How to change App Store country in 2026
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If you’re wondering how to change your App Store country, you’ve probably run into an app, game, or piece of digital content that isn’t available where you are. That’s normal – Apple’s App Store catalog varies by region, so what you see depends on your country settings.
The good news is that you can switch your App Store country and access region-specific apps. In some cases, a VPN can also help by changing your IP location. However, you’ll need to keep your current purchases, active subscriptions, and billing details in mind, as these can prevent the change.
Keep reading to learn how to change your App Store country, which VPNs are best for the job, and how to fix the most common issues along the way.
How to change App Store country with VPN
- Pick a reliable VPN compatible with iOS – I suggest NordVPN, now 75% OFF
- Download and install the software and set up an account
- Connect to a server in the location of your choice
- Open the App Store and go to your Apple ID
- Click Country/Region and change the location to match the one you chose in step 3
- Relaunch the Apple App Store and enjoy browsing all the apps from that region
Why you should use a VPN for the Apple App Store
A VPN allows you to change your Apple App Store region, which gives you access to that region’s app library. This is ideal if you’re traveling abroad, if you’re in a location that’s experiencing difficulties with the App Store, or if you want to download apps and services available in another part of the world.
Aside from this, a VPN is an essential cybersecurity tool for any device. And although Apple does have some security features on its iPhones, Macs, and iPads, a VPN will provide much more sophisticated protection for your data. After all, a VPN encrypts your traffic, meaning that it can’t be viewed by cybercriminals, advertisers, or other third parties. This, of course, is even more crucial if you’re using an iPhone, as you might connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi while you’re out.
In addition, a VPN allows you to bypass region restrictions on all sorts of streaming services, such as BBC iPlayer, HBO/Max, and even foreign versions of Netflix and Amazon Video Prime, by connecting to a server in another location.
What's the best VPN to change App Store country?
Choosing the right VPN can be difficult, as there are so many different providers out there. But it’s important to note that not all VPNs support Apple products. Therefore, if you want a VPN to help you change the App Store country, you’ll need to select one that works on your devices.
On top of this, speed, security, and the quality and quantity of servers will vary dramatically, depending on which VPN you choose.
To save you from having to research this yourself, we’ve done all the hard work for you by testing out the best VPNs for Apple devices (Mac and iPhone) on the market. This helped me narrow down the list of the best VPNs that can bypass Apple App Store geo-restrictions.
Best VPNs to change App Store country
Together with expert researchers, I've reviewed 41 VPNs to discover that the 3 below are the best and most reliable at changing your Apple App Store country. Learn more about them by reading the descriptions below.
- NordVPN – one of the best VPNs for Apple
- Surfshark – best value VPN to change the App Store country
- IPVanish – fast VPN for Mac enthusiasts
1. NordVPN – best VPN for changing your App Store country
| Jurisdiction: | Panama |
| Servers: | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Current deal: | Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN is the ultimate tool for changing your App Store country on any Apple device. The service offers over 9,500 servers across 149 countries, giving users exceptional versatility regarding options. Moreover, thanks to NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol, you can enjoy great performance.
One NordVPN account supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, meaning you can use it to secure your entire household. All desktop and mobile apps are powerful, easy to use, and filled with features. For example, Threat Protection will ensure you don’t accidentally download malware. It will also block ads and online trackers to improve your browsing experience.
NordVPN prices start at only $3.49/month, which is pretty reasonable considering its extensive feature package. Plus, it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee as a way to test it without commitment.
Learn more in our complete NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark – most cost-effective VPN for Apple devices
| Jurisdiction: | The Netherlands |
| Servers: | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more |
| Current deal: | Now up to 85% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Go with Surfshark if you’re looking for a cheap and secure option to change your Apple App Store country. This provider costs only $2.49/month – even less when you use the Surfshark discount code "OFFCN" – yet provides excellent performance across the board.
