How to use Apple Account balance to change App Store location

Apple makes it mandatory for you to use up your Apple Account balance before you can change your Apple App Store account region to another country. In this guide, we talk more about it.

Let’s start with the basics.

When you first create an Apple Account, you are asked to select a country and add an address. For many people, this is the country they live in.

Adding your native country ensures that you can also download those local apps that are only available in your country (not globally). Second, the relevant country also ensures the correct transaction of currency, balance load, contributions, recommendations, top charts, and so on.

Now, if you are moving to another country permanently or for a long time, you may want to change your App Store country to a new one. This will ensure all the benefits of choosing the right country for your App Store account.

The process to change your App Store country or region is simple, as long as you have no balance in your Apple Account, you’ve canceled a subscription that doesn’t allow a country change, and you meet a few other requirements.

To change your App Store country:

1. Open the iOS App Store.
2. Tap your profile picture from the top.
3. Tap that Account information and enter your Apple Account password.
4. Tap Country/Region.
5. Select another country, enter an address and phone number, and confirm.

However, if you have a store credit balance (Apple Account balance), you’ll need to spend that amount first.

But before using your account balance, consider requesting a refund from Apple

In some jurisdictions, Apple is required by law to refund your account balance at your request. You can try it by contacting Apple Support and sharing the following information with them:

In the event that a refund from your original payment method or check is not possible, your only option is to use the remaining funds to purchase items from Apple.

How to use your Apple Account balance before changing the App Store country

The answer is very obvious: you need to use it by buying apps, app development, songs, ringtones, movies, TV shows, and books.

Buy apps

Use your Apple Account credits to buy paid apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or Vision Pro.

1. Open the App Store and press Search.
2. Tap Top downloaded apps.
3. Go to Paid apps tab.
4. See which apps seem useful and buy them.

Develop applications

You can also shop one time/lifetime upgrade with free apps that you have been using for a long time and want to unlock more features. Remember not to buy recurring weekly, monthly, or yearly subscriptions.

1. Open the app in question.
2. Tap on the option that asks you to upgrade to the pro version. Go to its settings if you don’t see it.
3. Choose a one-time or lifetime option and complete the purchase.

Buy songs or ringtones

In addition to apps, you can use your remaining account balance to purchase songs from the iTunes Store. You will be able to listen to these purchased songs even if you do not have an Apple Music subscription. Also, these songs are not DRM protected, so you can use them in your photo slideshow, turn a segment into a ringtone, and so on. Additionally, you can check out other premium ringtones for your iPhone and iPad.

1. Open the iTunes Store operating system.
2. use the Music or Tones tabs to find and preview these items.
3. Then, tap the price icon to buy it. Important: Do not pre-order an unreleased album; otherwise, you will have to cancel the order or keep the same country until the album is released and delivered to you digitally.

Buy movies or TV shows

Like buying music, you can buy movie titles and TV shows from Apple to use your Apple Account balance. After purchase, you can watch them without subscribing to the stream.

1. Open the TV app and go to The store tab.
2. Find the title and press the button Buy or Rent button.
3. Now, tap the price nearby Buy it and complete the purchase. Important: Do not rent the video.

Buy books

Consider purchasing books and audiobooks by going to the Apple Books app and tapping Bookstore. Note that premium titles are not available in all countries.

If you still have a little money left

After you’ve spent money and used up all your credits, you’re ready to change App Store countries (as long as you’ve canceled any active subscriptions and met other requirements).

However, if you still have a little money left, which is less than the cost of one item, contact Apple Support, and they will help you.

Another option is to find a low-cost app, song, or ringtone that costs close to your remaining balance, add up the difference, and buy it to bring your Apple Account balance to exactly zero.

Create a new Apple Account

If you can’t get a refund from Apple and don’t want to use your Apple Account balance, consider creating a new Apple Account for a new country. You can then go to the iPhone Settings > Apple Account Name > Media and Shopping > Sign out stop using your previous Apple ID for the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, and other Apple services. Then, sign in with your new account.

Note:

• Apps downloaded from your old Apple Account may fail to update after signing in to another Apple Account. You will need to sign in with the original account or remove and reinstall the app with a new account.
• You cannot refund in-app purchases after using a different Apple Account.

On a similar note: How to download an iPhone app that is not available in your country