Before you start
- For a country change: you must live in the new country and have a local payment method
Why apps are blocked in some countries
- Licensing: streaming apps only hold rights to show content in certain countries.
- Local laws: banking, gambling, health and payment apps must be licensed per country.
- Staged launches: new apps and features roll out country by country.
- Government restrictions: some countries block certain services.
Knowing the reason tells you what will work. A bank app that isn’t licensed in your country won’t work properly even if you install it.
Method 1 If you’ve moved: change your Google Play country
You must be in that country, and you can only change your Play country once every 12 months. Subscriptions keep running on the old profile unless cancelled.
-
Step 1: Open Country and profiles
In Play Store, tap your profile picture > Settings > General > Account and device preferences > Country and profiles.
-
Step 2: Pick the new country
Tap the country you’re now in and add a payment method from that country.
-
Step 3: Wait for the update
The change can take up to 48 hours. Clear the Play Store’s cache if the old store still shows.
Method 2 If you’ve moved: change your App Store region (iPhone)
-
Step 1: Prepare
Cancel subscriptions and spend any Apple Account balance.
-
Step 2: Change the region
Go to Settings > [your name] > Media & Purchases > View Account > Country/Region and follow the steps with a local payment method.
Method 3 Other legitimate options
-
Step 1: Use the website
Many services (news, streaming, shopping, social media) work in a mobile browser even when the app isn’t listed. Add the site to your home screen for an app-like shortcut.
-
Step 2: Check for a local version
Some services publish separate apps per region. Search the developer’s name in your store.
-
Step 3: Contact the developer
Ask when the app will launch in your country; developers watch demand.
Troubleshooting
The country I need isn’t offered in Play Store
Google only offers a new country when it detects you’re there, through your network and IP address. Try again after arriving, on a local network.
The app installs but doesn’t work
The service is checking your location or phone number, usually for licensing or legal reasons. It won’t work until it officially supports your country.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to use a VPN to download apps?
In most countries using a VPN is legal, but breaking an app’s terms of service can get your account suspended, and a few countries restrict VPNs. Check local law.
Can I have two Play Store countries?
No. Your Google account has one Play country at a time. Some people use a separate Google account for a second country.
Summary
If you’ve moved, change your Google Play country or App Store region with a local payment method. Otherwise, use the service’s website or wait for an official launch. Avoid unofficial APKs, and know that VPN workarounds can get your account blocked.
