How to Install Apps Not Available in Your Country on iPhone (2025 Guide)

Ever found an app you really want, only to see the frustrating message: “This app is not available in your country or region.”

It’s annoying, right?

Some apps launch in specific countries first, while others remain exclusive to certain regions due to licensing, regulations, or business decisions.

Whether it’s a new game, a streaming service, or a productivity tool, being locked out just because of your location can be frustrating.

But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to bypass these restrictions and install any app, from any country, on your iPhone—without jailbreaking or doing anything risky.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide:

• The best ways to install region-locked apps (Apple ID tricks, VPNs, and more)
• Step-by-step instructions to make the process easy
• How to keep using the app after installing it
• Solutions for common problems users face

By the end of this guide, you’ll have full access to any app you want, no matter where you live.

Let’s dive in.

Tip: If you’re low on storage and trying to download a new app from another country, you don’t always need to delete anything. Here’s how to free up iPhone storage without deleting apps.

Method 1: Change Your Apple ID Country (Best for Long-Term Use)

One of the easiest ways to access apps from another country is by changing your Apple ID’s country or region.

This method works directly within the App Store and lets you download apps as if you were in another country.

Why Use This Method?

• Works for both free and paid apps
• No need to create a new Apple ID
• Full access to another country’s App Store

Steps to Change Your Apple ID Country

• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Tap Your Name (Apple ID Profile) at the top.
• Select Media & Purchases → View Account.
• Tap Country/Region → Change Country or Region.

• Choose the country where the app is available (e.g., United States for U.S.-exclusive apps).
• Review and accept Apple’s terms.
• Add a payment method for the new country (or select “None” if available).
• Restart the App Store and search for the app.

Important Things to Know

• You must have a valid payment method from the selected country (or an Apple gift card from that region).
• Existing subscriptions may be affected when you switch countries.
• If you have store credit remaining, you may need to spend it before changing regions.

When Should You Use This Method?

• If you regularly need apps from another country
• If you have a valid payment method for that region
• If you don’t mind temporarily switching your Apple ID country

If this method doesn’t work for you, don’t worry.

The next method is a great alternative.

Method 2: Create a New Apple Account for Another Country (Best for Free Apps)

If you don’t want to change your existing Apple account’s country (or you don’t have a valid payment method for the new region), the next best option is to create a new Apple Account specifically for that country’s App Store.

This method is great for downloading free apps while keeping your main Apple account untouched.

Why Use This Method?

• No need to change your primary Apple account
• Works even if you don’t have a payment method from the new country
• Keeps your existing subscriptions and purchases unaffected

Steps to Create a New Apple Account for Another Country

1. Sign Out of Your Current Apple Account:

• Go to Settings → Tap Your Name → Scroll down and tap Sign Out.

2. Create a New Apple Account:

• Open appleid.apple.com in a web browser.
• Click Create Your Apple Account and fill in your details.
• Set your country to the one where the app is available.
• Use a new email address (different from your main Apple Account).

3. Skip Payment Method:

• When prompted for a payment method, choose “None” if available.

4. Verify Your Apple Account:

• Apple will send a verification code to your email.

5. Sign In with Your New Apple Account:

• Open the App Store on your iPhone.
• Scroll to the bottom, tap Sign Out, then sign in with your new Apple Account.
• Now, you can search and install apps that were previously unavailable.

6️. Switch Back to Your Main Apple Account (Optional):

• Once the app is installed, you can sign out of the new Apple Account and sign back in with your original one.
• The downloaded app will still remain on your iPhone.

Important Things to Know

• If you ever need to update the app, you must switch back to the new Apple Account to do so.
• Some apps may require a local phone number for verification, depending on the region.

When Should You Use This Method?

• If you want to keep your main Apple Account untouched
• If you don’t have a payment method for the other country
• If you’re only installing free apps

If this method doesn’t work for a geo-restricted app (like a streaming service that checks your IP location), you might need to use a VPN.

Method 3: Use a VPN to Access Region-Locked Apps (Best for Geo-Restricted Services)

Some apps are not just region-locked in the App Store.

They also check your IP address to see where you are.

This is common for streaming services, banking apps, or country-exclusive games.

In this case, simply switching your Apple ID won’t be enough.

You’ll need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to mask your location.

Why Use This Method?

