how to change country on google play

Changing your Google Play country can unlock local apps, games, movies and payment methods that are only available in a specific region. However, Google limits how often you can switch, and the process can affect your existing balance, subscriptions and available content. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to change country on Google Play, what to check before you switch, and how to avoid common problems.

Important things to know before you change your country

Before you start, keep these key points in mind:

• You can change your Google Play country only once per year.

After changing, you usually need to wait 12 months before you can switch again.

• You must be in the new country (or use a valid payment method from there).

Google may check your IP address, billing address and payment card to confirm your new region.

• Your Google Play balance may not transfer.

Credit or gift card balance from the old country usually cannot be used in the new one.

• Some apps and content will disappear.

Apps, movies, books or games available in your old region might not be visible or usable in the new region.

• Subscriptions may be affected.

Active subscriptions (for example cloud storage or streaming apps) might be canceled or billed differently after the change.

Because of these rules, always decide carefully before changing your country.

How to change your country in Google Play Store (Android)

Follow these steps on your Android phone or tablet:

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store app

• Unlock your device.
• Open the Google Play Store app (the multi-colored triangle icon).

Step 2: Go to your account settings

• Tap your profile icon at the top-right corner.
• From the menu that appears, select Settings.
• In Settings, tap General (if needed), then tap Account and device preferences or Account (wording may vary slightly by version).

Step 3: Find “Country and profiles”

• Scroll down until you see Country and profiles.
• Here, Google Play will try to detect your current location.
• If you are eligible to change country, you will see your current country and the option to switch to another country (for example, from “United States” to “Germany”).

If you do not see the option, it usually means one of these:

• You changed country within the last 12 months.
• Google cannot detect that you are in the new country.
• You do not have a valid payment method from that country.

Step 4: Choose your new country

• Tap the new country you want to switch to.
• Read the on-screen notice about restrictions (change once per year, content availability, etc.).
• Confirm that you want to create a new country profile.

Step 5: Add a payment method for the new country

Google will now ask you to add a payment method that matches the new country:

• Tap Add credit or debit card, Add PayPal, or another option supported in that region.
• Enter your billing address and card details.
• Make sure your billing address is in the new country; otherwise, the change may fail.

If you don’t have a local card, some users use international banking solutions or local virtual cards. Others might use services where they can buy sms online to verify new phone numbers for different regions when creating local payment accounts. However, make sure any method you use meets Google’s terms of service and local laws.

Step 6: Wait for the change to apply

After you complete the steps:

• Close the Google Play Store.
• Reopen it after a few minutes.
• The store’s currency, top charts, and recommended apps should now match the new country.

Sometimes it may take a few hours for all changes to fully apply.

How to change country using a browser

You can also manage some settings through a web browser:

• Go to payments.google.com and sign in.
• Open Settings.
• Under Country/Region, you may see an option to create a new profile for a different country.
• Add a new address and payment method from that country.

This can help Google recognize your new region, but the final Google Play Store country change still usually happens through the Play Store app itself.

Common problems and how to fix them

1. “Country and profiles” option is missing

If you cannot see the option:

Ensure you are physically in the new country (Google checks your IP).

Clear cache and data for the Play Store app:

Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Storage, then tap Clear Cache and Clear Data.

Reopen Google Play.

Check if you have changed country within the last year. If yes, you must wait until the 12-month period ends.

2. Payment method not accepted

If your card is not accepted:

Use a card issued by a bank in the new country.

Ensure the billing address matches the new region.

If you manage online banking, local virtual cards, or services where you buy sms online to verify financial accounts, confirm that these accounts officially support billing in that country and are accepted by Google.

3. Google Play balance disappeared

Your old balance is usually locked to the previous country:

You cannot move that balance to the new region.

Remaining balance may still be usable if you temporarily switch back to your old profile (when allowed), but Google officially recommends spending the balance before changing country.

Tips before changing your Google Play country

To avoid problems, do the following before you switch:

• Spend your current balance: Use gift card or promotional credits first.
• Check your subscriptions: Cancel or change them if needed; some may not be available in the new country.
• Back up important apps: While you can usually keep installed apps, future updates might not be available if the app doesn’t exist in the new region.
• Plan for future changes: Because you can only change once per year, choose a country that you expect to use long-term (for example, the country where you live, study or work).

Final thoughts

Changing your Google Play country is a powerful way to access local apps, games and payment methods but it comes with strict rules. You can only change once per year, your old balance usually stays behind, and some apps may disappear after the switch.

By following the step by step guide above, choosing a valid local payment method, and planning ahead (especially with your subscriptions and balance), you can move your account to the right region with minimal trouble. And if you also manage multiple online accounts or services across countries, using reliable verification tools such as platforms where you can buy sms online for secure account confirmation—can make your digital life easier and more flexible.