Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 1 day ago
What to do before changing your Apple Account country
Changing the country or region on an Apple Account can affect access to digital content and services.
Apple says content may not be available in every region, so download the apps, music, videos and books you want to keep before changing settings.
You will need a valid payment method for the new country, and you may have to wait until you are there to add one.
Spend or otherwise clear any remaining account balance, because it may not transfer and cash refunds are generally unavailable unless local law requires them.
Check subscriptions and wait for pending transactions to finish, since some memberships, pre-orders, Season Passes and movie rentals could be affected.
If you are in a Family Sharing group, you may need to leave it before changing your country.
Apple allows digital purchases to be transferred between accounts, but some limitations apply.
Changing an Apple Account’s country can make some content unavailable and may affect subscriptions and purchases.
Engadget advises downloading desired apps, music, videos and books before changing the account’s country.
Users should add a valid payment method for the new location and clear any remaining account balance.
Subscriptions, pending transactions and Family Sharing membership may need attention before making the change.
- Who
- Apple Account users planning to change their country or region.
- What
- Guidance on steps to take before changing an Apple Account’s country settings.
- When
- Before changing the account’s country or region.
- Where
- Apple Account and App Store settings; the new country or region is not specified.
- Why
- Content may not be available in every region, and the change may affect balances, subscriptions and pending transactions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
As a rule, you should always re-download your purchased content before making major changes to your account settings.
Next, make sure you have a valid payment method, as Apple will ask you to add a new payment method before confirming any country changes.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Content access
- Apps, music, streaming video and books may not be viewable in every region.
- Payment method
- Apple asks users to add a new payment method before confirming a country change.
- Account balance
- A remaining balance may not be transferable after switching countries.
- Pending transactions
- Changing settings early could affect memberships, pre-orders, Season Passes and movie rentals.
Sources
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