• Lets you access and use apps that check your location
• Works for streaming services, banking apps, and region-locked content
• Doesn’t require changing your Apple ID

Steps to Install and Use a VPN for Region-Locked Apps

1️. Download a Trusted VPN App:

• Open the App Store and search for a VPN.
• Some good free options: ProtonVPN, Windscribe, TunnelBear.
• Paid options with better speeds: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark.

2️. Sign Up and Connect to a VPN Server:

• Open the VPN app and create an account.
• Choose a server in the country where the app is available.
• Connect and wait for the VPN to activate.

3️. Clear the App Store Cache (If Needed):

• Open the App Store → Tap one of the bottom tabs 10 times.
• This refreshes the App Store and might make the restricted app appear.

4️. Search for the App and Install It:

• Once the VPN is active, open the App Store and search for the app.
• If it was previously unavailable, it should now show up.

5️. Keep the VPN Running When Using the App (If Required):

• Some apps (e.g., streaming services like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or Disney+) check your IP every time you open them.
• If the app doesn’t work after installation, connect your VPN again before launching it.

Important Things to Know

• Free VPNs have data limits (if you plan to stream, you may need a premium VPN).
• Some apps use advanced location tracking and might still block you.
• You may experience slower internet speeds when using a VPN.

When Should You Use This Method?

• If the app checks your location every time you open it
• If the app won’t appear in the App Store due to your IP address
• If you want to access services like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer from another country

If none of these methods work, don’t worry.

You might be encountering certain issues, so let’s address some common problems and their solutions.

If you still can’t find the app, check out this guide for a detailed, step-by-step explanation on how to get removed or hidden apps from the App Store.

Common Issues & Fixes

Even after following the steps above, you might run into some problems.

Here’s how to fix the most common ones:

Issue 1: This App is Still Not Available in Your Region

Why It Happens: The App Store might not have refreshed, or your location settings are still detected.

Fix:

• Restart your iPhone and try again.
• Sign out of the App Store and sign back in.
• If using a VPN, clear the App Store cache (Tap any bottom tab 10 times).
• Try another country if the app is available in multiple locations.

Issue 2: Payment Method Required When Changing Apple ID Country

Why It Happens: Apple requires a valid local payment method for some regions.

Fix:

• Choose “None” as the payment option if available.
• Use an Apple Gift Card from the new country (purchased online).
• If you have an active subscription, cancel it first and try again.

Issue 3: Cannot Download the App Even After Changing Country

Why It Happens: The app might require additional verification or a local phone number.

Fix:

• If the app requires a local phone number, try using an online SMS service.
• Some apps (like banking or streaming apps) block foreign Apple IDs—in this case, try using a VPN instead.

Issue 4: The App Opens But Doesn’t Work (Geo-Restricted Services)

Why It Happens: Some apps check your IP every time they launch.

Fix:

• Keep the VPN active while using the app.
• Try switching VPN servers (some IPs get blocked).
• If using a free VPN, upgrade to a premium VPN for better performance.

Issue 5: Can’t Update the App After Installing It

Why It Happens: You downloaded the app using a second Apple ID, and updates require that same account.

Fix:

• Sign back into the Apple ID used to install the app, update it, then switch back.
• If you no longer have access to that Apple ID, you might need to reinstall the app using a different method.

If you paid for an app that still doesn’t work in your country—even after switching your Apple ID or using a VPN—you might be eligible for a refund.

Learn how to get a refund for an iOS app or subscription.

My Final Take

Getting access to apps that aren’t available in your country might seem tricky at first, but with the right methods, it’s actually pretty easy.

Whether you change your Apple ID country, create a second Apple ID, or use a VPN, you now have multiple ways to bypass region restrictions and install any app you want.

Quick Recap:

• Changing your Apple ID country is the best long-term solution but requires a valid payment method.
• Creating a new Apple ID is the easiest way to install free apps without affecting your main account.
• Using a VPN helps access apps that check your IP location (like streaming or banking apps).
• Troubleshooting common issues (like App Store errors and update problems) ensures a smooth experience.

With these methods, you’ll never have to worry about missing out on an app just because of your location.

You can download older versions of apps as well.

Curious how? Check out this simple guide on downloading older versions of apps for iPhone.

That’s all for now.

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.

FAQs