How to change your Apple ID country (and what you should do beforehand)
There's a lot to consider before switching your settings.
Changing your Apple account's country settings can be a complex process. You can take several steps to protect your purchases and personal information before changing your account's country settings.
As a rule, you should always re-download your purchased content before making major changes to your account settings, as content isn't universally viewable in every region. Before making any changes, download all the apps, music, streaming video and books that you want to access onto your devices.
Next, make sure you have a valid payment method, as Apple will ask you to add a new payment method before confirming any country changes. To learn what payment methods are available for your upcoming location, check the guide on Apple's support page.
If you are unable to add your new payment method, you may need to wait until you are physically in your new country or region. Once there, you will be able to create a new Apple Account under your new location settings.
Apple allows you to transfer digital purchases between accounts, though some limitations still apply.
What to do before making the switch
Once you're ready, you should clear the remaining balance in your Apple Account, since it may not be transferable once you've switched your Apple store's country. Apple generally does not provide the option to get a cash refund unless required by law in your region.
Instead, spend your remaining balance on App Store products or Apple services. To check your account balance, head to the App Store, tap your photo or initials, and your funds will be viewable under your name.
Next, review your subscriptions. Many subscriptions do not allow you to retain membership while changing your country settings, but Apple typically allows you to cancel a subscription if it prevents a region change.
To cancel a subscription on your Apple device, go to Settings, tap your name, and select Subscriptions. Then select your subscription and tap Cancel Subscription.
Wait to amend your account until all pending transactions are completed. Changing your settings too early could cause you to lose access to select memberships, pre-orders, Season Passes and movie rentals.
If you are part of a Family Sharing plan, you may need to leave your Family Sharing group before making any adjustments to your country settings.
If you are unable to change your account's country, work through all of the above settings before contacting Apple support.
Changing your country settings
On an iPhone, iPad or Apple Vision Pro, go to your Settings app and tap your name. Next, go to Media & Purchases and sign in to your Apple Account. Tap Country/Region, select your new area of residence and tap Continue. Review the Terms & Conditions, tap Agree, and enter your new payment information and billing address.
On your Mac, open your Apple Music or Apple TV app and go to the Account section on your menu bar. Choose Account Settings, sign in, click Country/Region, select your new place of residence and click Continue. Review and agree to the Terms & Conditions, then enter your payment information and billing address.
If you are using Apple Music or Apple TV apps on a Windows PC, open the app and click on your name at the bottom sidebar. Go to View My Account, select Change Country or Region, agree to the terms, and input your new billing information.
Alternatively, you can manage your Apple account online at account.apple.com by navigating to Personal Information and selecting Country/Region.
Once you update your account settings, certain features or services might be unavailable depending on your new region due to local regulations and availability.
For a complete list of features available in your new region, consulting official online resources can help clarify regional limitations.
