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

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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 Google Play 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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