How to Change iPhone Region: Step-by-Step

What You’ll Need

Your iPhone with the latest iOS version (region settings are similar across recent versions, but menus may vary slightly).
Your Apple ID password, in case you also change the region in the App Store (this is a separate step).
An active internet connection to verify changes.

Step-by-Step

Open Settings – Tap the gray gear icon on your home screen. This is the main menu for all iPhone settings.
Go to General – Scroll down and tap “General.” It’s usually the fourth option from the top.
Select Language & Region – In General, scroll until you see “Language & Region.” Tap it. This screen controls both the display language and the region format.
Tap “Region” – You’ll see a row labeled “Region” with the current region (e.g., United States). Tap it. A list of countries and regions will appear.
Choose your new region – Scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top. Tap the region you want. Your iPhone will immediately update the region format (date, time, number, and measurement units).

That’s it for the system region. If you also want to change the region of your App Store or Apple Account, you need to do that separately (see Tips and FAQ below).

Common Mistakes

Confusing region with language – The “Region” setting is separate from “Language.” Changing the region does not change the language of your iPhone. If you want a different language, tap “iPhone Language” on the same screen.
Expecting App Store to change automatically – Changing the region in Settings does not change your App Store country. The App Store region is tied to your Apple ID and must be changed separately (see Tips).
Selecting a region that is not a country – The list includes territories and regions like “Hong Kong” or “Puerto Rico.” Make sure you pick the one that matches your actual location or preference.
Forgetting to restart – Some changes may not take full effect until you restart your iPhone. If you notice any glitches, restart.

Tips

Changing App Store region – To change the App Store country, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, then tap your name, and select “Country/Region.” You must have no pending store credit and no active subscriptions. You’ll need to agree to the new terms and enter a valid payment method for that country (or choose “None” if available).
Backup before changing – While changing the region is safe, it’s always good practice to back up your iPhone before making any significant system changes. Use iCloud or your computer.
Check region-specific features – Some features like Apple Pay, FaceTime, or certain apps may not be available in all regions. After changing, verify that the features you use still work.
Use search for quick access – In Settings, you can pull down to reveal a search bar and type “Region” to jump directly to the Language & Region settings.

Troubleshooting

Region change doesn’t stick – If the region reverts to the old one, try restarting your iPhone. If it persists, check if you have any configuration profiles installed (Settings > General > VPN & Device Management) that might force a region.
App Store region change fails – This usually happens if you have a balance on your Apple ID, an active subscription, or a pending store credit. Cancel subscriptions, spend or use the balance, and try again. Also, you must be signed in to the correct Apple ID.
Date format not updating – Some apps cache the old region. Force-quit the app (swipe up from the bottom and swipe the app away) and reopen it. If it still shows old formats, restart your iPhone.
Can’t find a specific region – The list is alphabetical. Use the search bar at the top of the list to type the country name. If it’s not there, it may not be supported by Apple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my iPhone region affect my Apple ID?

No. Changing the region in Settings does not affect your Apple ID. Your Apple ID region is separate and controls the App Store, iTunes Store, and iCloud services.

Can I change my region to access apps not available in my country?

You can change your App Store region to a country where the app is available, but you’ll need a valid payment method from that country and no outstanding balance. Some apps also check your GPS location, so they may still not work.

Does changing the region affect my iCloud data?

No. Your iCloud data is tied to your Apple ID and remains intact. However, some iCloud features like iCloud Keychain may have regional requirements.

Will I lose my photos or contacts if I change the region?

No. Changing the region does not affect your data. It only changes the format of dates, times, and measurements.

How often can I change my region?

You can change the system region as often as you like. However, for the App Store, Apple restricts changing your country to once every 90 days.

Do I need to change my region if I move to another country?

It’s recommended to update your region to match your new location to get correct date formats and local app availability. Also, you may want to update your Apple ID country to access local services.

Sources: Apple Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.