I have changed my App Store location but still can't download certain apps - why would that be the case?

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Level 1

9 points

I have changed my App Store location but still can't download certain apps - why would that be the case?

I am based in China & I have two Apple IDs. One for China, one for the UK store.

I need to use WhatsApp, but it won't work unless it updates. It is not available in the China store.

So I logged out of my China account & into my UK account. Country/Region shows as UK in my Settings. But the app is still not there and I can't download it as 'not available in your store', even though it clearly is in the UK store

Is my physical location overriding my ability to download apps? If I am in the UK store should I not be able to download what is available there?

appreciate any suggestions, thanks...

iPhone 13 mini, iOS 17

Posted on Jul 11, 2024 12:15 AM

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Answer 1

Limnos

Level 10

428,039 points

Jul 11, 2024 7:06 AM in response to ianmote

I don't know if you can get a chat session going with UK support from China. I would avoid mentioning where you are physically located since they might just tell you to set your account to China since that is where you apparently reside, or to contact Support locally which might well just tell you the same. Otherwise we're probably guessing. I can think of other things you may encounter prohibiting you from doing this but I don't think you would see that message:

Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions - Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple

- A. ”Our Services are available for your use in your country of residence (“Home Country”).

And: "Certain Services and Content available to you in your Home Country may not be available to you when traveling outside of your Home Country."

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Answer 2

Dah•veed

Level 9

66,541 points

Jul 11, 2024 7:26 AM in response to ianmote

You may need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting to an Apple Account outside your current location.

The use of a VPN may not be allowed in your current location.

M1 Mac mini, macOS 14.5;  Watch, series 7 GPS/cellular, watchOS 10.5; iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 17.5; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 17.5; HomePods, audioOS 17.5 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2

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Answer 3

ianmote Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 11, 2024 7:30 AM in response to Dah•veed

Yes I have a VPN already, that doesn't seem to influence the access in this case

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I have changed my App Store location but still can't download certain apps - why would that be the case?

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