For starters, Surfshark VPN offers a fleet of 4,500+ servers across 100 countries. While the server fleet is smaller compared to NordVPN's, Surfshark supports unlimited device connections per account, which is a great advantage over the #1 provider. Regarding connectivity, Surfshark employs the WireGuard protocol to provide swift and secure connections anywhere.
The best thing about Surfshark is that it offers a 7-day free trial that’s available on the Apple App Store. That means you can test it without committing to a paid subscription. Another option is using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Learn more in our Surfshark VPN review.
3. IPVanish – well-balanced VPN for Apple devices
| Jurisdiction: | United States |
| Servers: | 3,400+ servers in 112 countries |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and more |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish is a versatile VPN capable of changing your location on Apple devices. The service is also reliable, swift, and secure, making it an excellent choice for any other situation.
IPVanish comes with 3,400+ servers in 112 countries for changing your location, which is plenty of choice. Additionally, the service is equipped with the open-source WireGuard protocol to ensure your connections are always fast and well-protected. And like Surfshark, IPVanish supports unlimited device connections that can cover your family and friends.
IPVanish is currently available for only $2.19/month, making it a pretty affordable option for changing your Apple App Store location. You can test it without risks using the lengthy 30-day money-back guarantee.
Learn more in our IPVanish review.
How does the App Store detect your location?
The Apple App Store uses a few different methods to determine your location. First and foremost, it can check your Apple ID to determine where you are located in the world. But fooling Apple isn’t as simple as changing the ID to another country. Chances are you’ll still see the same version of the App Store you had access to before.
This is because Apple can still detect your whereabouts by looking at your IP address and GPS location.
By using a VPN to connect to a different server, you can hide your true IP address behind the one issued by your VPN provider. This will then make it appear as though you’re in another country, which will allow you to successfully change your App Store country. Some VPN apps also come with GPS spoofing features to ensure Apple can’t track you.
How to change the location on the iTunes Store
On modern Apple devices, the iTunes Store is managed through your Apple Account (Apple ID) country/region settings, not through the old iTunes desktop app. You might want to change your Store country if:
- Accessing content that’s only available on the iTunes Store in another part of the world
- When traveling outside your home country and needing access to your App Store back home
- Protecting your privacy by hiding your true location
Luckily, a reputable VPN can help you do this by changing your IP address. However, the iTunes Store region is primarily linked to your Apple ID country/region settings, so you may need to update those as well.
Simply follow these steps to change your iTunes Store location:
- Choose a reputable VPN that works on Apple devices – I recommend NordVPN
- Download and install the software and complete the sign-up process
- Connect to a server in your chosen location
-
Open Settings (on iPhone/iPad) or System Settings (on Mac) and go to your Apple ID
-
Change your Apple ID region to your country of choice
- Restart the App Store or iTunes Store and browse content in your chosen region
Once you’ve successfully changed your iTunes Store location, you’ll be able to bypass any geo-restrictions placed on certain content.
How to change the App Store location on your device
If you’re traveling to another part of the world or want to access the contents of another country’s App Store, you’ll need to change your App Store’s location. All you need is a reliable VPN to connect to a server in your chosen location and change the region of your Apple ID. Some VPNs even have GPS spoofing features built-in to keep your actual location completely hidden from Apple.
Of course, this doesn’t just work for the App Store. You can also use this method to change your location on a range of Apple apps and services, such as:
- iTunes Store
- Apple Fitness+
- Apple Books app
- Game Center
- Apple TV app
- Apple Music app
- Apple News app
Let’s see how to change your App Store country on Apple devices.
Change app store country on iPhone and iPad
Whether you’ve got an iPad or an iPhone, you can use this method to change your location on the Apple App Store:
- Select a VPN provider that has an iOS app – NordVPN is ideal for this
- Download the software from the App Store and sign up
- Connect to a server in the country of your choice
-
Head to Settings on your phone, open up your Apple ID, and choose your preferred region
-
Agree to the terms and conditions and enter your payment information
- Open the App Store and start browsing a catalog of apps
If this doesn’t work, clear your cache and cookies and try again.
