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How to Use the US Version of Google Play outside US

Google Play is the official app store for the Android OS and among the most popular digital markets of the world, attracting the interest of a great number of people universally. If you own a smartphone operating on Android, this is the app store for you to benefit from. There is a wide array of apps, including gaming options and apps that can be used to your everyday life and facilitate a lot of procedures.

Some of the apps are offered for free, whereas some others come at affordable price rates and can be downloaded without any delay or hassle whatsoever. Additionally, at Google Play store you can find reviews and feedback of each app (being left by real users, like you) and snapshots, as well as detailed descriptions of what every app can do.

Unfortunately, there is a distinction as to the accessibility of stuff that you can enjoy. According to your current location, there are restrictions that you ought to conform with. If, however, you are a US resident, then you are forced to compromise nothing at all. If you’re on a US IP, there is the full version of Google Play store that you access.

All the other people using Android running phones and other devices and visiting Google Play store will have to make do with the local versions that are available to them. Of course, the restrictions are related to the entertainment options available within the United States.

Why is the US Version of Google Play Blocked outside US?

If you are wondering why you cannot access US version of Google Play store outside the United States, you need to consider the effects of a universal access without limitations regarding music, books, and movies. The copyright conflicts would be too many to bear and this is the major reason why there are so many versions of limited accessibility everywhere in the world.

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For the US residents (or for whoever has got an account on the US Google Play store version), everything is open and everything can be accessed. But on the other hand, there are certain limitations being put on almost every country’s version. Fortunately enough, we have gathered some truly effective methods leading full access to the US Google Play market app. You will find guidelines as to how you can take full advantage of these methods right below.

Unblock the US Version of Google Play Android Store via VPN

First of all, you ought to keep in mind at all times the fact that you primarily need access to a US IP address. This is the only way for Google Play store to identify you as a US citizen (or somebody residing within the boundaries of the States), and allow you the access to full US version. The most reliable solution to the problem is the use of VPN.

VPN is short for Virtual Private Network and establishes a safe passage for you (in this case) to cross towards gaining the privilege of entering the US version of Google Play store outside US. With the use of remote servers, the VPN allows you to mask your IP and redirect your traffic through the VPN server of your preference. Of course, in the case of Google Play store there is the necessity of choosing a remote server located within the United States. Let’s follow the steps that are required on your behalf, so as to gain access to free US music (or whatever you want) on Google Play store:

  • Find a reliable VPN provider that works for you and subscribe
  • Install and download the VPN app
  • Choose a US based server
  • Enjoy the access to US version of Google Play

The use of VPN is not limited to the masking of your IP address. Instead, perhaps the most important benefit that you can get when choosing to use a VPN, is the thorough and advanced data encryption. This is the backbone of anonymous web surfing and therefore you can rest assured that you do no risk exposure to hackers, snoopers, surveillance from the Government or anyone else. A trustworthy VPN we can recommend is  since it boasts a great plethora of remote servers, infinite bandwidth, and affordable price rates.

Unblock the US Version of Google Play Store via DNS

Moving forward, there is another good method that allows you to unblock the US version of Google Play store universally. This method is the use of a DNS service. With the DNS, you can have all the traffic redirected to a remote DNS server that is located to the US. So, in this way you will ensure that you get the precious American IP that you need for gaining access to the respective version of Google Play store in the US. When compared to the VPN that we have already highlighted earlier, the basic difference lies in the fact that the DNS does not involve any data encryption. Let’s have a look at the steps you have to follow:

  • Find a quality DNS service you like
  • After subscription, make the necessary configuration
  • Select a US based server
  • Access US Google Play store

It is worth mentioning that is a trustworthy option that includes both VPN and DNS.

Or you can just purchase the DNS for free if you actually buy a StrongVPN package.

So, based on your needs and your preferences, you can choose the plan that best suits you and go ahead with unblocking the content of your desire.

How To Change Google Play Country

Many people don’t know this but Google Play Store allows users to change their home address to whatever they want.

You can change your home country too.

Change it to anything you want.

You can even use your company or businesses address if you want to use Google Play Store via a company account.

