By Jenefey Aaron

Updated on 2025-05-15

100 % Helpful

How to Reset App Store Balance to $0.00 to Change Country, Simple Guide

By Jenefey Aaron

2025-05-15 / Transfer

Changing your country or region on the App Store lets you access apps and services specific to that location. To do this, you must reset app store balance to $0.00 to change country on your Apple ID. Apple restricts account region changes when there’s remaining store credit, which can limit your access to local apps.

Whether you’re relocating or exploring international content, this guide explains how to reset your balance, why it matters, and what steps to follow for a smooth switch.

Part 1. Why You Need a $0.00 Balance to Change Country

Part 2. How to Reset App Store Balance to $0.00 to Change Country

Part 3. Why Can't I Change My Country on the App Store?

Part 4. How to Download Apps without Changing Country on App Store

Part 1. Why You Need a $0.00 Balance to Change Country

Before you can change your App Store country, your Apple ID balance must be exactly $0.00. Even a few cents can block the process, since store credit is tied to your original region and can’t be transferred. Active subscriptions, pre-orders, or being in a Family Sharing group can also prevent the switch.

Each country’s App Store operates like a separate marketplace with different rules and pricing. To switch regions smoothly, you need to spend all remaining balance, cancel subscriptions, and leave Family Sharing if applicable. Once everything’s cleared, you’ll be free to explore the App Store in your new country.

Part 2. How to Reset App Store Balance to $0.00 to Change Country

Before you can change your App Store country, Apple requires your balance to be exactly $0.00. Even a few cents can block the process. Below are four accurate and proven methods to reset your App Store balance, so you can switch regions smoothly.

Method 1. Spend the Remaining Balance

Apple doesn't allow balances to carry over between countries due to currency differences and regional pricing. If you spend the exact remaining balance, your account will be eligible to change countries.

How to clear Apple ID balance:

Open the App Store > Tap your profile icon > Your balance will be displayed under your Apple ID.

Look for apps, games, or in-app purchases priced exactly at or below your remaining balance.
Add a small amount to your balance using an Apple Gift Card to bring your balance up to the exact price of an item.
Once you buy the item and the balance hits $0.00, you’re eligible to change your country.

Method 2. Contact Apple Support to Remove the Balance

Apple sometimes allows the removal of small remaining balances if you cannot spend them. This is done manually by Apple Support, especially for amounts that are too low to be used. This option is not guaranteed and depends on Apple’s internal policy and the amount left in your account.

How do I change my App Store country without payment:

Visit getsupport.apple.com.
Choose Apple ID > iTunes Store & App Store > Other App Store Topics > Unable to change country or region.

contact apple support to remove the balance

Select Chat or Call to speak with a support agent.
Tell the agent that you want to change your App Store country but have a small leftover balance that you can’t use.
If your remaining balance is very small (typically under $1 or equivalent), Apple may remove it at their discretion after verifying your identity.

Method 3. Add Just Enough Credit to Match a Purchase

If your balance is too small to spend, adding just enough credit to match a specific app’s price can help you use it all in one go leaving your balance at $0.00. Use the iTunes Store or Apple Books if you can’t find a match in the App Store. Prices may vary across different Apple services.

Open the App Store > Tap your profile icon to see your remaining balance.
For example, if you have $0.23 left, find something priced at $0.99.
Buy an Apple Gift Card or redeem credit via Settings > Apple ID > Redeem Gift Card. In this case, add $0.76 to bring your total to $0.99.
Buy the item that matches your new total. Your balance will now be $0.00.

Method 4. Use the Balance Through Family Sharing (Rare)

This method is rare but worth mentioning. If you're part of a Family Sharing group, your remaining balance can be used by another family member for their purchases. Once it’s fully spent, you’ll be free to change your country settings.

How to reset App Store balance to $0.00:

Go to Settings > Your Name > Family Sharing > Set Up Your Family.
Invite a family member with their own Apple ID.

If Apple applies your remaining balance toward their purchase, it will be deducted from your account.
If it drops to $0.00, you’ll be able to change your country.

Important Notes

You can’t transfer your balance to another Apple ID Your App Store credit is tied to your account. Apple doesn’t allow moving it to another account, even if you’re in a Family Sharing group.
You can’t gift your remaining balance to someone else Once the credit is added to your Apple ID, it can only be used by you. There’s no option to send or share it with another user.
You can’t convert the balance into cash Apple does not offer refunds or cash withdrawals for store credit unless required by law. This is only available in certain countries or regions.

Part 3. Why Can't I Change My Country on the App Store?

Outstanding Balance: You cannot change your country if your App Store balance isn’t $0.00. Make sure to spend or remove any remaining credit first.

Active Subscriptions: If you have ongoing subscriptions, they must be canceled before you can switch countries.

Family Sharing: If you're part of a Family Sharing group, the Family Organizer’s country settings may prevent you from changing your country.

Pending Purchases: Any pending purchases or orders must be completed or canceled before you can change your country.

Payment Method: Your payment details need to match the country you're switching to. Ensure you update your billing address and payment method accordingly.

Region-Specific Apps: Some apps are only available in certain regions. Switching countries could affect your access to these apps.

Apple ID Issues: If your Apple ID was created in a different country, it may require adjustments before switching to a new country.

Legal Restrictions: Some countries have laws or regulations that prevent you from changing your App Store country.

Account Type Restrictions: Business or educational accounts may face limitations when attempting to change the country or region.

Part 4. How to Download Apps without Changing Country on App Store

If you’re unable to access certain apps in your country due to regional restrictions, you don’t have to go through the hassle of changing your App Store country. One simple solution is to use Tenorshare iCareFone. This tool lets you download and install apps that are unavailable in your region with just one click, all while ensuring your safety and success.

Tenorshare iCareFone guarantees 100% safety and works with banned apps like TikTok, BGMI, PUBG, Free Fire, ChatGPT, and others. The best part is that you don’t need to create a new Apple ID or deal with complex procedures to get the apps you want. Let’s go over the steps to use iCareFone to download restricted apps on your iPhone or iPad.

How to Use Tenorshare iCareFone to Download Restricted Apps

Download and install iCareFone on your computer. Open the software, then connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. From the iCareFone interface, select the Manage section from the left-hand menu.

Go to the Apps section and click on Apps Download. You’ll see a list of apps that are banned or removed from the iOS App Store in your country, listed under the Recommended section. To install an app, click on the Install icon next to it.

Final Words:

To reset app store balance to $0.00 to change country, you must ensure that all remaining balance is cleared. Whether you choose to spend it, contact Apple support, or use Family Sharing, it’s important to follow the correct steps.

If you're facing restrictions or want an easier way to access apps not available in your region, Tenorshare iCareFone is a great alternative. It allows you to download restricted apps without changing your App Store country. With its simple interface and reliable functionality, iCareFone ensures you can enjoy apps across regions without hassle.

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