Testing an app that has localization restrictions and is only available for users in a specific country/region means that there are some steps that need to be done to make our device eligible for the installation of the app for that country/region.
In this article, you will find details on how to install the apps for iOS and Android smartphones when there is a localization restriction. If an app is not available for your region/country, you will need to go through the process listed below before you start the installation.
We will use the examples below to show you how to change the location of your account (in this case US account) on your iOS and Android devices. In case you don't want to do it for your primary account, you can also set up a new secondary account just for testing purposes and change the country/region.
iOS Device
Before you start changing the country/region of the device, make sure that your device is connected to the Internet. You just need to have some information ready, such as a fake US address and phone number, to fill out a form.
For an iOS device please follow these steps.
Open device Settings
Tap on your Apple ID (located at top of the Settings menu)
Tap on Media & Purchase
Tap on View Account (This should open Account Settings)
Tap on Country/Region
Tap on Change Country or Region
Scroll down the list of countries and select the United States
On T & C page tap on Agree and then tap Agree on the confirmation popup
For Payment Method, select None
Fill out the Billing Address and tap on Next
To finalize the process, tap on DONE
Your iOS device is now ready to install the apps available for US users.
For additional assistance, please watch the video.
Android Device
If you have an Android device and want to install an app that is not available in your country, you need to have a Google Play Store account tied to the country from which you want to install the app.
When you create a Google account from your desktop in another country, Google will ask you for a phone number to verify the account via SMS. If you don't want to use a phone number, it is recommended that you create a Google account on your Android device from the Google Play Store. Although the steps are a bit tedious for Android users, this process gives you the opportunity to avoid entering your phone number during account creation.
For an Android device please follow these steps.
Close the Google Play Store app on your device. (Closing all apps is recommended)
Clear App Data of Google Plays store
Open the VPN app on your device and target USA Location
Open Google Play Store
Tap on the Profile button at the top right
On the Google, Account overlay tap Down Arrow for your Google account then tap on Add another account
Tap on Create Account, Select Myself if prompted then tap on Next
Enter your First Name and Last Name then tap on Next
Select your Date of Birth and Gender then tap on Next
Enter your desired Email Address then tap on Next
On Add a Phone Number page scroll to the bottom then tap on SKIP
Proceed to finish the signup process (You will see the Google App Store again)
Tap on the Profile button at the top right
On the Google, Account overlay tap Down Arrow for your Google account then select the newly created account
Your Android device is now ready to install the apps available for the USA Google Play store users.
For additional assistance, please watch the video.
Note: However, it is also observed that after repeating this process again and again, Google will ask you to verify your account with your phone number, which is part of Google's policy.
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