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How to Change Your Country or Region in the Google Play Store

Google Play is the center of the Android ecosystem, providing a wide array of apps, games, and entertainment for global users. If you’ve relocated or desire a new perspective, this article teaches you how to change the country in Google Play Store.

Switching your Google Play Store location is a legal and easy way to access prominent apps officially. Changing the region on your Play Store also lets you download geo-restricted apps on your device. So, let’s check how you can do it.

Things to Remember Before Changing the Country in the Google Play Store

There are many reasons to switch the country setting on your Google Play Store. One reason could be that an app you recently downloaded is unavailable in your country. Before discussing how to change your Play Store region, consider a few important points.

1. Frequency of Country Change

You can change your Play Store country once a year. After the change, you can’t switch back for another year.

2. Payment Method

Your old payment method won’t work with your new account. Use a payment option from the new country for transactions.

3. Content Availability

Keep in mind that certain books, movies, TV shows, games, and apps might not be accessible in your new country, which could cause a loss of access.

4. Google Play Balance

Your Google Play balance from your old country cannot be used in your new region. However, if you return to your old country, you will regain access to your balance.

5. Google Play Points

Switching countries can result in the loss of access to your Google Play Points and potentially cause your game’s progress level to not carry over to the new region.

6. Google Play Pass Subscription

If you have a Google Play Pass subscription, it will only transfer to your new country if the service is available there. If not, you can’t install more Google Play Pass games and apps.

7. Available Payment Options

Ensure the new country provides suitable payment options. Some countries have limitations on payment methods available.

8. Country-Specific Regulations

Be aware of any country-specific regulations or restrictions that may affect using certain apps or content in your new region.

9. Data Loss

Changing your country might result in data loss or progress in some apps and games. We recommend backing up your Windows data and files before switching.

10. Family Library

If you’re part of a Family Library, changing countries may impact availability or features. Verify if your new country supports Family Library.

Prerequisites for Country Change in Google Play Store

Before we proceed to the steps for changing the country or region in the Google Play Store, let’s first review the requirements:

– Your Google Play account must be at least one year old.

– You need a valid IP address from the desired country.

– You need a valid payment method from the desired country.

Change Google Play Country on Desktop

When you meet the requirements, follow these steps to change your Google Play Store country on your computer:

Step 1: Open a web browser on your computer.

Step 2: Go to the Google Payment Center and click Settings.

Step 3: In the Payments profile section, click Edit next to Country/Region.

Step 4: Choose the “Create new profile” option.

Step 5: Press Continue to create a new profile.

Step 6: Select a country from the dropdown menu for Country/Region and click Continue.

Step 7: Enter your payment address and click Submit.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a new payment profile. The Google Play Store will automatically switch to your new country or region within 48 hours.

Change Google Play Country on Mobile

Switching country settings in the Google Play Store on your Android device is straightforward. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the Play Store and tap your picture in the top-right corner.

Step 2: Go to Settings, select General.

Step 3: Tap ‘Account and device preferences’ and find the Country and profiles section.

Step 4: Switch to the [region] Play Store if you’re in a different country than you were initially registered to.

Step 5: Add a new Payment method to your account. After that, you can check out the Play Store for that region.

Note: It might take up to 48 hours for this change to work.

Change Country in Google Play Store Using VPN

If you want to change your country or region in the Google Play Store, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one effective way. With a VPN, you can modify your virtual location and access apps and content that are not available in your current region. Additionally, this method allows you to change your Google Play country without adding a payment method if you haven’t already done so.

The Google Play Store’s app availability varies based on your location. To maximize VPN effectiveness, use a reliable, high-speed, and secure network.

Connecting your VPN differs depending on the app and device. For this example, we’ll use Windscribe VPN on a Windows computer:

Step 1: Download and install Windscribe VPN. Step 2: Launch the app and sign in to your account. Create a new account if needed.

Step 3: Select the Locations dropdown and choose your desired country from the list. Click the power button to connect to a VPN server.

Step 4: You’re now connected to a VPN. Depending on your device, follow the steps above to change the country in the Google Play Store. Tip: Clear your app data if using the Play Store app on mobile.

Bonus: How to Change Google Play Country Without Adding a Payment Method

If your Google account is less than a year old or you don’t have a payment method for the country you want to switch to on the Google Play Store, follow these steps on your Android device:

Step 1: Open the Settings app.

Step 2: Go to Accounts & Sync and choose your Google account.

Step 3: Tap Remove Account and select OK.

Note: Your data will not be affected; this will only remove your account from this device.

Select App manager and go to Google Play Store.

Step 6: Press Force Stop and choose OK.

Step 7: Tap Storage and select Clear data. If prompted, confirm by tapping Clear data again.

Note: This will log you out of all your Google accounts on Google Play Services.

Step 8: Open your VPN app and select the desired country to connect.

– “Step 9: Launch the Play Store app and tap Sign in.”

Step 10: Wait a few minutes until Play Store finishes checking information. Tap Create account and complete the process.

Congratulations! You’ve created an account to access the Play Store for that region. Remember to stay connected to the VPN while trying to access the Play Store for the country.

FAQs on Changing Your Country or Region in the Google Play Store

1. One potential reason why you can’t change your Google Play country is if your account is less than a year old or if you recently changed your country within the last year.

2. There are various reasons why Google Play items may not be available in your country, including technical limitations, government restrictions, and licensing issues.

Location Updated

Access a variety of games and apps in the Google Play Store and alter your country or region to utilize alternative payment and pricing methods. Exercise caution when changing your region as this can only be done once per year.