It doesn’t matter why you need to change your Apple ID region: moving to another country or downloading apps banned in Russia. In any case, it can be done in just a couple of steps. Below, we will tell you in detail not only about the process of changing the location for iPhone and MacBook, but also give you some important tips that you should definitely consider.
What to do before changing your Apple ID region
Cancelling subscriptions . Any active services purchased through the App Store should not just be disabled, but wait until they expire. This applies to Apple Music, iCloud, Spotify, YouTube Premium, and so on.
Balance reset . Ideally, your Apple ID account should be left at zero. If you can’t achieve this by purchasing, try contacting support, which we discussed at the very end of the guide.
Refunds : All pre-orders or refund requests must be cancelled – they may also be grounds for refusal of the region change. Otherwise, you will have to wait until you receive it.
Family Sharing . If your Apple ID account is connected to a family group, leave it. Especially if the other members are staying in the country you are leaving. The rule is strange, but anyway.
Payment method . And most importantly, find a payment system or credit card in the country of relocation in advance. It must be supported by Apple, which is checked on the official website . Without a local payment method, you will not be able to change the region.
How to Change Apple ID Region on iPhone
- Open the settings and select the item “iTunes Store and App Store”, which contains the name of the Apple ID account. Click on it, and then on “View”. The location is changed through the “Country and Region” tab.
- Read the fine print. You will need a payment method in the new region to complete the transaction. This is to prevent users from leaving unpaid bills across different versions of the App Store. There is no way around this restriction.
- Select the desired location and agree to the new terms. Now all that’s left is to specify the card for payment, but don’t worry – no one will withdraw money. It can be unlinked after all the actions.
How to Change Apple ID Region on Computer
The procedure for PC is almost the same. The only difference is that you will need the iTunes application and authorization in your Apple ID account. Then immediately go to the menu and select the “Account Information” tab. We are interested in “Change country or region”, where, in fact, you need to do exactly this: select the location and confirm the account transfer. Do not forget to select a payment method – although without this, nothing will work anyway.
How to change Apple ID region via website
If for some reason the option of changing the region via the application on the computer or iPhone does not work, Apple has made a special site for this. We will also need to know the Apple ID, go through two-factor authorization via SMS code, and then the algorithm is absolutely identical. First, “Account”, then “Change” and “Country/Region”. Select the location, confirm the payment method and click “Done”.
How to reset your Apple ID balance
The easiest option is to spend the funds to zero by purchasing. But if this does not work, you can contact the support service to write off the remainder. To do this, go to the official website , or more precisely, to the “Get help” section. Then select “Apple ID” and “The topic is not in the list.”
Now you will have to describe the problem in detail and leave contact details. Ideally, describe that you want to leave the country and spend the money from the account. Then you will have to talk to support right now or set a date for the call. Also, do not forget to write down the request code so that the employee understands you faster.