How to Change Google Account Location [5 Effective Ways]
Changing the location associated with your Google Account can be important for accessing region-specific features, services, or content. Whether you've moved to a new country, want to access a service not available in your current location, or need to adjust your billing address for Google Play, understanding how to update your Google Account location is essential.
This article will guide you through the steps on how to change your Google Account location and explain important factors to consider.
Part 1: 5 Things to Consider When Changing Google Account Location
It's important to know that changing Google account country isn't as simple as flipping a switch. Before you begin, here are five key things you should consider:
- One-Time Change per Year: For Google Play, you can only change your country setting once every 12 months (365 days).
- Payment Method Compatibility: Ensure the payment method matches the region you're switching to.
- Existing Purchases: Apps, games, or subscriptions purchased in one country may not be available after switching locations.
- Regional Restrictions: Some services or apps may still be unavailable even after changing your location.
- Disrupt Family Group Sharing: If you're part of a Google Family Group, changing your location could disrupt shared purchases or subscriptions.
Part 2: When Do You Need to Change Google Account Location
Changing your Google Account location is beneficial in several scenarios:
1. Access Regional Content: Google services like YouTube TV, Google Play, and Google Maps offer region-specific content. Changing your Google location lets you access apps, music, or videos available in different countries.
2. Billing Address Update: If you've relocated, updating your location ensures accurate billing information for Google Play Store, Google Shopping, or other Google services.
3. Service Availability: Some Google services, such as Stadia or certain features in Google Pay, are only available in specific regions.
4. Search and Maps Accuracy: Changing your location ensures Google Search and Maps provide location-relevant results.
Part 3: Top Solutions on How to Change Google Account Location
Here are the five most effective methods to change country in Google account, ranging from the official change on different services to more flexible, temporary solutions.
Method 1. Change Country in Google Play Store [Android]
The Google Play Store uses your account's country setting to show apps and content specific to your region. You can change Google account location to view some region restricted content.
Steps to Change Google Play Country on Android:
Step 1. Open the Google Play Store App: Launch the app on your Android device.
Step 2. Access Account Settings: Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner, then select Settings > General > Account and Device Preferences.
Step 3. Change Country/Region: Under the "Country and profiles" section, tap your current country.
If you've moved to a new country, a new option will appear based on your current IP address.
If you're using an iPhone, you can't directly change the country in Google Play due to system limitations. Instead, use Method 2 to update your Google Account location on PC or via browser.
Method 2. Update Address in Google Payments [Computer]
To change Google account country on a PC, you need to edit Google Payments profile. Google Payments controls the billing info across Google services like Google Play, YouTube, and Google Shopping.
Here is how to change Google account location by updating address in Google payments.
Step 1. Visit Google Payments Center: Go to Google Payments on a browser.
Step 2. Navigate to Settings: Click the gear icon in the top-right corner.
Step 3. Edit Payment Profile: Under "Payments profile," click Edit next to your Country/Region address.
Step 4. Update Address: Enter your new location and save the changes.
If you can't join a Google Family Group, your payment profile may not match the group's country. Delete any old profiles from other regions, then create a new one in the correct country.
Before changing Google account country, cancel all active subscriptions - they can block the update.
Method 3. Precisely Change Google Location via Third-party Tool
Google usually detects your location through your IP address, but some services - like Google Search, Google Play, or Google Shopping - may also rely on GPS location. Therefore, another way you can choose to change your Google account location is to take assistance from a third-party tool like TunesKit Location Changer.
TunesKit Location Changer is a multifunctional location changing tool that allows you to precisely change GPS location on iOS/Android devices. This program is available on both Windows and Mac platforms. With 5 location changing modes, you can easily change Google account location without encountering any hassle.
Why Change Google Location via TunesKit Location Changer?
TunesKit Location Changer lets you instantly access region-locked content without waiting a year to change Google account country. It's ideal for app testing, SEO tracking, and protecting your GPS privacy - all in one simple tool.
You can follow below steps on how to change Google account location by using TunesKit Location Changer.
Step 1Enable Developer Mode
Download and install TunesKit Location Changer on your computer. Before connect your Android device to the computer, you should put your device into Developer mode first. When the Developer mode is enabled, connect your device to the computer and launch TunesKit Location Changer again.
Step 2Select a Location Changing Mode
Then, you can select a mode to change Google account location. TunesKit Location Changer provides 5 location changing modes including change location directly, two-spot movement, multi-spot movement, jump teleport, and joystick movement. After selecting a location changing mode, click on the Start button for the next step.
Step 3Change Google Account Location
In this phase, you can change Google account location on your device. Just select a start point and end point on the map. Hit the Start Modifying button to change device location on your device.
Method 4. Use a VPN for Temporary Location Changes
For temporary access to region-specific content with advanced monitoring technology, you can also use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which can change your device's IP address.
Step 1. Choose a VPN Provider: Download a reputable VPN app, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark.
Step 2. Connect to a Server: Select a server in the desired country.
Step 3. Access Google Services: While connected to the VPN, log in to your Google Account and access region-specific content.
Note: Using a VPN does not permanently change your Google Account location. Your device location will go back to normal when the VPN is turned off.
Method 5. Create a New Google Account
If you're unable to change your location due to restrictions, creating a new Google Account for the desired region is another option.
Step 1. Sign out of your current account: Open Google and sign out of your existing account.
Step 2. Create a new account: Visit Google Sign-Up and register with a different email address.
Step 3. Set location: Use the new region's address during account creation.
Step 4. Add payment method: Link a payment method from the region if you plan to use services like Google Play or YouTube Premium.
Part 4: FAQs About Google Account Location
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1. Can I Change My Google Account Location Without a Payment Method?
Yes, but only for certain services. For example, you can update your Maps or Search preferences without adding a payment method. However, services like Google Play require a valid payment method for the new region.
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2. Why Can't I Change My Location in Google Play Store?
If you're unable to change your location in Google Play Store, it may be due to:
▪ Your account is still linked to a previous country or have an active subscription.
▪ You haven't added a payment method for the new region.
▪ The 12-month restriction on country changes has not passed.
▪ You are the manager or a member of a Google Family Library. -
3. Does Changing My Location Affect Subscriptions?
Yes, subscriptions linked to a specific region, such as YouTube Premium or Google Play Pass, may not transfer to the new location. Canceling and resubscribing (potentially at a different price and with different features) in the new region might be necessary.
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4. How to Change Google Search Country?
Changing your search region is simple and does not affect your main account.
On the computer's Google search results page, click Tools > Advanced Search, and scroll down to Region Settings to select your desired country.
On iPhone/Android, tap Profile > Settings > Search Settings > Region for Search Results. -
5. How to Change Google Shopping Country?
The country for Google Shopping is directly tied to the country set in your Google Play Store and active payments profile. To change your Google Shopping country, you must follow the steps outlined in Method 1, Method 2, or use TunesKit Location Changer to update precise GPS location.
Part 5. Conclusion
Changing your Google Account location is a straightforward process that enables you to access region-specific content, services, and apps. Be mindful of the restrictions and implications of switching regions, especially regarding payment methods and existing subscriptions.
With these steps and ways on how to change Google Account country, you can ensure your Google Account serves you better, wherever you are. If you want to change device location in simple ways, download and try using TunesKit Location Changer.