How to Change Your Region in the Google Play Store

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

    Author Image

    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

    See author profile
  • 15 November 2024
  • 8 mins read

Table of Content

Table of Contents

Some of us have been using Android phones for years now and have no clue that there are tons of amazing region-locked apps and games that we can download for free. Plus, you can even get access to your home country apps by simply changing your region on the Play Store. 

Fortunately, there are methods to bypass geo-restrictions and access an extensive range of apps and content. This quick guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to change your Play Store location on both Android mobile devices and desktop computers.

2 Ways to Change Your Region in the Google Play Store

Here are two effective strategies for changing your Google Play Store region and accessing goods from other countries:

  1. Change your Play Store Location Manually

You can change your Google Play country manually if you want to access a wider range of apps and games on the Google Play Store using your phone or computer.

On Android Devices: 

Here’s how you can change the Google Play Store location on Android:

  1. Open the Google Play Store app.
  2. Tap your profile icon.
  3. Go to Settings > General > Account preferences > Country and Profiles.
  4. Tap the country you want to add an account for.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to add a payment method.

On Computers: 

Here’s how you can change the Google Play Store location on your desktop:

  1. Visit play.google.com.
  2. Log into your Google account.
  3. Click the profile icon.
  4. Select Payments and Subscriptions.
  5. Select Edit Payment Methods.
  6. Select "Settings."
  7. Click the pencil icon next to Country and Region.
  8. Create a new profile and select your preferred country.
  9. Follow the on-screen directions to enter your address and payment details.

2. Change your Play Store Location With a VPN

If you want to quickly switch and change your Google Play Store location without creating a new account, using a VPN can be your solution. Following are the step-by-step methods to set up a VPN and change your location on both devices:

On Android Devices: 

  1. Choose a reliable VPN like PureVPN.
  2. Install and download the app.
  3. Select a server location in the region you wish to access.
  4. Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Storage & cache.
  5. Clear both data and cache.
  6. Launch the Google Play Store application.
  7. Look for apps or games that are region-locked. You can now be able to access them.

On Computers: 

  1. Subscribe to a high-speed VPN.
  2. To set up a VPN on your desktop computer, download and install the VPN app.
  3. Select and connect to a server location in your selected region.
  4. This ensures that your browser doesn't remember your prior location.
  5. Go to play.google.com in your browser.
  6. Skip the steps related to phone number and payment method registration.
  7. Look for apps and games that are only available in certain regions. You should now be able to access them.

What Else Can Do With a VPN?

A VPN is an effective tool for accessing region-restricted content on the Google Play Store. Here's why:

  1. Enhance Anonymity

A VPN establishes an encrypted connection for your device, allowing you to keep your browsing activities private from third parties such as your ISP.

  1. Access Region-Restricted Content

It can help you access content that is only available in specific countries, such as streaming services or apps that are not available in your area.

  1. Hide Your IP Address

You can use a VPN to hide and change your IP address from ISPs (internet service providers), government surveillance, and prying eyes who are trying to steal your data. 

  1. Get Low-Price Game Subscriptions

Some apps and games on the Google Play Store are charged differently or unavailable in specific locations. A VPN helps you find the greatest subscription discounts and access locked gaming characters.

Public WiFi Safety 

    Connecting to public WiFi when visiting hotels, restaurants, and malls can be risky because hackers and snoopers can penetrate these weak networks and hack your accounts. 

    Can I Use a Free VPN for Changing the Play Store Location?

    While free VPNs are appealing due to their low cost, they have serious drawbacks including slower internet speeds, limited data caps, and fewer server locations. Some free VPNs have been found to violate user privacy by logging and selling user information to the highest bidders. 

    Free VPNs have insufficient security controls, leaving your online activities open to cyber attacks. For these reasons, it is generally recommended that you use a trustworthy premium VPN service to ensure a more reliable and secure online experience.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    • How does Google Play identify my location?

      Plus

      Google Play knows which country you are in based on your IP address, which is your device's "home address" online. This means you'll lose access to your favorite apps from your home region while abroad.

    • Is it allowed to change the Google Play location?

      Plus

      Yes, it is safe to change your nation in the Google Play Store. After changing, you'll be able to view which apps are accessible in that country or region. There is no risk to your data or information when changing manually.

    • Does using a VPN affect the location of the Play Store?

      Plus

      While a VPN won't immediately change your Google Play region, it will allow you to access the Play Store from another region. Connect to a VPN server in the desired location and use the Play Store as if you were physically there.

    • Can I have two Google Play accounts from different countries?

      Plus

      When you update something on one device, it affects all of them. For this reason, you need two separate devices with two separate accounts for each country.

    In Conclusion!

    To change your Google Play Store region, use a VPN to hide your location or create a new Google account with a billing address in the target country. Each method has its pros and cons, so select the one that best meets your requirements.