Change app store country on Mac
If you’ve got a Mac, follow these steps to change your App Store location:
- Choose a VPN that works on Macs – my favorite is NordVPN because it supports Apple devices
- Download the software from the VPN’s website and create an account
- Connect to a server in your preferred country
- Launch the App Store on your Mac, double click on your Apple ID in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen, and hit View Information
- Change your region to the country you’ve chosen, agree to the terms and conditions, and enter your payment information
- Restart the App Store and start looking for new apps
If this hasn’t worked, try clearing your cache and cookies and relaunching the App Store. You may also like to read our detailed guide on how to change location on a Mac.
Is it legal to change your location on the App Store?
Yes, it’s legal to change your location on the Apple App Store with a VPN. You can also use a GPS spoofing app or a proxy server to change your App Store country. However, note that these options aren’t as secure, and they don’t come with additional privacy features to protect your identity and activity while you’re connected.
But while it’s not illegal to do this, it may go against Apple’s Terms of Service. And it likely won’t accept payments on the App Store from a credit or debit card linked to your true location. Still, you can get around this by purchasing a gift card for the Apple App Store and using that instead.
If you want any more details, take a look at our guide on VPN legality.
Can’t change location on the App Store with a VPN?
Occasionally, even if you’ve downloaded a VPN from the App Store and used it to connect to a server in another location, you might still not be able to change your App Store country. In such cases, it may be that you’ve accidentally connected to a server in the wrong region, or your VPN simply isn’t working.
If you’ve made sure your VPN is up and running and connected to a server in the right location, you should check for the following issues:
- Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod is old and no longer compatible with your VPN’s software
- Your GPS location doesn’t match the IP address on your VPN
- Your real IP address is leaking
- Your VPN cannot bypass the geo-restrictions on the app or site you want to use
- The cookies on your device could reveal your actual location
To solve these problems, try the following options:
- Clear your cache and cookies
- Connect to another server
- Enable IP leak protection in the settings on your VPN
- Try a different browser
- Reach out to your VPN’s customer service team
If you’ve tried all these solutions and the VPN is still not working correctly, it might be time to think about switching providers. I recommend one of the top 3 VPNs listed above.
Conclusion
If you want unrestricted access to everything that’s available on the Apple App Store, you will face geo-restrictions. Apple simply offers different things to users in different regions. Fortunately, there is a workaround you can use – a VPN with global servers in the locations whose content you want to access.
My top VPN recommendation for changing the App Store country is NordVPN, as it has plenty of servers, guarantees terrific performance, and offers plenty of features to bypass geo-restrictions, browse anonymously, and enforce your security.
FAQs
Will a VPN hide the IP address on my iPhone?
Yes, when you use a VPN to connect to one of its servers, you’ll then be issued with a new IP address based in that location. This will then hide your true IP address from your iPhone, as well as any apps, sites, or services you try to access. To find out how, check out our step-by-step guide.
What is the best VPN for changing my location on the App Store?
I tested many VPNs, and I found that NordVPN is the best solution for changing your location on the Apple App Store. It has a great iOS app that has heaps of security features, and it’s straightforward to use. Besides this, it can unblock all sorts of sites and services from other parts of the world, delivering excellent security.
Is it safe to use a VPN to change your location on the Apple App Store?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to use a VPN to change your App Store location. In fact, using a VPN can improve your online security by encrypting your traffic and thereby keeping your private information safe from cybercriminals.
How do I download American App Store apps?
To download American App Store apps, you need to get a reliable VPN, like NordVPN, and connect to a server in the US. Then you’ll be able to access the American version of the App Store.
Will I lose my apps if I change App Store country?
You shouldn’t lose most of your apps. The only issue may occur with geo-restricted apps only available in certain countries. If you change your location to one of the countries where certain apps aren’t available, then you won’t be able to access them.
Does changing your App Store location affect anything?
Changing your App Store location changes the content that is available for you. You can easily change your Apple App Store location with a reliable VPN. I recommend picking NordVPN for this.
