How to Change Location in the Play Store

Did you know the content and apps that you experience on the Play Store vary from one location to another? Some apps, games, or digital content might be exclusive to certain regions, leading users to seek ways to change their location in the Play Store. This aspect can be limiting especially if you are travelling or relocating. For this reason, changing your Play Store location can be a useful skill.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps and the processes of changing your location in your Play Store to achieve a smooth transition. 

Understanding Google Play Store’s Location Settings

Before looking into the steps, it’s important to understand a few key points about how Google Play Store’s location settings work:

• Google Account Association: Your Play Store location is linked to your Google account, which is associated with your billing address and the country settings in your Google Payments profile.
• Content Availability: Changing your location can grant access to region-specific apps and content, but it may also restrict access to content available in your previous location.
• Payment Methods: You might need to add a valid payment method from the new region to make purchases.
• Restrictions: There are terms and conditions that one must follow or be aware of when changing locations.

Prerequisites

Before you change your location on the Google Play Store, ensure you have the following: 

• A Google account
• Access to a valid payment method from the new region
• A reliable VPN service (optional, for certain steps)

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Location in Play Store

Access Google Play Store Settings

Follow the steps below to access your Play Store Settings.

1. Open the Google Play Store: Launch the Play Store app on
   your Android device.
2. Go to Account Settings:  Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner, then select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
3. Access Account Information: Under the “Settings” menu, tap on “Account.”

 

Change Country in Google Payments Profile

1. Open Google Payments: Navigate to Google Payments on your web browser.
2. Sign In: Log in with the Google account you use for the Play Store.
3. Open Settings: Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner to access settings.
4. Edit Country/Region: Under the “Payments profile,” you’ll find the “Country/Region” section. Click “Edit” next to it.
5. Create a New Profile: If prompted, create a new payment profile for the new country. Enter a valid address and payment method for the new region.

Update Play Store Country Settings

1. Return to Play Store Settings: Go back to the Play Store app and navigate to the “Account” settings again.
2. Change Country: In the “Country and Profiles” section, you should now see the option to switch to the new country profile you just created. Select it and follow the prompts.

Verify Payment Method

1. Add Payment Method: Ensure you have added a valid payment method from the new region. This can be done in the “Payments & subscriptions” section of the Play Store settings.
2. Verify Payment Method: Make sure the payment method is verified and active.

 

Common Issues when Changing Your Location

1. Unable to Change Country: If you are unable to change your location, ensure you haven’t changed your Play Store country within the last 12 months. Google restricts country changes to once per year.
2. Payment Method Not Accepted: Verify that the payment method is valid for the new country. Try using a different credit/debit card or PayPal account.
3. Restricted Content: Clear the Play Store cache and data. Go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “Google Play Store” > “Storage” > “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data.”
4. VPN Issues: If using a VPN, ensure it’s set to the correct country. Disconnect and reconnect the VPN if necessary.