The Google Play Store app detects your IP address to determine your region. You can also change the region annually or use a VPN through the app settings on your Android phone or desktop.
Moving to a new area or country comes with a lot of changes. The Google Play Store app is important since you will need to update certain apps, purchase subscriptions for apps, and even download apps that will help you navigate in the region. That’s why you might need to change the Google Play Store region from your previous one to your current one. Your region or country will determine the kind of apps, games, books, or other content you will get in your Google Play Store.
However, if you are in a different region and try to set in a region where you aren’t your account won’t function as it should. Therefore, don’t try to lie to the system, unless you are using a VPN or proxy. The app detects your IP address to know your region. We will provide an overview of how to change your Google Play region or country effortlessly.
Is It Possible To Change Your Google Play Store Region?
Yes, it is possible to change your Google Play Store region annually. Therefore, once you change it at the moment, you will need to wait till the next year to change again if you shift to a new region. Also, if you want to change the region you must have a payment method for the new country or region.
Unfortunately, if you are a member of a Google Family Group, you can’t just change the region. It will only be possible if using an individual account.
What Occurs When You Change Your Google Play Region?
Changing your Google Play Store region leads to some impact.
1. Lose your Google Play Store balance
If you had some balance in your account it becomes unusable. Therefore, before you decide to change your region, ensure you have exhausted your balance or leave an amount you won’t feel bad losing. You won't be able to use it in the new region.
2. Lose Access to your library
Additionally, you will lose access to some movies, shows, games, apps, or books. Therefore, you need to accept the fact that a region/country change will have an impact. Therefore, scrutinize your Google Play content first before a region changes through the app settings.
3. Maintain subscription
Luckily even if you move to a different region/country or change it, you can still maintain your subscriptions. Your current subscription will be active on your old payment profile unless you decide to cancel the subscriptions at any time before changing the region.
However, if you want to continue with the subscriptions but in a different region, consider first canceling the subscription and then subscribing again while in the new region. The only downside is that some subscriptions may not be in your region, so you won’t access the services the developers will automatically cancel your subscription.
Change Google Play Store Country on Android
It is not that complicated to change your Google Play Store region on your Android device.
Step 1: Access the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
Step 2: Tap the profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
Step 3: On the menu that appears, click on Settings. You will be redirected to another screen.
Step 4: Click on the General option and choose “Account and device preference”.
Step 5: While there, scroll down to country and profiles. Tap on the country to modify it to the one you want. Follow the procedure until done.
The country won’t be updated immediately, so you will need to wait for about 48 hours. Also, the region is detected based on your IP address, so it will be easy for the app to detect where you are currently.
Change Your Google Play Store Region On Desktop
If you opt to change the Google Play Store region on your desktop you will need to be in your desired country, and have an active internet protocol address and payment method from the country.
Step 1: Access the Google Play Payment Settings page. Select the settings tab.
Step 2: Scroll down to the payments profile, and click the edit icon next to country/regions. You will need to create a new profile and set a new profile.
Step 3: Proceed to choose your new country.
Step 4: Proceed with the onscreen instructions till you are done. Ensure the first payment method is from the new country for easy verification. Afterward, you can add other payment methods.
The changes will be reflected within 48 hours.
Why can’t change my Google Play Store Region?
Membership status
You might not be able to change your Google Play Store region if you are a member of a Google family. Therefore, you might need to leave your Google family group or delete your Google family group too.
Unresolved issues
If you find that you can’t change the region you might need to clear your cache, clear your data, update the app, or delete your old payment profile.
Outdated app
Another possible reason for not being able to change the region might be that you have an outdated app. Therefore, check for any pending updates to ensure it is a current version.
Conclusion
You can change your Google Play region easily on your Android phone or desktop. You can also use a VPN to help change your location if not in a specific one. The app always detects when your IP address changes, so while using a VPN or proxy, it will automatically change, so it will be possible to change your location.
However, for it to work perfectly you will need to clear your data and cache and also have a valid payment method of the region. Therefore, regardless of the region you are in, you can enjoy the Google Play Store services easily.
