Google Play Store is a treasure trove of apps, games, and digital content. However, the content available on the Play Store may vary from one country to another due to regional licensing and legal restrictions. This can be a bit frustrating if you’ve moved to a new country, want to access region-specific apps, or simply want to explore a different selection of apps and content. Thankfully, Google allows you to change your Play Store country, and in this guide, we’ll show you how to do it step by step.
Why Change Your Google Play Store Country?
Before we dive into the process of changing your Play Store country, it’s essential to understand why you might want to do this. Here are a few common reasons:
- Access to Region-Specific Apps: Some apps are only available in specific countries. By changing your Play Store country, you can access and download these apps.
- Change Preferred Language: If you’ve moved to a new country and want the Play Store to display content in the local language, changing your country can help achieve this.
- Explore Different Content: Different countries offer a diverse range of content. Changing your Play Store country lets you explore new movies, music, books, and apps.
- Pricing Differences: App and in-app purchase prices can vary by country. Switching your country may allow you to take advantage of better pricing.
Now that we’ve discussed why you might want to change your Play Store country let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to do it.
How to Change Your Google Play Store Country
Changing your Play Store country isn’t a complex task, but it does involve a few steps. Follow this guide to make the transition seamlessly:
Update Your Payment Method
Before changing your Play Store country, ensure that you have a valid payment method registered with Google. You’ll need this for any purchases you make in the new country. Here’s how to update your payment method:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the top-left corner.
- Select “Account.”
- Under “Payment methods,” click on “Add payment method” or “Edit payment method” to update your billing information.
Clear Google Play Store Data
Next, you should clear the data for the Google Play Store app on your device. This step is essential to ensure that the Play Store recognizes your new country correctly. Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to your device’s “Settings.”
- Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Application Manager,” depending on your device.
- Find and tap on “Google Play Store.”
- Click on “Storage.”
- Select “Clear Data” or “Clear Storage.”
Change Your Play Store Country
Now, it’s time to change your Play Store country:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-left corner.
- Scroll down and select “Account.”
- Under “Country and profiles,” tap “Country and profiles.”
- Click on “Set country.”
- You’ll see a list of countries. Select the country you want to switch to.
- Review the Terms of Service, then click “Agree.”
Update Your Location
Google Play Store may ask you to update your location. Follow the on-screen instructions to do this.
Choose a Payment Method for the New Country
Since you’ve updated your location and country, you may need to provide a valid payment method that corresponds to your new country. This is important for making purchases in the Play Store.
Restart the Google Play Store
After updating your payment method and location, you should restart the Google Play Store app to ensure the changes take effect. Here’s how:
- Close the Play Store app.
- Reopen it, and you should now see content based on your new country.
That’s it! You’ve successfully changed your Google Play Store country. You can now explore and download apps, games, and content specific to your chosen location.
FAQs About Changing Your Google Play Store Country
1. Can I change my Google Play Store country as many times as I want?
Google allows you to change your Play Store country, but there are some restrictions. You can only change your country once every twelve months. Therefore, make sure you’re satisfied with your choice or you’ll be stuck with it for a while.
2. What happens to my existing apps and purchases after changing my country?
Your existing apps and purchased content remain accessible after changing your country. However, they will still be linked to your old country’s Play Store. To access and receive updates for these apps, you may need to switch back to your previous country temporarily.
3. What if I don’t have a payment method for the new country?
If you don’t have a payment method for the new country, you can use gift cards or prepaid cards to make purchases. However, note that some apps may not be available for download without a valid payment method registered in your new country.
4. Can I use a VPN to change my Play Store country?
While using a VPN might allow you to access content from a different country, it’s not a recommended method for changing your Play Store country. Google Play Store determines your country based on your payment method and location, not your IP address. Using a VPN to fake your location can lead to issues with your account and purchases.
5. Will I lose access to my existing apps if I change my country?
You won’t lose access to your existing apps when you change your Play Store country. However, you may need to switch back to your previous country temporarily to receive updates for those apps if they are not available in your new country.
In Conclusion
Changing your Google Play Store country is a straightforward process, and it opens up a world of possibilities in terms of apps and content. Whether you’ve moved to a new country or simply want to explore what other regions have to offer, following the steps mentioned in this guide will help you seamlessly switch your Play Store country. Just remember that you can change your country only once every twelve months, so choose wisely and enjoy your new digital world!
