Introduction#
When downloading an app from the Google Play store, I encountered the message "This app isn't available on Google Play in your region." This doesn't make sense, and then I realized that my region had been changed.
I didn't adjust the settings of Google Play store, but I added a payment method in Google Wallet, which automatically changed my region.
So I researched how Apple and Google Play store determine the region.
Google#
If a Google account is not linked to a payment method (credit card, gift card, or PayPal), there is no concept of region. Without a region, Google Play simply selects the region based on the IP address. If the IP address changes, the region also changes. If we want to switch regions, we just need to choose the corresponding region's network.
In addition, Google uses IP tagging policy, which causes some IP addresses from other countries to be tagged as China. Specifically, Google determines based on the user's device or geographical location. If it detects that the IP address is being used by Chinese users (especially by many Chinese users), it directly tags it as China. This prevents many foreign IP addresses from achieving the intended purpose of switching Google accounts to the corresponding foreign region.
How to fix to a specific country/region?
Switch to an IP address from the desired region, and then choose one of the following:
- Link a credit card/debit card (it can be a card from China, or if linking a card from another country, it just needs to support foreign currency, it doesn't have to be a card from the corresponding country, as Google doesn't verify it. This method is highly recommended.)
- Top up with corresponding Google Play gift cards (it is recommended to buy from official websites or legitimate channels, although they are also available on various platforms)
- Link a PayPal account from the corresponding country (this is a bit difficult because PayPal accounts registered with false information are prone to risk control and cannot be resolved after being flagged)
Visa, Mastercard, and American Express (AMEX) debit/credit cards issued in China all work.
If you want to apply for a debit card, it is recommended to apply for an AMEX debit card. Currently, Guangfa Bank and Xingye Bank accept applications. Until May 2023, AMEX is the only card organization with a clearing license for Chinese bank cards. The functions of UnionPay debit cards are also available on AMEX debit cards, and they can be used for overseas consumption. However, debit cards issued in China by Visa and Mastercard cannot store CNY.
To apply for a Guangfa Bank AMEX debit card: search for "American Express" in the Guangfa Bank app to apply.
To apply for an Xingye Bank AMEX debit card
Now, for card cancellation, opening a debit card, you need to bring your ID card to the bank. Students need to provide a student ID card, and others need to provide proof from social security and the local police station.
Apple#
When registering, choose the region, and the system determines your region based on your IP address. If you manually select another region, you will be required to link a payment method.
If you just want to register for an account in a different region, simply change your IP address and register.
If you want to link a payment method from a different region for payment, choose one of the following:
- Link a credit card/debit card (cannot be a card from China, it needs to be a card from the corresponding country, and it will be verified. However, this method is highly recommended.)
- Top up with corresponding gift cards (it is recommended to buy from official Apple websites or legitimate channels, although they are also available on various platforms)
- Link a PayPal account from the corresponding country (this is a bit difficult because PayPal accounts registered with false information are prone to risk control and cannot be resolved after being flagged)
Exception: JCB credit cards issued in China can be directly linked to the Japanese region. However, JCB does not issue debit cards in China.