How To Change Google Play Store Country Easily in 2024

Google’s strict conditions for changing Play Store country make it difficult to switch locations. Google checks your IP address to determine what you can download. This can be frustrating if you travel often and need access to essential apps like banking.

There are several ways to switch your Google Play country, but a VPN is the most reliable method. VPNs hide your location and encrypt your traffic, keeping your online identity and activities private. This makes it possible to safely access any Play Store from anywhere. Some VPNs even disguise VPN usage to avoid Google’s advanced anti-VPN technology.

After my team and I tested 50+ VPNs, ExpressVPN is my top Play Store VPN choice. Its global network of fast servers lets you download any app in seconds. It’s also highly secure and uses automatic obfuscation to hide VPN traffic, allowing access to different Play Stores without detection. It even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Safely Change Play Store Country >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Google Play VPNs for 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How To Change Google Play Store Country From Anywhere

You can securely change your Play Store country using a VPN in minutes from any location. This lets you temporarily access the apps you need without losing access to your Google Play balance. A VPN hides your real IP address and encrypts your traffic by tunneling it through its private server network. This means no one, not even your ISP or Google, can see or track your online activity.

1. Choose a Reliable VPN

Get a VPN with fast speed and a worldwide server network to download Google Play apps without delay. Check that the VPN has native Android apps for easy installation, like ExpressVPN. The VPN even has a native Android TV app to safely switch Google Play country on your big screen. Whichever VPN you pick, make sure it uses obfuscation to avoid detection, so you won't get blocked accessing Google Play with it.

It also offers an APK file for devices without Play Store support

2. Clear Your Google Play Data

This helps prevent Google from detecting your original location by resetting the Play Store to recognize your new IP address when you reopen it. I used a Samsung A23 for this guide, but the steps are similar across all Android devices. The best VPNs offer beginner-friendly, full featured Android apps that are easy to install and use.

Don’t worry, this won’t delete any of your apps or in-app data

3. Connect to a Server

After downloading the VPN from the Play Store, open it and choose a server in the country where you want to access the Google Play Store. ExpressVPN has a 7-day free trial for Android that you can use to test it out first.

City-based makes it easier to find one near you for the fastest speed

4. Create a New Google Account

Tap your profile icon (top-right corner), choose the arrow next to your current account name, and select Add another account. After that, follow the prompts to set up a new account.

This will grant you access to Play Store apps and content specific to the country you changed to. Google associates your account with a region based on the location where it was created. A location/IP verification tool can help you check if your VPN has successfully changed your chosen location.

I opened a new account in under 3 minutes

I don't recommend using an existing account, even if you use a VPN to change location. While the Play Store may recognize the new IP and allow you to switch regions, it'll still ask for new payment details. When I used my existing account, I kept getting the error message, Something went wrong. Try again. This is likely due to Google’s restrictions on country changes, which are meant to prevent misuse and maintain security, making the process difficult.

5. Safely Access More Google Play Store Apps

Once your new profile is set up, you'll instantly gain access to the Play Store in the chosen country. With a VPN, it's possible to securely download apps like Hulu and Peacock using a new Play Store account created after connecting to a US server.

Streaming shows on apps like Peacock and Disney+ without buffering is easy

If you're asked for payment details when downloading apps, simply skip that step. VPNs will reduce your speed as they encrypt your data, so opt for a fast VPN for a smooth experience downloading and using Play Store apps.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

How To Manually Change Google Play Region

You must be physically located in that country to manually change your Google Play location. Google limits how often you can do this — only once per year — and it may take up to 48 hours for your profile to update.

You’ll also need a valid payment method from that country for the change to work, and any balance, points, and level won’t carry over. You may also lose access to apps, e-books, games, and content from your original account. Plus, Google Play Pass will only transfer if supported in your new country; otherwise, you'll retain access to past downloads but can’t install new Play Pass apps.

A simple solution is to set up a new Google account once you’re in the country. To do this manually, follow the steps below:

Change Country in Google Play on Android

1. Open the Google Play Store. Launch the Google Play Store app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Access account settings. Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Navigate to country settings. Go to Settings > General > Account and device preferences > Country and profiles.
4. Choose your new country. Select the country you want to switch to. If the option to change the country doesn’t show up, clear the Google Play cache and restart the app.
5. Add a payment method. Follow the prompts to add a valid payment method for the selected country.

Change Google Play Country on Desktop

1. Go to Google Pay. Open your web browser and head to the Google Payments settings page.
2. Sign in to the correct Google account. Verify that you're signed into the correct Google account. If not, log in with the appropriate credentials.
3. Create a new profile. In the Country/Region section, click the pencil icon and select Create new profile. You’ll be guided to set up a new payment profile. Choose the country you want from the drop-down list, then click Continue. Enter a valid address from that country and then click Submit. If you don't have a local address, you can use the address of your hotel or temporary accommodation.
4. Verify the change. Go to the Google Play Store in your browser. If the switch was successful, apps and content from your chosen country should now be visible.

After setup, you can include payment methods from other regions. You don’t need one immediately to download free apps, but a valid payment method from the new country is required for paid apps or subscriptions.

