How to Change Google Account Location in 3 Ways 2026

Have you moved to a new region? Or you are a gamer trying to access an app locked to a specific country? Learning how to change Google account location is essential to unlocking the right apps and services for your location.

However, Google has tightened its restrictions, meaning you cannot simply flip a switch anymore. There are time limits, regional restrictions, and verification requirements you'll need to consider. In this guide, we will walk you through the official ways to change Google account location, the temporary trick, and a restriction-free workaround for those who need more flexibility.

Part 1. How to Change Google account location by Updating Payment Method

This is Google's official and safest method for changing your Google account location. It's intended for users who have physically and permanently moved to a new country and can provide a valid local payment method, such as a credit card or PayPal account issued in that region.

What Happens When You Change Google Account Location

Before you try to change Google account location, it's important to understand Google's rules. This process is treated as a "long-term" relocation - not a temporary switch. Ignoring these limitations can lead to locked features or lost funds.

1. The 12-Month Lockout: You can only change Google Play country once every 365 days. Once you switch, you cannot switch back for a full year.
2. Loss of Balance: Any Google Play balance (from gift cards or Google Opinion Rewards) linked to your current country cannot be transferred. It will remain locked in the old profile until you switch back.
3. Family Library Blocks: If you are part of a Google Play Family Group, you cannot change your region. You must leave the family group first.

Change Google Play Country on Android

If you are physically located in the new country, Google can usually detect your location automatically using your IP address or GPS.

Step 1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.

Step 2. Tap your Profile icon at the top right.

Step 3. Go to Settings > General > Account and device preferences.

Step 4. Look under the "Country and profiles" section.

Step 5. If you are in a new country, you will see an option to "Switch to the [New Country] Play Store". Tap it.

Step 6. Follow the onscreen instructions to add a payment method for that country.

Change Google Account Location on iOS/PC

If you don't have an Android device handy, or you are trying to figure out how to change google account location on PC or iOS, you must use a browser. While you can’t directly change the Google account location from an iPhone, updating your Google Payments profile on browser achieves the same result.

Step 1. Open a web browser and go to pay.google.com or payments.google.com.

Step 2. Sign in with your Google account.

Step 3. Click on Settings (or the gear icon).

Step 4. Under "Payments profile", click the pencil icon next to Country/Region.

Step 5. Select "Create new profile" and choose your new country.

Step 6. Enter a valid address and payment method for the new region.

Part 2. How to Change Google Account Location Temporarily via VPN

If you only want to access region-specific apps or content and don't want to change your Google account location for an entire year, a VPN can be a useful temporary solution. By using a VPN, you can temporarily change your IP address and prompt Google Play to recognize a different region.

Step 1. Clear Google Play Store Data: Go to your phone's Settings > Apps > Google Play Store and select Clear Storage/Data. This resets the store's cache.

Step 2. Connect VPN: Open your VPN app and connect to a server in the country you want (e.g., United States or Japan).

Step 3. Create a Fresh Google Account: Open the Google Play Store app, tap your Profile Icon > Add another account. Then, create a new Google account while your VPN is still running.

Step 4. Open Play Store: Relaunch the Play Store and now you should be able to browse and download region-blocked apps, games, movies, and books associated with that country.

Part 3. How to Change Google Account Location Without Restrictions

Don't have a local payment method? Need to change Google account location multiple times? Or trying to access a region while you're not physically there? In these situations, Google's official methods and VPNs often fall short.

The most reliable solution is to change your device's GPS location using a professional location spoofing tool. This approach is especially important for gamers. Many region-locked games (like Pokémon GO) don't rely on IP addresses alone. Even if a VPN lets you download the app, the game may still block access. This is where PoKeep Location Changer stands out.

While a VPN only changes your online location (IP address), PoKeep changes your device’s actual GPS coordinates—and it does so without rooting or jailbreaking your phone. By aligning your GPS location with your selected Google Play region, PoKeep helps ensure the Google Play Store recognizes your new country, prevent common issues like “Location Error (12)”, and avoid soft bans in location-based games.

How to Change Google Account Location with PoKeep

Step 1. Download, install, and launch PoKeep Location Changer on your computer. Then connect your iOS or Android device using a USB cable.

Step 2. Click Next and complete the initial setup prompts on your phone.

Step 3. Choose the five movement modes at the top right and click Start Modifying to get started.

Part 4. FAQs on Changing Google Account Location

Part 5. Final Thoughts

Learning how to change Google account location can unlock an entirely new world of apps, games, and digital content - but it's important to understand the rules that come with it. If you've moved to a new country, updating your Google Play payment profile remains the most reliable and official option.