The apps, games, and content availability on the Google Play Store will vary according to the country you have chosen. So, if you have moved to a different location or region, you should consider changing the country on the Play Store for better exposure to the content. Those others who
This article will walk you through how to change your Google Play Store location both manually and by using a VPN.
How to Change Country in Play Store (Using App)
To change the geolocation on the Google Play Store, follow the steps mentioned below,
1. Launch the Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet and tap the Profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
2. Hit the Settings option and tap General from the menu.
3. Now, choose Accounts and Device Preference and select the country where you want to add an account under Country and Profiles.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to add the address and payment method for the new region.
Note that you will be shown a different country name to choose only if you are in a different location. Also, your Google Play Store account may take up to 48 hours to update the new address and payment method.
How to Change Country in Play Store (Desktop)
1. Log in to your Google Play Store account from any browser of your choice.
2. Go to the Google Payment Center and click Add a payment method.
3. Enter the card details and billing address of your new region.
Once done, the Google Play Store will change the location to a new country or region, and it might take up to 48 hours to match the current IP address.
How to Change Country in Play Store Using a VPN
You can use a VPN to change country temporarily on the Google Play Store. A VPN can mask your IP address and make you appear as though you are in a different country. The best part is that it helps you change the location without adding any payment options.
1. Select a good VPN and install it on your device.
2. Login with the account credentials and connect to the server in the selected country.
3. Now, go to the Settings menu and select Apps.
4. Choose Google Play Store from the list of apps and then clear your cache and data.
4. Tap the Force Stop option and relaunch the Google Play Store.
Here, navigate to paid apps and check if the currency corresponds to your selected VPN server location. You can repeat the above steps to connect to different locations. You can turn off your VPN server to return to your current location anytime.
Why Should You Change Your Play Store Country?
Some of the reasons that make you change your Play Store region are mentioned below,
Geo-restriction – Google Play Store curates apps based on your location. If you want to access apps and other digital unavailable in your region, you can try switching the location.
Pricing – To save money to access apps that are cheaper in another region than your current location.
Censorship – Google Play is banned in countries like China. To access the apps, you try changing the location of the Google Play Store.
Travelling – If you are travelling abroad, it is essential to use online banking and other apps that are location-specific for our day-to-day needs. In such cases, it is mandatory to change the location in the Google Play Store.
Things to Know Before You Change Country in the Play Store
To begin the process of changing your country on the Google Play Store, you should be aware of a few things that are listed below,
- Play Store allows you to change your country only once per year. Once you change your country you cannot switch back to the older region for another year.
- Google Play Store tracks your location to determine which country’s store you are accessing. So you must physically be present in that country.
- After switching to a new region, you cannot use your old payment method with your new account. You must use a valid payment option from the new country for any purchases.
- Remember that you might lose access to some apps like books, movies, TV shows, and games if they are not available in the new country.
- You will not be allowed to use Google Play balance from your old country. That includes any gift cards and credit earned from Google Opinion Rewards. But if you switch back to your old region, you’ll get access to your balance again.
- After swapping the Play Store to a new region, you will also lose access to Google Play Points. Your level will not be carried over to a new region as well.
- The subscription to Google Play Pass will transfer to the new region. However, if Play Pass isn’t available in your new country, you cannot install any apps from Google Play Pass.
Frequently Asked Question
You can use a VPN to change the location of your device temporarily. This helps to change Play Store country without providing the credit card details.