Best VPNs To Change Play Store Country From Anywhere in 2024

With the right VPN, it's possible to tap into the libraries of other Play Store countries and securely download the apps you want. After testing several VPNs for over a week, we selected the top performers in terms of server network, ease of use, and speed. Below is a quick side-by-side comparison.

1. ExpressVPN — Servers WorldWide to Securely Access Any Google Play Store Region

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested November 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN's fast servers in 105 countries make it possible to change to any Play Store country in seconds. We connected to servers in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas and successfully changed IP addresses. ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is also ideal for Android devices as it drains less battery. During our tests, speeds dropped by just 8%, changing Google Play's location to New York.

All servers automatically use obfuscation, hiding your VPN use so it’s not detected and blocked by Google. ExpressVPN also continuously rotates IP addresses to prevent blocklisting. Thanks to its kill switch (Network Lock) and IPv6/DNS/WebRTC leak protection, your real location and online identity won't be accidentally exposed.

Though it comes at a higher price, starting at $4.99/month, ExpressVPN's generous year-round discounts make it more affordable. I got 82% off and 3 extra months free on its long-term plan. With 24/7 live chat support and user-friendly apps for major devices, including Android TV and Android TV boxes, it's my top recommendation for changing Play Store Country. There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a refund if you’re not 100% happy.

2. CyberGhost — User-Friendly Play Store VPN Makes Switching Country Easy

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost's intuitive interface makes protecting your privacy and changing Play Store region easy. It uses the same high-level encryption (AES 256-bit) as ExpressVPN to keep you safe online. Simply tap the large power button to instantly establish a secure connection from anywhere. Using the search bar to find a country, switching servers was straightforward during our tests.

Thanks to its dedicated IPs, CyberGhost prevents Google Play blocklists and eliminates the annoyance of constant CAPTCHAs, a common issue with shared IPs since Google and other websites often mistake them for bots. Unfortunately, its monthly plan is a bit pricey and has a shorter refund period. However, long-term tiers let you test the VPN free for 45 days and costs only $2.19/month.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Advanced Security Tools to Safely Download Google Play Apps From Anywhere

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA’s adjustable security settings let you optimize your Google Play connection for speed or privacy. For example, if your base speed is slow, use the OpenVPN protocol and choose a lower encryption level (128-bit) to boost performance. Our speed dropped by only 10%, testing nearby servers.

If you're new to VPNs, its extensive customization options might initially feel a bit overwhelming compared to the simplicity of ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. But you'll quickly get used to it. Since apps are pre-configured, you can change your Play Store country without making any adjustments. You can also use PIA on unlimited devices simultaneously without paying extra.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Changing Google Play Country

We used strict criteria to pick the best Google Play VPNs. First, we checked that they have servers worldwide and intuitive Android apps. Next, we assessed security features like leak protection, kill switch, and encryption levels to confirm they can keep your Play Store activity private. We also ran speed tests to measure how quickly each VPN can download apps.

How To Change Google Play Country Without A Payment Method

If you’re looking to change your Google Play Store country without adding a payment method, here are a few methods to consider:

• Use a high-quality Android VPN. A VPN is the simplest way to change your Play Store country without needing to add a payment method or waiting a full year to do so again. Simply, create a new account and skip the payment method option when asked.
• Manually change Google Play location on your desktop. This process involves a few steps and works reliably for accessing free apps. You'll still need to add a payment method for paid apps and services.

FAQs on Changing Google Play Store Country

Can I use a free VPN to change the country on Google Play Store?

Yes, but it might put your data at risk. Free VPNs often lack key security features and have few servers, which might prevent you switching Play Store countries. Free servers are also easily blocked and bandwidth is limited. A better alternative is a premium VPN backed by a reliable money-back guarantee.

Some free VPNs have even been found to contain malware or sell user data. Many openly state this in their privacy policies, making them more of a liability than a benefit. It's also best to steer clear of smart DNS and proxy servers for changing Google Play store country, as they offer no encryption, leaving your personal information vulnerable to prying eyes.

Can I change the country/region in the Google Play Store without root?

Yes, you can change your Google Play Store country without root access. The simplest and most reliable way to access a different Play Store region without losing access to your existing account data is by using a high-quality VPN.

While rooting does provide more extensive control over your device, it also has its downsides, including nullifying the warranty and the inability to receive standard phone updates. Rooting also heightens your susceptibility to hacking and malware.

Sometimes, you'll encounter the error message: Your device is not compatible with this version/device. This glitch appears to be an issue with Google's Android operating system. You need to clear the Google Play Store cache to go around this. Next, click on clear data. Restart your phone and try downloading the app again.

Does the Google Play Store change my country automatically?

No, the Google Play Store won't automatically update your country when traveling. It stays set to the country linked to your Google account. However, you may see different apps in the Play Store when you're away from home. A reliable VPN can help you change Play Store country.

Is it legal to use a VPN to change the Google Play Store country?

Yes, using a VPN for Google Play is legal. You can easily do this with a reliable VPN. Just remember to follow Google's T&Cs and stay within legal boundaries, as a VPN won’t make illegal actions lawful.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for changing Google Play country from anywhere…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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