How to Change Google Play Country in 2023

Google Play Store restricts some apps, games, movies, music, and books to specific regions. For instance, some US apps such as HBO Now are not available in other countries. This is because of license agreements on the content offered by those apps.

To access and install any app you want on Google Play, you must change your geo-location to match the region where the app is offered. This guide will show you two ways to change your geo-location.

We’ll also look at:

• Why you need a VPN
• The best VPN for changing Google Play Store country

Why Change your Google Play Country?

There are three main reasons why you would want to change your Google Play country.

• Access geo-restricted apps

Changing your Google Play country will allow you to access and install apps that are not available in your location. Such apps include streaming platforms such as Disney Plus and BBC iPlayer. You also get access to games, movies, and even some books. However, you must know the region the apps are available for this trick to be effective.

• Get discounts on paid apps

Besides accessing geo-restricted apps, changing your Google Play country can save you money. Some paid apps carry heavy promotional discounts in other countries, and they may be even free in others. Other paid apps may be cheaper in some regions than your region.

• Relocating to another country

If you plan to move to another country, it makes sense to change your Google Play location to match that of your new country. This change will enable you to access available apps and use your new country’s billing method.

Using a VPN to Change your Google Play Country

Using a VPN is the most reliable way to change your Google Play country temporarily. The method allows you to change your Google Play region as many times as you want, and it is suitable for installing geo-restricted apps and accessing paid apps.

A VPN achieves this task by changing your IP address which by extension changes your geo-location. When you connect to a VPN server, for instance, a US server, the VPN routes all your online traffic through the US server. In turn, the US server masks your actual IP address with its US IP address.

When internet services such as the Google Play store analyze your traffic, they will think you are in the US. Thus, you will get access to US apps.

How to use a VPN to change your Google Play country on Android

1. Subscribe and install a reliable VPN (more on that later).
2. Launch the VPN and connect to the server of your country of choice.
3. Go to your Android Settings > Apps > and tap Google Play Store.

4. Press Force Stop.

5. Go storage then select Clear Storage.

6. Open Google Play Store and enjoy access to your country of choice apps.

To know if you have successfully changed your Google Play country, check if the currency under the paid apps corresponds to the country you chose. If the country uses the same currency as your previous country, try to search for apps exclusive to the country you chose.

Best VPNs for Changing Google Play Country in 2022

There are lots of VPNs in the market, but choosing the wrong one can prove quite costly in the end. This is because apart from just changing your Play Store country, you will most likely need to use the VPN to access the content provided by that app.

For example, if you change your location to the UK to install BBC iPlayer, you will also need to use the VPN to stream the content. This means that you’ll need a streaming VPN that is not blocked by BBC iPlayer. And since most geo-restricted apps are streaming apps, the best VPN for Google Play Store is a VPN that can guarantee streaming across all popular apps.

Here are two of the best.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is an excellent VPN service for bypassing geo-restrictions. The VPN has an extensive server network of 5000 plus servers in more than 60 countries, which means you can change your play store location to pretty much any country you’d like. The servers are optimized to deliver the fastest speeds with unlimited bandwidth. 

You can use NordVPN for unblocking content, torrenting safely , streaming from various platforms, and even online gaming. In terms of streaming, you can access Netflix (multiple libraries), Disney Plus, HBO Now, iPlayer, Hulu, and more. The VPN also has dedicated obfuscation servers, Double VPN servers, Dedicated IP servers, and onion over VPN servers.

NordVPN also offers world class privacy and security as it is an audited no-log VPN service with solid encryptions and secure protocols. The VPN is compatible with all major platforms, and its native apps offer a kill switch, split tunneling, leak protection, and a blocker for ads, malware, trackers, and botnets.

All NordVPN subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and one subscription allows up to 6 simultaneous connections.

Pros:	Cons:
Large server network Unlimited bandwidth with fast speeds Unmatched unblocking abilities Stellar privacy and security Smart DNS service 6 simultaneous connections 30-day money-back guarantee	The interface can use a redesign High month-to-month cost

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a pocket-friendly VPN that provides excellent service. The VPN offers 3200 plus servers in 65 countries, and all of them are super-fast and optimized for streaming. Actually, you access US-based streaming services, you only need to connect to any server near you, and the VPN will redirect you to the US.

Surfshark also unblocks other non-US  streaming services and allows you to access content worldwide. You can also use the VPN to torrent safely, participate in online games without lags, and avoid ISP throttling.

Surfshark VPN comes with lots of advanced features, and these include CleanWeb (ad, tracking, malware, and phishing attempt blocker), multi-hop (double VPN), Camouflage mode, and No Borders Mode.

The uses AES-256-GCM encryption to guard your online activities, and it also provides a kill switch, private DNS, leak protection, and secure protocols. Surfshark supports all major operating systems, and it allows you to connect unlimited devices. All subscriptions are protected with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:	Cons:
Unlimited simultaneous connections Reliable unblocking ability Fastest speeds with unlimited bandwidth Strict no-log VPN Excellent value for your money 30-day money-back guarantee	Speeds vary on some servers

Change your Google Play Country via Google Play

You can also use the Google Play service to change your Play Store country. This method is suitable if you relocate to a new country and intent to stay there for more than a year. This is because Google will only allow you to change the country again after 12 months.

After changing your country, you should cancel your previous Play Pass subscription. This is because you won’t install any more Play Pass apps from your previous subscription. Additionally, you won’t be able to use your former country’s Google Play balance. You can only use it when you change the location to your former country.

Note: You can also trick Google that you are in a new country by using a VPN to change your location. To avoid being locked out of changes on your main account, you can create other Google accounts for this endeavor.

How to use Google Play to Change your Country on Android

1. Open the Google Play Store app and tap your profile avatar (top right) then select Settings.

2. On the menu that opens up, select General and then Account Preferences.

3. On the Country and profiles section, switch to your new country by adding the country’s payment method.

Note that the country that will be suggested will depend on your IP address, so ensure that your VPN is on by that point.

• Now you can access the apps of your new country.

If you don’t see any change, you will have to be patient; the change can take up to 48 hours. To speed up the process, you can clear your Google Play data.

How to Change your Google Play Country on the Web 

1. Launch your browser and go to pay.google.com. Log into your account and click on the Settings tab.

2. On the Payments profile section, go to the Country/Region and click the Pen icon.

3. Click Create a new profile and add a payment method for the new country.

The change can take up to 48 hours. To speed up the process, you can clear your Google Play data, make sure it is up to date, or delete your old payments profile if there’s no balance.

Wrap up

You can now change your Google Play country anytime you want, access geo-restricted apps, discounts, and discover new games or books. If you use the VPN method, you can change to any location you desire and even access the content offered by geo-restricted apps. Additionally, you can reclaim your digital freedom, protect your data, and stream various shows while avoiding ISP throttling.