Here are the steps that you need to follow in order to change your Google Play Store country,

  1. First, you need to sign into your account for Google Payments.
    You can do this by visiting payments.google.com.
    After that, you need to click Settings.
    This icon is located in the top left corner of your screen.
  2. Now you need to click Edit option that is located right next to listed Home Address.
    It is here that you need to update your address.
    Do take note that this address if different from your Address Book.
    The Address Book holds information regarding shipping addresses.
  3. After you are done with the previous step, go to Google Play Store.
    Then navigate your way to any item that is available that you want to download.
  4. Click the item to begin the download process.
    Wait till the process reaches a certain stage and shows you an Accept and buy screen.
    You don’t have to complete the purchase though.
  5. Now close Google Play Store.
    Force a stop on Google Play store and after that clear all data for your Google Play Store application.
    You can do this by going to your settings and then to apps and then to Google Play Store and then to Force Stop and then click Clear Data.
    Of course, you can also clear your browser’s cache to do the same.
  6. After the previous step, you need to re-open Google Play Store.
    Now you should observe some changes.
    First, the Google Play Store application on your device will match your country to your default payment method country.
    That is the billing country if you didn’t know that already.

If you notice nothing has changed and Google Play Store does not match your changed default payment method billing country, then just wait.

It should fix itself after a couple of hours.

These type of setting configurations do take time to come into effect.

What If I Haven’t Added A Payment Method To My Google Play Store Account?

The solution is simple.

You just need to add your card directly.

How to do that?

Do it from the Google Play Store official app.

In other words, when you add your card, add it with a billing address that completely matches the country or location you want to change your Google Play Store to.

After that, you just need to follow step 3 to step 6.
This will hopefully change your Google Play Store country for good.

Some Notes On How To Change Your Google Play Store Country

Whenever you change your home country, you will need to sign a new Terms of Service agreement.

This is required because of legal issues.

If you have a bad Google Play Store balance then Google Play Store won’t allow you to change your home country.

If your balance is okay and you try to modify your country location then you will not get to use or see your remaining Google Play Store balance.

To use your older balance, you will have to switch back to your original country.

Basically, you will have to change to the country where the currency of your old balance is used.

If you have a Checkout Merchant account or a Payments Balance that is higher in amount than $10, then you can’t change your home country.

If none of the above works for you then the only other choice is to call Google Play Support.

Alternative Solution

There is a third way that you can use for getting your desired effect, and gaining access to the full stuff from Google Play store globally. This includes some simple and yet highly efficient steps on your behalf. Let’s see what you have to do:

  • First and foremost, you have to come up with a US address and phone number. This is not typically checked by Google Play store; so, you either use any bogus details that you Google or find sites that can offer a US address.
  • Then, you need to find a US debit card. Either you buy a gift card or you use the card from a friend or you check to see if the Visa or Mastercard etc. you already have, fits the profile.
  • Finally, you have to go to Google Wallet and change your payment method details. If you have followed the directions to the letter, the chances are that you will be able to access the US version of Google Play store outside US.

Which Method Should I Go for?

We have finished writing about the methods that can be used for you to access Google Play Store in its original, unspoiled and uncensored US version. Now, before asking which of them is the best and which of them you ought to choose over the others, you should ask yourself a simple question: “What matters to me most? Is it safety or cost-effectiveness?

Is it the ease of use or is it the top value for money?” Once you have reached a decision, you will see that you will be unveiled the most suitable method for you to go for. If we were to suggest just one method, this would be the VPN; let us be clear about something: we are primarily concerned about safety and security and this is why we value data encryption more than anything else. Still, the ball is in your hands! Choose wisely and let us (helping other readers) know what you have come up with!

Stella Strouvali Stella is a certified writer and zealous wordsmith, a true fan of Placebo, technology, Panionios and wellness. Still, her true passion has to do with eagerly learning new things and passing them on to others. “An unexamined life is not worth living”, to quote Socrates.

10 thoughts on “How to Use the US Version of Google Play outside US”

  1. nice to know how i can do it (in theory)… but now i still don’t know how i can change country settings or get in the US play store… were can i find the settings to change to us playstore?

    Reply
  2. Step two says simply to change your address. Is this in the payments profile section? And what do I update it to? Do I need a US address for this part for example ?

    Reply
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