Are you stuck on the US App Store, or is your iOS device convinced that you’re in or from the wrong country? Are you getting app and music prices in dollars or euros, or are geographical restrictions preventing you from accessing content that should be available in the UK?
In this simple tutorial we show how to switch the App Store on your iPhone or iPad so that it knows you are in the UK, and you can buy apps, music, TV series and movies at British prices.
Geographical troubleshooting
Here’s a problem that will be familiar to many Macworld readers: your iPhone or iPad thinks you’re in the US or another country. Nothing wrong with that, of course (hello to our US cousins). But because of this geographical kerfuffle you can’t purchase (or pre-order) UK-specific apps or media.
More importantly, without a US-registered credit card you may not be able to buy anything. At all. And that means your iPhone or iPad is hobbled.
The problem is simple: Apple thinks your personal Apple ID is based somewhere other than the country in which you reside. Fortunately the solution is equally simple: just change the details of your Apple ID account.
Sign into your account
First hit the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad’s home screen. It’s the one that looks like the inside of a clock – a grey box with cogs inside it. Scroll down and tap ‘iTunes & App Store’.
The first thing you’ll see at the top of the screen is your Apple ID. Tap that. Now a pop-up dialog box appears. Choose ‘View Apple ID’, and enter your password or use Touch ID.
Account Settings
After you’ve signed in successfully you’ll see the account settings screen. Tap ‘Country/Region’, then ‘Change Country or Region’.
Now scroll through the list and select the location with which you want your ID to be associated. (You’ll need to be able to pay for things in the country you have chosen.) Agree to the Terms & Conditions – having read them thoroughly, of course – then confirm Agree when the box pops up.
You will now have to confirm your payment details (including phone number, street and postcode)
And that’s it! You’re now set back to the good old UK App Store, and can get UK apps and UK games at UK prices, God save the queen.
Author: Matt Egan, Global Editorial Director
Matt Egan is Global Editorial Director of IDG, publisher of Tech Advisor, and a passionate technology fan who writes on subjects as diverse as smartphones, internet security, social media and Windows.