US Apple ID Guide: New Account vs. Changing Region? (2026 Update)

US Apple ID Guide: New Account vs. Changing Region? (2026 Update)

September 1, 2025
US Apple ID Guide: New Account vs. Changing Region? (2026 Update)

Looking to get a US Apple ID to access a wider range of digital content? There are two main methods: changing your existing account's region or registering a brand new US account.

While changing your region might seem straightforward, the prerequisites can be strict (e.g., you can't have any store credit or active subscriptions). For this reason, we highly recommend registering a new, dedicated US Apple ID. This approach doesn't affect your original account's purchases and allows you to easily switch between different regional Apple IDs for a much smoother experience.

Here’s a detailed guide for both methods.


Method 1: Change Your Existing Apple ID Region

Prerequisites

  • Your Apple ID store credit balance must be zero.
  • You must cancel all active subscriptions tied to your Apple ID.
  • You must leave any Family Sharing group.

What You'll Need

  • A valid US billing address and, if Apple requests it, an accepted US payment method.

The Process (on iPhone)

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap your [Name] > Media & Purchases.
  3. Select View Account and sign in.
  4. Tap Country/Region.
  5. Select "Change Country or Region," and choose the United States from the list.
  6. Agree to the Terms & Conditions.
  7. Enter a payment method accepted in the United States if Apple requests one, then provide the matching US billing address.
  8. Tap "Next" to complete the change.

Method 2: Register a Brand New US Apple ID (Recommended)

Prerequisites

  • An email address that has never been used for an Apple ID.
  • A phone number for verification (can be from any country).

What You'll Need

  • A valid US billing address. Apple may also request a payment method accepted in the United States.

The Process

  1. Open a browser, preferably in "Private" or "Incognito" mode.
  2. Go to the official Apple ID creation page: account.apple.com
  3. When filling out your details, be sure to set your "Country/Region" to the United States.
  4. Use your prepared new email address to register.
  5. Complete the phone and email verification steps.
  6. If Apple requests a payment method, enter one accepted in the United States together with the matching billing address.
  7. Once registration is complete, sign in with this new ID on the App Store to activate it.

Ready to Use Your US Apple ID?

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