How to change region or location on your Android phone: the definitive and safe guide

Change the region or location of an Android phone It can be a headache if you're not clear about the reason or the correct steps. Many people consider this modification to access hidden features, bypass certain geographic restrictions, install apps that are only available in other countries, or simply to protect their privacy when using apps that track their position. However, the process and its implications are less obvious than they appear at first glance.

In this article you will discover how to change the region of your Android device, from the official Google Play process to Tricks less known These include the use of VPNs, fake location apps (GPS spoofing), and specific tweaks from manufacturers like Xiaomi. We'll analyze all the advantages, risks, limitations, and most common problems you may encounter in 2024, detailing step by step the available options and the consequences of each choice.

Why change the region on your Android phone?

Many people are unaware of the number of reasons why It may be helpful to change the region on an Android deviceBelow are the most common reasons users consider this change, some more practical or legal, others simply due to technological curiosity:

• Access restricted content by location, such as series, movies and apps exclusive to certain countries.
• Install apps not available in your countrySometimes apps or games reach other markets first, or are never released where you live.
• Remove some limitations of the mobile itself, such as controlling audio volume with headphones in the European Union or activating more themes and visual customization.
• Take advantage of lower prices on apps, games, or subscriptions, as prices can vary significantly by region.
• Protect your privacy and avoid constant geolocation by apps or advertisers.
• Optimize the experience in video games that use location or access exclusive events in certain regions.

Each of these reasons involves different methods and risks.Changing the region in Google Play is not the same as using a VPN or using a GPS-spoofing app.

Difference between mobile region, Google Play and GPS location

Before diving into the methods, it's worth clarifying a few concepts. When we talk about changing the "region," three ideas are usually conflated:

• Android OS Region: Defined in the phone's settings, it affects languages, dates, formats, and country-specific features. Some manufacturers allow you to change it, others don't.
• Google Play account country: Determines the catalog of available apps, services, and prices, as well as accepted payment methods. Google limits how much and how you can change it.
• GPS location: What your phone "thinks" is your current position, useful for mapping apps, games, or services that rely on geolocation. It can be simulated or falsified by special software.

Depending on your goal, you'll need to change one, two, or all three sections. The problems, risks, advantages, and limitations of each method differ.

Advantages and limitations of changing the region of an Android phone

Changing the region on Android can offer significant benefits, but also certain limitations to keep in mind. Here's a detailed list of the positive aspects and what you should keep in mind before taking the plunge:

main advantages

• Access to new catalogs of applications and servicesSome manufacturers limit features and apps based on region. For example, Xiaomi unlocks more themes, fonts, and visual options when you choose India or China. New system apps may also appear.
• Removal of regional customization restrictions: You can install themes, change fonts, access more icons, or experience features that only exist in Asia.
• Increase the maximum volumeIn places like the EU, Android limits the maximum volume for hearing health reasons. You can remove this limit by changing your region.
• Access lower prices or regional promotionsSome content (apps, movies, games) costs less in certain countries. Changing your region can be cost-effective if you manage it well.
• Breaking the limitations of the global/European ROM: : Mainly on Chinese brand mobiles, exclusive features of the China ROM are unlocked by changing the localization.

Limitations and risks

• Loss of balance and Google Play points: If you change country, Your balance and points remain blocked in the previous regionYou will only get them back if you return to that region.
• You can only change countries on Google Play once a year.: And, in addition, you need to have a payment method and connection from the IP of the new country.
• Some subscriptions may stop working. or change conditions. In some cases, you'll end up losing access if that app or service doesn't exist in the new country.
• Compatibility and performance issues: Not all features will work, and others may fail or be restricted when you change regions. Additionally, some installed apps may stop updating.
• Risk of violating terms of service: Some region changes or GPS simulations may violate app or game rules, especially if you fake your location for prizes, promotions, or events.

Changing the region well done opens many doors, but you have to know the limits and consequences before taking the plunge.

How to change the country or region of Google Play on Android

The official method to change the country from which your mobile accesses Google Play has major limitations, but it's also the safest and most "legal" way to do so. It allows you to change the catalog of apps, games, movies, and other digital services offered by Google in each region.

Previous requirements:

• You must be physically present (or simulate being present) in the country you want to move to. Google detects the IP address.
• Have a valid payment method in that country (local bank card, associated PayPal, etc.).
• You cannot be in an active Google family group.
• It can only be changed once every 12 months.

Step by step to change the region in Google Play:

1. Open the app Google Play Store.
2. Tap your profile picture top right and select Settings.
3. Accede to General > Account & Device Preferences > Country & Profiles.
4. If Google detects a foreign IP address, you'll be given the option to create a new country profile. Tap the country you want to switch to.
5. Follow the instructions to add a local payment method if necessary..

The change may take up to 48 hours to apply. Please note that The option to change country does not always appearGoogle only offers it to you if it detects that you have actually changed location.

Additionally, if you change, your account balance and points will be locked to the previous country, and your subscriptions may be affected.

