Unlike Android, iOS does not allow the installation of third-party apps, at least not in every country. If an app is not available in your location on your iPhone, there are only a few things you can do. Luckily, that works, but it requires so much to pull it off. Hence, downloading an app not available in your location on your iPhone should be worth it before following the steps below.
You have probably seen a new social media app you wish to install but could not because you cannot even find it on the app store. The next thing is to use Google and search for the app. Of course, you will see it, but tapping it takes you back to the app store. Unfortunately, you will see an error message “cannot connect to App Store” or “this requested app is not available in your country.”
Since iOS does not allow installing APK files, you probably have just one option to install this app. And that is changing your location on the App Store, which comes with many prior adjustments. I do not think it is worth it, but if you will change your region to download an app, below is how you can go about it.
What are the things you need before changing locations on the App Store?
- A local number
- Address of the country with the ZIP code.
- A valid payment option
It is necessary to have these things before you can successfully change your location. Nevertheless, since a code is not sent for confirmation, you can browse a café in that country and use their details. That is assuming you are doing it for a short period.
Fortunately, your FaceTime or iMessage number will remain the same after changing your location.
Before you proceed, here are things you should know
- If you have a store credit or Apple ID balance, it might be difficult to change your location. Hence, you need to spend that before attempting.
- You need to cancel any active subscriptions or wait till your current ones end, as that is when you can change your location on the App Store.
- A new payment method will be required. This time, it has to be a local form of payment. That is from the country you are switching to.
- If you have a payment method attached to your App Store, we recommend removing it because if you do not, you will be asked for a local payment method. If you do not have it, you can switch to a new country. When you remove the current payment method, you probably will see ”None” as one of the payment options when selecting a new region. Luckily, you can keep it like that after changing to a new country.
- Any pending refund needs to be completed before you proceed.
- And if you are in Family Sharing, you need to leave it.
Also read: How to change your location on Android and download apps not available in your location
Let us assume you have everything; you can proceed with the steps below. If you do not, you can create a new Apple ID using details of the new country you want to switch to.
Steps to download an app not available in your country on iPhone
- Launch the App Store and click your profile picture. You will find it at the top right
- Click your name and email tile from the top
- Click County/Region
- Click Change Country or Region
- Now, choose the preferred country. It should be where the app you want to download is available.
- Input an address, ZIP code, and phone number, and click Next, then Done.
- Now, you have successfully changed your location on the App Store. You can search the app, and you will see it for download. From then, your recommendation and app prices will be the region.
After successfully installing these apps, it might still not work in your country. That is because the app does not have the license or necessary things to operate. Nevertheless, you can use a VPN.
To make in-app purchases, you will update your payment method. When you do not have that, it can be a problem. Unless you have one from that country, it is almost impossible to get a paid app.
We recommend changing countries on the App Store for individuals who travel often, as it allows them to have fun for the little time they spend in the new location. However, you might need a new Apple ID if you change your location frequently.
You might be wondering how to revert to your original location, simply follow the steps above. It is necessary to change back to your original location to easily update your existing apps linked to your home country’s app store.
Conclusion
Considering everything on your plate, changing your App Store location just to download a few apps might not be worth the effort. It is better to create a new Apple ID unless you are permanently relocating or planning to stay in the new location for several years. This is particularly advisable for students moving abroad for their studies.
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