Change Your iPhone Region for a Better Experience
Changing your iPhone’s region is a common need—whether you’ve moved countries, want to access region-specific apps, or hope to find better subscription prices. However, the process isn’t always straightforward and comes with important considerations most guides don’t mention. This comprehensive guide walks through everything you need to know about changing your iPhone region, including two different methods with distinct purposes, essential prerequisites, and troubleshooting tips for common problems.
Understanding Two Types of Region Changes on iPhone
Many iPhone users don’t realize there are actually two different region settings on their devices, each serving separate purposes:
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System Region: Affects date formats, time displays, temperature units, and calendar formats
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Apple ID Region: Determines which App Store content you can access, available subscriptions, and payment methods
You can change these settings independently, but for a seamless experience, Apple recommends keeping them aligned .
Table: System Region vs. Apple ID Region Changes
| Feature | System Region Change | Apple ID Region Change |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Adjust local formats & units | Access regional apps & content |
| Affects | Date/time formats, measurement units | App Store content, subscriptions |
| Payment Method | Not required | Required for new region |
| Complexity | Simple toggle | Multiple prerequisites |
| Content Access | No change in available apps | Changes available apps & media |
What to Do Before Changing Your iPhone Region?
Proper preparation prevents frustration when changing your Apple ID region. Apple enforces several prerequisites that must be met before you can switch countries :
✅ Spend Your Remaining Apple ID Balance
You cannot change regions with any store credit remaining. Spend your balance completely or forfeit it when changing regions.
✅ Cancel All Active Subscriptions
This includes all subscriptions—even free trials or Apple Music, iCloud+, and app subscriptions. You must wait until the current billing cycle ends for each subscription .
✅ Leave Family Sharing Groups
If you’re part of a Family Sharing group, you must leave it before changing regions. Family members must share the same region setting .
✅ Prepare a Local Payment Method
You’ll need a valid payment method from your new country, such as a local credit card or accepted payment service. Some regions allow “None” as a payment option if you also provide a local billing address .
How to Change Your iPhone’s System Region?
Changing your system region is straightforward and doesn’t affect your Apple ID:
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Open Settings → General → Language & Region
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Tap Region
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Select your new country or region
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Confirm your choice
Your iPhone will immediately adjust date, time, number, and temperature formats to match your selected region. Some apps may use this setting to customize content .
How to Change Your Apple ID Region or Country?
This process is more involved but necessary for accessing different App Store content:
Using Your iPhone or iPad
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Open Settings → tap your Apple ID name at the top
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Tap Media & Purchases → View Account
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Tap Country/Region → Change Country or Region
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Select your new country from the list
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Review and agree to the Terms & Conditions
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Enter your payment method and billing address for the new region
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Tap Next to complete the process
Using a Computer
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Open Apple Music or Apple TV app on Mac or PC
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Access Account → Account Settings (Mac) or click your name then View My Account (PC)
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Sign in if prompted
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On the Account Information page, click Change Country or Region
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Select your new country and agree to the terms
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Enter new payment information and click Continue
See it in Action:
You can watch our YouTube video to learn how exactly it’s done.
Troubleshooting Common iPhone Region Change Problems
“Unable to Change Country/Region” Error
This usually happens when:
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You have active subscriptions (check Settings → [Your Name] → Subscriptions)
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Store credit remains on your Apple ID
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You’re still part of a Family Sharing group
Payment Method Rejected
Ensure your payment method is:
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Issued in your new country
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Valid and not expired
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Accepted by Apple in that region
Some regions allow selecting “None” for payment method if other options aren’t available .
Apps Not Downloading or Updating
After changing regions:
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Some apps may be unavailable in your new region
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Previous app purchases might not update if the app isn’t available in your new region’s store
You may need to switch back to your original region to update certain apps
Also checkout: Discover the Joy of Shuffling Wallpapers on iPhone
Alternative Methods to Change iPhone Region
Using a VPN Service
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) changes your IP address to make it appear you’re in another country. This helps access region-locked website content but doesn’t change your App Store region. VPNs are legal for privacy and accessing your home content while traveling .
Creating a New Apple ID
If you frequently need to access multiple regional app stores, consider creating separate Apple IDs for different regions. This avoids the hassle of constantly switching regions with a single account .
Best Practices and Pro Tips
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Back up your iPhone before changing regions to prevent data loss
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Download your favorite content beforehand, as some may become unavailable
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Research regional differences in app availability and services before switching
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Keep regions consistent between system and Apple ID settings when possible
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Check subscription pricing differences—some regions offer lower rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my iPhone region without a payment method?
Some countries allow selecting “None” as a payment method during the region change process. If this option isn’t available, you’ll need a local payment method .
Will I lose my purchased apps and music when changing regions?
You won’t lose them, but some content may become unavailable for redownload or updates if it’s not offered in your new region. Download important content before switching regions .
How often can I change my iPhone region?
Apple doesn’t specify a limit, but each change requires meeting all prerequisites (no subscriptions, no balance, etc.). Frequent changes may trigger security verification.
Why can’t I access certain apps after changing regions?
App availability varies by country due to licensing agreements and local regulations. If an app isn’t available in your new region, it won’t appear in that region’s App Store .
Final Thoughts
Changing your iPhone region opens up new content and customizes your device to local formats. While the process requires preparation—especially for Apple ID changes—following these steps ensures a smooth transition.
Remember the key distinction: adjust system region in Settings for local formats, and change Apple ID region for different App Store content. With proper planning, you can optimize your iPhone for any location worldwide.
Have you changed your iPhone region? Share your experience or questions in the comments below!
