How to change the App Store region on iPhone

The apps available in the App Store depend on the country or region of your Apple ID. If INCY or Happ doesn't show up in search or the App Store says the app isn't available in your country or region, change your App Store region — then you'll be able to install it. Apps, photos and other data already on your iPhone stay in place.

Video guide#

A short recording by the Happ team showing the same steps as below.

Check before you start#

Apple won't let you change the region while your Apple ID has any of the following:

• remaining Apple ID balance — spend it first;

• active subscriptions (Apple Music, iCloud+, in-app subscriptions) — cancel them and wait until the paid period ends;

• Family Sharing membership — leave the group;

• pending pre-orders, movie rentals or refunds.

You'll also need an address in the chosen country. A payment method usually isn't required — choose «None». If something on the list gets in the way, or you'd rather not change your main Apple ID, use a separate Apple ID — see below.

How to change the region#

1. Open your Apple ID settings. «Settings» → your name at the top → «Media & Purchases» → «View Account». Confirm sign-in if asked.

2. Choose a new country. «Country/Region» → «Change Country or Region». Pick a country where the app is available in the App Store, for example Kazakhstan or the US, and accept the terms.

3. Fill in the details. Choose «None» as the payment method if that option is offered. Enter an address and phone number in the chosen country and tap «Next».

4. Install the app. Open the App Store and install INCY (opens in a new tab) or Happ (opens in a new tab). If it doesn't show up right away, close the App Store and open it again.

5. Add your subscription and connect. See How to connect iPhone and iPad.

A separate Apple ID instead#

If you don't want to touch your main Apple ID, create a second one with the needed country and use it only for the App Store — iCloud, photos and contacts stay on your main account.

1. Create a new Apple ID at account.apple.com (opens in a new tab) and choose the needed country when signing up. You'll need an email that isn't linked to an Apple ID yet.

2. Sign out of purchases only. «Settings» → your name → «Media & Purchases» → «Sign Out». Don't sign out of your whole Apple ID or iCloud.

3. Sign in with the new Apple ID in the same «Media & Purchases» menu and install INCY or Happ from the App Store.

4. Switch back to your main Apple ID the same way. The app stays on your iPhone; to update it, the App Store will ask you to sign in with the second Apple ID.

How to switch back#

The same way: «Settings» → your name → «Media & Purchases» → «View Account» → «Country/Region» → choose your country. The conditions above apply in reverse too: a remaining balance or active subscriptions will block the change again.

If it doesn't work#