Unblock Geo-Restricted App Store or iTunes Content in a Few Clicks
Discover how to quickly gain access to geoblocked apps via the App Store or iTunes with a few simple clicks whether you’re on on an iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC.
Apple’s App Store and iTunes apps give you access to thousands of great games, utilities and social connections. But there are thousands more you can never access due to geographic restrictions.
Why Are Certain Apps Blocked?
Location-based restrictions, known as geoblocking, are actions taken by companies or government regulators. They restrict access to content, including App Store apps, based on your location. You can experience these issues on sites such as YouTube or platforms such as Netflix, where certain content is unavailable to certain users, often due to licensing issues or other legal issues.
Geoblocking is usually done by tracking the unique identifiers known as Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Any request you make to a site or app includes your IP address so the pinged computer knows where to send the requested content. IP addresses are allocated to internet service providers (ISPs) to distribute to their customers and reflect the geographic location of the computer, smartphone or another connected device.
Why Unblock Geoblocked Content?
There are many valid reasons for wanting to access geoblocked content. You may be visiting or living in another country and want to connect with content and functionality unique to your country. Maybe you need to access content that is only available via an app that is restricted at your current location. You might want to compare content presented on different versions of an app.
No matter what the reason, geoblocking can cause frustration for those wanting to access something they can’t connect to. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to unlock this content.
How Do I Unlock Geoblocked Content?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to unlocking iTunes and App Store content in another country. No matter which method you use, be sure to cancel any subscriptions to Apple Music, iTunes Match and other apps associated with your Apple ID.
- On an iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings > [Your Username]
- Click on iTunes & App Store
- Tap on your Apple ID. Authenticate if asked
- Click on View Apple ID
- Select Country/Region
- Select Change Country/Region
- Choose a new country, click on Next
- Accept the Terms and Conditions
- Enter your payment method
- On a Mac or PC
- Open iTunes
- Click on Account > View My Account
- Sign in using your Apple ID
- Press Enter or click on View Account
- On the Account Information page, click on Change Country or Region
- Click Agree to the terms and conditions
- Enter a new payment method
- Click Continue
- From your Apple ID profile
- Log on to your Apple ID account profile
- Scroll to Account
- Tap on Country/Region
- Choose your new country or region. Click Continue when asked to confirm your new selection
Does Unblocking Content Allow Access to All Apps?
The method described above only works for free apps available for iOS devices. If you want to access paid apps, you’ll need to enter a payment method — and billing address – for the country
Switching from one country identity to another on iTunes or the App Store is complex, but can be done, by following these steps:
- Open App Store > Apple ID
- Click on Sign Out
- Open Settings/General
- Click on Language & Region
- Select Region
- Select a new country or region and create a new account by finding an app you want to download in the new country
- Tap on the app. If a screen pops up that the item is not available, click on Change Store
- Go to the app listing and tap Get > Install
- Click Create New Apple ID
- Select the new country or region and complete the Apple ID creation steps
- Select None under Billing
- Switching between stores is now possible by signing out of one iTunes or App Store account and signing back in via another
Accessing content in other countries can be critical for many users. With a few taps, you can open up a world of opportunities.
