How Your IP Address Affects App Store Availability?

The Apple App Store is one of the largest digital marketplaces globally, essential for all Apple users to download apps and services. However, app availability differs by country. All location-based service apps are associated with access difficulties, the App Store is no exception, but we have the ability to change the region virtually.

Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t make this straightforward. Simply changing your location in your Apple ID settings might not grant access to all apps if your IP address doesn’t match the desired region. Read on if you want to learn how to bypass regional restrictions.

What is Geo-Blocking and How Does it Work?

Geo-blocking controls access to online content based on the user’s location. By examining an IP address, which indicates where an internet connection originates, websites can determine whether to grant or deny access. For instance, a user in the U.S. trying to visit a site blocked outside of Europe will be denied.

Some ISPs block sites due to legal or copyright issues. However, technologies like proxy servers and VPNs can bypass these restrictions. By connecting through a server in a country with access, users can reach geo-blocked content without facing censorship or limitations.

Geo-blocking identifies a user’s IP address, which reveals their physical location. When accessing a geo-blocked site or service, this IP is checked against a database of country-specific ranges. If the IP is from a restricted country, access is blocked. Tools like VPNs help users unblock such sites, allowing access to restricted content regardless of their location.

Why Change Location in App Store?

There are many reasons you might want to change your iTunes Store location:

• Access content exclusive to other regions’ iTunes Stores
• Connect to your home App Store while traveling abroad
• Hide your true location for privacy protection

VPN Changes Location

A VPN lets you change your Apple App Store region, giving you access to apps from different parts of the world. This is perfect if you’re traveling, facing App Store issues, or want apps not available in your region.

But a VPN is more than just an App Store tool—it’s a vital cybersecurity asset. While Apple devices like iPhones, Macs, and iPads have built-in security features, a VPN offers advanced protection. It encrypts your internet traffic, keeping it hidden from cybercriminals, advertisers, and other third parties. This is especially important for iPhone users who often connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi.

Additionally, a VPN helps you bypass regional restrictions on streaming services like BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and international versions of Netflix and Amazon Prime by connecting to servers in different locations.

How to Change App Store Location?

For iPhone

How to change your region on iPhone? You need to meet 3 necessary conditions: change the region in the smartphone settings, prepare the payment details of the desired region and install a VPN. To change App Store country, you will need not just a random VPN, but one of the top ones, such as VeePN. In this case, the App Store location will be changed successfully, otherwise you may notice that Apple still sees your real IP address.

Follow these simple steps to change your App Store location on iOS:

1. Download VPN: Search for the VPN app on the App Store and download it to your device.
2. Log in to Your VPN Account: Open the app and enter your login credentials. The app will prompt you to reconfigure the VPN settings on your device. Allow the necessary permissions.
3. Connect to a Preferred Server Location: Select the country whose App Store you want to access. For instance, choose a UK server if you want to browse the UK App Store. Turn on the VPN.
4. Change Your Apple ID Region: Go to your Apple ID settings and change your location to match the VPN server’s country.
5. Enter Your Payment Info: Agree to the Terms & Conditions and enter your payment details as required.

For Mac

To change your App Store location on a Mac, follow these simple steps:

1. Choose a VPN compatible with Macs. We recommend starting with free VPN for Chrome by VeePN as a reliable and affordable option.
2. Download and install the VPN software from their website, then create an account.
3. Connect to a server in the country you want to switch to.
4. Open the App Store on your Mac, click your Apple ID at the bottom left corner, and select “View Information.”
5. Change your region to your chosen country, accept the terms and conditions, and enter your payment details.
6. Restart the App Store and start exploring new apps!

Final Words

Don’t worry, it’s legal to change your location on the Apple App Store using a VPN. You can also use a GPS spoofing app or a proxy server to change your App Store country. However, these methods aren’t as secure and lack privacy features that protect your identity and activity.

While it’s not illegal, changing your location might violate Apple’s Terms of Service. Additionally, Apple may not accept payments from a credit or debit card tied to your actual location. To bypass this, you can purchase a gift card for the Apple App Store and use it instead.