How to change your Apple ID country (and what you should do beforehand)
Jumping between countries can be a hassle when it comes to Apple apps and services. Luckily, there's a few easy ways to get everything prepared for when you do.
Once you're ready, you should clear the remaining balance in your Apple Account, since it may not be transferable once you've switched your Apple store's country. Unfortunately, Apple doesn't provide the option to get a cash refund unless you live in a region where such refunds are required by law.
Instead, spend your remaining balance on App Store products or Apple services. In some countries, these balances can be used on products or accessories. If you don't have enough to buy anything, you can clear your balance outright by contacting Apple Support. To check your account balance, head to the App Store > Tap your Photo or your initials and your funds will be viewable under your name.
Next, let's dive into your subscriptions. Unfortunately, many of your favorite subscriptions do not allow you to retain membership while changing your country settings. Luckily, Apple typically allows you to cancel a subscription if it prevents a country or region change.
To cancel a subscription on your Apple device, go to Settings > your name > Subscriptions. Then select your subscription and tap Cancel Subscription. If you see an expiration message in red, your subscription has already ended.
You should always wait to amend your account until all pending transactions are completed. In some cases, changing your settings too early could cause you to lose access to select memberships, pre-orders, Season Passes and movie rentals. If you need to change your account before a pre-order is available, you can cancel it on the App Store by selecting your account and heading to the Pre-orders menu underneath Subscriptions.
Of course, there are some caveats when changing your account's country settings. If you are part of a Family Sharing plan, for instance, you may not be able to make the change. Instead, you will need to leave your Family Sharing group before making any adjustments.
If you are unable to change your account's country, Apple suggests working through all of the above settings before contacting support.
Originally published on Engadget