What to do if Google Play won't let you change countries?

It is common to encounter the problem that the Play Store does not show the option to change countryHere are possible solutions to unlock it:

• Clear cache and data for Google Play Store and Google Play Services
  1. Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps.
  2. Search Google Play Store and enters Storage and cache. Press on Clear cache and later Delete data.
  3. Do the same with Google Play Services.
  4. Restart your phone and reopen the Google Play Store.
• Update Google Play Store from settings by tapping your profile, settings, about and selecting 'Play Store version'.
• Delete payment methods/change address: If you have payment methods linked to the old region, delete them and add only those from the destination country. Do this from a computer in Google Pay.
• Unlink the family group if you are a member (this prevents you from changing countries).

If you still can't change your region after these steps, you may have to wait for Google to update the data. Sometimes it takes a few days.

What happens to your subscriptions, balance, and apps when you change countries?

Changing your country in Google Play affects several key areas of your account.

• Google Play balance and points They remain associated with the previous region and cannot be used in the new profile. You will only recover them if you change countries again (within one year).
• Subscriptions They remain in the old profile, and some may stop renewing or become inactive if the developer does not offer that app in the new country.
• Installed apps will still be there, but some may stop updating or disappear if they don't exist in the new store.

Therefore, It is advisable to plan the change of region in advance and spend your balance beforehand. if you are planning to change countries.

How to change the region on Xiaomi phones and other manufacturers

On Xiaomi phones and some other Asian brands, there's an option in the phone's own settings that allows you to change the system region. This affects the available apps, themes, and customization options.

Step by step on Xiaomi:

• Opens Settings.
• Go to Additional adjustments.
• Tap on Region and select the country you want to move to.

The change is immediate, although sometimes it requires a restart of the phone. India and China tend to be the regions that unlock the most features., especially in themes, fonts and apps that are only seen there.

Precautions: Changing the region can cause crashes or incompatibility in some apps, especially if you move your system to a region where the ROM isn't supported. Consult forums for your model before attempting this, and if you experience serious issues, simply revert to your original region.

Use VPN to change your Android's location

The preferred alternative for temporarily accessing content from another country without changing the system or Google Play region is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Learn more about changing your location on Android..

A VPN hides your real IP address and replaces it with one from the country of your choice. This allows you to bypass geoblocks on websites, services, streaming and access region-locked apps or games.

• Secure connection: It also protects your privacy from your Internet provider and spy apps.
• Avoid price discrimination: You can take advantage of better deals in stores or online games.
• Access to beta or early versions of apps/games.

Setting up a VPN on Android is easy:

1. Go to Settings > Network and Internet > VPN.
2. Click the + symbol and add the details of the VPN service you've purchased (there are both paid and free options, although these are usually limited).
3. Connect and all your traffic will come from that country.

Be careful, a VPN doesn't always work for changing the Google Play region, but it does work for tricking other streaming apps, websites, and services in general. For "real" country changes on Google Play, in addition to the VPN, you'll need to add payment methods for the destination country and meet the requirements mentioned above.

Fake your GPS location (fake your physical location)

Spoofing GPS position on your Android is useful when:

• You want to trick apps that ask for a specific location (games like Pokémon Go, dating apps, delivery platforms, etc.).
• You are testing location-dependent apps, as a developer.
• You want to further protect your privacy or avoid location-targeted ads.

To simulate your location, you need a “GPS Simulation” app and enable developer mode. Among the most popular are Fake GPS Location (Lexa) or GPS Emulator.

Step by step:

1. Download and install the “Mock Location” app from Google Play.
2. Activate Developer Options: in Settings > About phone > Tap the build number 10 times until the special menu comes out.
3. Go to Developer Options, find and select 'Choose app to simulate location' and select the app you downloaded.
4. Open the simulation app, choose the location you want to display, and activate it.

Tip: Don't overuse GPS spoofing, as some apps can detect it and block access or suspend your account (especially games or apps that are susceptible to cheating).

What happens when I change my phone's GPS location or region?

When you simulate your location or change the region, Some apps may change their behavior, display different catalogs, or even stop working properly.. For example: uterine

• Streaming services can display local catalogs from the country of the IP or GPS location.
• Messaging, delivery, or shopping apps may not be available in the simulated region or may require additional verification.
• On phones with regional ROMs (Xiaomi, Huawei, etc.), changing the location may unlock or lock menus and utilities.

There is also legal or contractual risk: If you use VPN, country change or fake GPS to bypass limitations or get rewards/events only available in one region, you may violate the terms of service and face bans.

Can I undo the region or location change?

Most changes are reversible:

• Google Play Region: You can only return after 12 months from the last change.
• System region on Xiaomi, Huawei, etc.: Just go back to the settings and choose the original option. Sometimes it requires a reboot.
• VPN: Simply disconnect the app and you'll get your Spanish IP back.
• Fake GPS: Close the simulation app and disable it in the developer menu.

Of course, if you've lost balance, points, or subscriptions on Google Play due to the switch, they won't always be recovered when you return.