Alex Ruben
How To Resolve Issues When You Can’t Change Country or Region on Your iPhone
Changing your country or region on an iPhone isn’t exactly smooth sailing, but it’s doable if you follow the steps. Basically, if you’re trying to access apps or content that’s only available in a different store, or maybe you just moved and need your device to match that new location, you gotta tweak some settings.
Pre-requisites
Before messing around with the country settings, make sure:
- Your iPhone is plugged into a stable Wi-Fi network — don’t skip this, because changing the region needs a good internet connection.
- Your device’s iOS is up to date. To check, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If there’s an update available, install it. Because of course, Apple loves to make things more complicated with outdated software.
- Any active VPN is turned off. VPNs can mess with the region detection, and that’s just asking for trouble.
- You’re aware of any existing subscriptions, like Apple Music or iCloud storage — they might have to get canceled temporarily.
Step 1: Access the Settings
Pick up your phone, unlock it, and open the Settings app. Yeah, that gear icon.
Step 2: Confirm Internet Connection
Tap Wi-Fi in Settings, make sure it’s connected. No point trying to change the region if your device isn’t online, right?
Step 3: Update iOS
Head back to General > Software Update. If there’s a newer version, go ahead and install it. Updated software often patches bugs that can cause region changes to fail.
Step 4: Turn Off VPN
Go into your VPN app or Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. Disable the VPN because it can make Apple think you’re in another country, or just block the change altogether. On some setups, this fails the first time, then works after reboot — weird but true.
Step 5: Cancel Active Subscriptions
Go to Settings > tap your name at the top > Subscriptions. Cancel any that might be restricted by your current country. Sometimes you gotta do this to get past regional locks.
Step 6: Sign Out of Apple ID
Still having issues? Sign out and back in. Hit Settings, tap your name, scroll all the way down, then tap Sign Out. Double-check your login credentials. This step can clear some glitches about the account’s region info. Expect your device to reload some data, might even ask for your Apple ID password again after sign back in.
Step 7: Restart Your iPhone
Now, restart the phone. Settings > General > Shut Down. Turn it off for about 15 seconds, then power it back up. Sometimes, just doing a reboot helps the change stick, especially after signing in again.
Step 8: Reset All Settings (if it still doesn’t work)
If nothing’s changed, you could try resetting your settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. No data gets deleted, but system settings do. This can wipe out some weird config glitches that prevent region changes.
Step 9: Disable Screen Time Restrictions
If Screen Time is enabled, some restrictions could block the change. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, turn them off or adjust as needed. On some handsets, this step isn’t required but on others, it’s a blocker.
Step 10: Force Restart Your Device
This isn’t always necessary, but it can help. The method varies a bit depending on iPhone model. Basically, for newer iPhones:
- Press and quickly release Volume Up
- Press and quickly release Volume Down
- Hold the Side button until the Apple logo shows up
On older models, it might be a different combo, but in general, a force restart can clear out stuck onboard caches or processes fighting the region change.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Some other stuff that’s worth checking:
- Make sure your Apple ID isn’t locked or disabled — sometimes this causes issues.
- If your carrier or SIM has restrictions, changing regions might not work — double-check with your provider.
- Payment info needs to be valid and linked to the new country if you plan to make purchases after switching.
Conclusion
Changing your region isn’t always straightforward, especially with all the account and software quirks. Follow these steps, and in most cases, the region swaps without much hassle. If problems persist, talking to Apple Support might be the next move. Sometimes, they’re the only ones who can nudge things along.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I change my country or region on my iPhone?
Often because of active subscriptions, VPN interference, or outdated iOS. Make sure to go through all those steps, especially turning off VPN and canceling subscriptions.
Will changing my country or region affect my apps?
Yeah, some apps may disappear or be replaced depending on regional availability. Content might also vary.
Can I switch back to my original country later?
Absolutely, but keep in mind, Apple has restrictions on how often you can change regions. Usually, it’s once every 90 days or so.
Summary
- Ensure Wi-Fi is working and update iOS first.
- Disable VPN and cancel subscriptions if needed.
- Sign out and sign back into your Apple ID.
- Restart your device after changes.
- If still stuck, reset all settings or disable restrictions.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Sometimes, you just gotta try all the things and see what sticks. Good luck!