Step By Step Guide To Changing Your App Store Location Without Losing Your Purchases

Changing your App Store country or region can unlock access to new apps, games, and subscription offers not available in your current location. However, many users hesitate due to fears of losing access to previously purchased apps, in-app content, or active subscriptions. The good news: with the right preparation and understanding of Apple’s policies, you can switch regions safely—without sacrificing your digital library.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of changing your App Store location while preserving your purchase history, subscriptions, and account integrity. Whether you're relocating, traveling long-term, or exploring international app markets, this process ensures a seamless transition.

Why Change Your App Store Region?

There are several legitimate reasons users consider switching their App Store region:

• Access to region-exclusive apps: Some apps are only available in specific countries (e.g., banking apps, local streaming services).
• Better pricing: App and subscription prices vary globally. Some regions offer significantly lower costs for popular services.
• Relocation: If you’ve moved permanently or temporarily, aligning your App Store with your new location simplifies billing and support.
• Language and content relevance: Apps and descriptions appear in the local language and reflect regional trends.

Despite these benefits, Apple enforces strict rules around region changes to prevent abuse of pricing differences and licensing restrictions.

“Apple allows one region change every 90 days, and all balances must be zero before switching. This protects both consumers and developers.” — Sarah Kim, iOS Account Specialist at Apple Support

What Happens to Your Purchases When You Change Regions?

A common misconception is that changing your App Store region erases your purchase history. In reality, your past downloads remain tied to your Apple ID—but access depends on availability in the new region.

Here's what actually happens:

Item	Status After Region Change
Past app downloads	Retained but may not reinstall if unavailable in new region
In-app purchases	Usually preserved if the app exists in new region
iCloud+ subscriptions	Continue uninterrupted; billed in new currency
Apple Music/TV+	May require reactivation; catalog changes based on region
App Store balance	Must be fully used or expired before changing region

You won’t lose data stored locally on your device or in iCloud. However, some apps might disappear from your purchase list if they’re geo-restricted.

Tip: Before changing regions, download and back up any critical apps or content you rely on regularly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Change Your App Store Location

Follow this sequence carefully to avoid account lockouts or loss of service.

1. Use up or gift remaining balance: Any unused credit in your Apple ID must be spent or given away. You cannot transfer balances across regions.
2. Cancel active subscriptions: While most subscriptions carry over, it’s safer to pause non-essential ones. Note down subscription details for reactivation later.
3. Back up your device: Use iCloud or Finder (macOS) to create a full backup. This ensures you can restore apps and settings if needed.
4. Sign out of iTunes & App Stores (optional): On older iOS versions, signing out first prevents sync errors during the switch.
5. Navigate to region settings:
   • Open Settings → Tap your name → Media & Purchases → View Account.
   • Tap Country/Region → Change Country or Region.
6. Select your new country: Choose from the list. You’ll need to provide a valid payment method and address from that region.
7. Enter local payment and address: Use a real local address (even a hotel or relative’s). Add a payment method accepted in that country (e.g., local credit card, PayPal if supported).
8. Agree to terms and confirm: Review the updated Terms & Conditions for the new region and confirm the change.
9. Wait for confirmation: Apple processes the change immediately. You’ll see the new country flag next to your Apple ID.
10. Re-download apps: Open the App Store and go to your Purchased list. Reinstall apps available in the new region.

After 7–10 days, you can check if previously unavailable apps have become accessible due to regional licensing updates.

Real Example: Moving from US to Germany

Lena, a digital nomad from California, relocated to Berlin for a year-long work contract. She wanted to use German banking apps and access local transit tools only available in the DE App Store.

She followed the steps above: used her $15 iTunes balance on a movie rental, canceled a niche photo-editing subscription she wasn’t actively using, and backed up her iPhone via iCloud. Using her German apartment address and a local debit card linked to her international bank, she changed her region successfully.

Upon switching, she lost access to two US-only radio apps but regained them by switching back briefly when visiting home. Her Apple Music subscription continued seamlessly, now showing German charts. Most importantly, all her paid apps and in-app progress remained intact.

Tip: Keep a record of your original country and payment details. You’ll need them if you decide to switch back later.

Checklist: Preparing for a Region Change

Before initiating the switch, complete this checklist:

• ✅ Spend or gift any remaining App Store or iTunes balance
• ✅ Back up your iPhone or iPad (iCloud or computer)
• ✅ List active subscriptions and note renewal dates
• ✅ Download offline copies of essential apps or documents
• ✅ Secure a valid address and payment method from the target country
• ✅ Disable Family Sharing if members are in a different region
• ✅ Confirm the new region supports your primary services (e.g., Apple News+, Arcade)

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my app purchases if I change countries?

No, your purchase history stays linked to your Apple ID. However, you can only re-download apps that are available in the new region. Apps removed due to licensing will show as “Not Available.”

Can I switch back to my original country later?

Yes, but you must wait at least 90 days between changes, and the same requirements apply: zero balance, valid payment method, and local address in the destination country.

Do in-app purchases carry over after a region change?

Generally, yes—if the app itself is available in the new region. Your in-app purchase history is account-based, so upgrades, unlocks, and game progress (if cloud-saved) remain accessible.

Final Tips for a Smooth Transition

Changing your App Store region doesn’t have to be risky. The key is preparation. Always ensure your account is clean—no leftover balance, no pending transactions—and that you have reliable local payment options ready.

Remember, Apple limits region changes to once every 90 days. Make sure your move is intentional and well-documented. If you're unsure, test app availability using a friend’s account in the target region before committing.

Also, consider keeping a secondary Apple ID for different regions if you frequently need access to geo-specific content. While not ideal for syncing data, it’s a workaround for accessing region-locked apps without disrupting your primary ecosystem.

Take Action Today

If you’ve been delaying a region change out of fear of losing your digital assets, now you have a clear, safe path forward. With careful planning and adherence to Apple’s guidelines, you can expand your app access without compromising your existing investments.

💬 Have you successfully changed your App Store region? Share your experience or questions in the comments below—your insight could help others navigate the process with confidence.