In short
- The App Store region is tied to your Apple ID, not to your IP address or SIM card.
- Before the switch your Apple ID balance must be zero.
- Active subscriptions have to be cancelled, and you have to wait for the paid period to end.
- The new country needs an address in that country. For accounts moving from Russia with a zero balance you can skip the payment method: choose “None”.
- Installed apps stay on the device after the switch.
Why change the region
The set of apps in the App Store depends on your Apple ID region. VPN clients, including Happ, have been removed from the Russian App Store at Roskomnadzor's request. They are available in other countries' App Stores. To install one of them on an iPhone, the Apple ID has to be registered in another country.
On Android there is no need to change the region: Happ installs from Google Play or as an APK file. Links to every version are gathered in the Apps section.
First: balance and subscriptions
Apple refuses to change the region while the account has money or active subscriptions on it. It is best to start preparing in advance.
Bring the Apple ID balance to zero
- Open Settings → your name → Media & Purchases → View Account. The remaining amount is shown in the balance line.
- Spend it on an app, a subscription or a book.
- If what is left is less than the cheapest purchase, call Apple Support and ask them to clear the balance. It takes one call. The money is not refunded when it is written off.
Cancel subscriptions
- Open Settings → your name → Subscriptions.
- Cancel every active subscription, including iCloud+ and Apple Music.
- Wait for the paid period to end. The region will not change before that date.
Check the rest
- Pre-orders, movie rentals and refunds must be completed.
- If you are in a Family Sharing group, leave it before changing the country.
How to change the region on iPhone and iPad
- Open Settings and tap your name.
- Choose Media & Purchases → View Account. Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode.
- Tap Country/Region and choose the new country.
- Tap Continue and accept the terms and conditions.
- Under payment method choose “None”, enter an address and tap Done.
The “None” option is available to accounts moving from the Russian region with a zero balance. If Apple still asks for a card, check that the balance really is zero.
After that the App Store opens for the chosen country. If search still shows Russian-region apps, sign out of the App Store and sign back in.
How to change the region on a Mac and on the web
On a Mac
- Open the App Store, choose Account → Account Settings in the menu bar and sign in with your Apple ID password.
- Click Change Country or Region.
- Choose the country, accept the terms, and enter a payment method and address.
On the web
- Open account.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Go to Personal Information → Country/Region.
- Choose the new country and fill in the payment method and address.
A change made on the web applies to every device with that Apple ID.
Which country to choose and which address to give
Choose the United States. The US App Store has Happ, registration lets you choose “None” as the payment method, and top-up gift cards are sold in any denomination. Another country works if its App Store has the app you need and its gift cards are available to you.
The address must exist in the chosen country and follow its format. For the US, Apple checks the ZIP code against the state: a ZIP code from one state with the name of another will not be accepted. Pick a state with no sales tax: Oregon, Delaware, Montana or New Hampshire. In other states Apple adds tax to the price of every purchase and subscription. The phone number is entered in that country's format.
An Apple ID holds payment and personal data. Do not use someone else's account with a region already set, of the kind sold on Telegram: the owner keeps access to it and sees your purchases.
How to top up your Apple ID after changing the region
Russian cards are not accepted in another country's App Store. You can top up with an App Store & iTunes gift card from the country your Apple ID is registered in. A US App Store card works only on a US account.
- Buy a gift card for the right country from a seller with a public offer and refund terms.
- Open the App Store → your photo → Redeem Gift Card or Code.
- Enter the code or scan the card with the camera.
Free apps, Happ included, do not need any money on the account.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the region without clearing the balance?
No. While there is money on the account, Apple will not let you change the country. Spend what is left, and if it is not enough for a purchase, call Apple Support and ask them to clear the balance.
Will my apps disappear after changing the region?
Installed apps stay on the device and keep working. Updates keep coming as long as the app is in the new country's App Store.
Do I need a VPN to change the region?
No. The region is set in your Apple ID settings and does not depend on your IP address. The Check my IP tool shows which IP websites see.
Can I switch back to the Russian region?
Yes, the same way. Before that, clear the balance again and cancel any subscriptions taken out in the other country.
How do I change the App Store region without changing the Apple ID region?
The App Store region and the Apple ID region are one setting. The App Store region cannot be changed on its own. If you need two countries' catalogs, create a second Apple ID and sign in to the App Store with it: iCloud, photos and contacts stay on your main one.
Why won't Apple let me change the country?
The account still has a balance, an active subscription, an unfinished pre-order or rental, or you are in a Family Sharing group. Check each item in “First: balance and subscriptions”.