01
Check more than just visible residue
Open the App Store, click on your profile and view your Apple Account balance. If the amount doesn't show up, it usually means you have a zero balance, but still check your purchase history and expected transactions before changing your country.
A refund that is still being processed may change the balance again. Do not start changing regions between your refund approval and actual enrollment.
02
What can you spend your balance on?
Apple allows credit to be used for apps, games, in-app purchases, music, movies, books, iCloud+ and some subscriptions - availability varies by country and specific service.
Choose a purchase that you really need. Do not top up your account with a new card for the sake of rounding up: this will increase the balance and delay the change of region.
A paid application or game from the current store.
In-app purchase, if allowed and required.
Payment for an existing subscription or storage.
Book, music or video available in the region.
Not all products are available in all countries, and Apple may additionally require a valid payment method for some purchases.
03
If the remainder is too small
Apple specifically describes the case where the store credit is less than the price of one product. In this situation, do not try to buy random cards of a different denomination or create controversial transactions - contact Apple Support.
Prepare your Apple Account email, current country, exact balance and a screenshot of the message about the impossibility of changing the region. The password and two-factor authentication code cannot be shared with support.
04
Other reasons for blocking country changes
Even with a zero balance, the transition will not be completed while certain obligations are in effect. Apple advises canceling subscriptions and waiting until the end of the period, waiting for memberships, pre-orders, rentals and Season Passes to be completed, and pending refunds to be processed.
A Family Sharing member may need to leave the family group. After changing the country, some previously available content may not be available in the new store, so Apple advises downloading the necessary purchases to your devices in advance.
| Lock | What to do | When to repeat |
|---|---|---|
| Fund balance | Spend or contact support | After zero balance |
| Subscription | Cancel renewal | After the end of the paid period |
| Pre-order or rental | Wait for completion | After closing the operation |
| Expected refund | Wait for enrollment | After checking the balance again |
| Family Sharing | Check exit from group | After updating family status |
05
What will be needed in the new region
Apple may request a valid payment method and billing address for the new country. Changing the interface language, VPN, or physical movement does not in itself replace the payment profile settings.
Buy a gift card only after you have determined the final account region. The card must correspond to the country of the store where it is planned to be activated.