I’ll be honest: I nearly threw my iPhone across the room the first time I tried to set up a US Apple ID from outside America.
All I wanted was to download a few apps that were “US-only.” (Looking at you, Hulu, certain games, and early TestFlight betas.)
Instead, I ended up:
-
Locked out of payment screens
-
Seeing endless “This item isn’t available in your country” messages
-
Wondering if I’d accidentally hacked the Pentagon
If you’re outside the US in 2025 and feel utterly defeated trying to get a US Apple ID, you’re not alone. Apple makes it look easy—but there’s a few critical steps they don’t explain.
Don’t worry. I’m going to walk you through the exact process in plain, “nanny-level” English. No fancy jargon. No tech background required. Just the step-by-step guide that finally worked for me.
Why You Might Want a US Apple ID
First, let’s be clear: you’re not doing anything illegal by creating a US Apple ID. Apple doesn’t forbid you from making accounts in other countries—as long as you’re truthful in the information you provide.
Here’s why people outside the US make one:
✅ Download apps only available in the US App Store
✅ Get US-exclusive digital content (e.g. US-only streaming services)
✅ Try early TestFlight apps released only to US testers
✅ Access certain subscription discounts
The Big Mistake People Make
Most tutorials online say:
“Just change your App Store country in Settings!”
But that method forces you to switch your existing Apple ID over to the US store. It often requires:
-
Adding a US payment method
-
Losing access to subscriptions from your home country
-
Messing up iCloud data
The correct way is to create a separate US Apple ID. That way you can:
✅ Keep your main Apple ID untouched
✅ Log into the US account only when needed
✅ Download US apps without losing local purchases
Here’s How to Create a US Apple ID from Abroad — Step by Step
Ready? Let’s do this slowly, nanny-style.
✅ Step 1: Log Out of Your Current Apple ID
-
Go to Settings > Your Name > Media & Purchases > Sign Out.
-
This only logs you out of the App Store—not your whole phone or iCloud.
Important: Don’t sign out of iCloud if you want to keep your photos and contacts safe.
✅ Step 2: Open the App Store and Tap “Create New Apple ID”
-
Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
-
Choose “Create New Apple ID”
✅ Step 3: Enter a New Email Address
-
You need an email not already used with any Apple ID.
-
Free email providers (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) work fine.
✅ Step 4: Select United States as Your Country
-
This is the key. Pick “United States.”
-
This tells Apple you want a US account and links your ID to the US store.
✅ Step 5: Enter a US Address
Here’s where people panic. Don’t.
Apple doesn’t verify your physical location, but you need a legit-looking US address. Here’s how:
-
Use a friend’s or family member’s address in the US if you have one.
-
Or use the address of a hotel, business, or even Apple Store. Example:
Important: This is just for registration purposes. Don’t use fake ZIP codes that don’t match the city/state.
✅ Step 6: Skip Payment Method
-
Choose “None” for payment.
-
Apple allows this if you’re only downloading free apps.
If you want paid apps or subscriptions later:
-
Buy a US Apple gift card online from a reputable seller
-
Redeem it into your US Apple ID balance
✅ Step 7: Verify Your Email
Apple will send a code to the new email you used. Enter it when prompted.
✅ Step 8: Log Into Your New US Apple ID
Now log in with:
-
Your new email
-
The password you created
The App Store should show “United States” at the bottom of the screen.
Congrats—you’re now browsing the US App Store!
How to Switch Between Your Accounts
Here’s how to toggle between your original Apple ID and your new US account:
-
Open the App Store
-
Tap your profile picture
-
Scroll down and tap “Sign Out”
-
Sign in with the other Apple ID credentials
Buying Paid Apps on Your US Account
Want paid apps, in-app purchases, or subscriptions?
✅ Buy a US Apple Gift Card (e.g. from Amazon.com, MyGiftCardSupply, or Target.com)
✅ Redeem it into your US Apple ID balance
✅ Spend from that balance
Note: Apple may occasionally ask for a US phone number or address verification. Usually, the address entered during setup suffices.
Potential Problems — And How to Fix Them
❌ “This Apple ID cannot be used in the US store.”
-
You might have accidentally picked your real country instead of United States during setup.
-
Solution: Start over with a new email address.
❌ “None” option isn’t showing for payment.
-
You must try to download a free app first.
-
Apple triggers the “None” payment option when you start downloading something free.
❌ Region locked apps still won’t install.
-
Some apps check your device’s IP location or SIM card region.
-
Try a VPN to the US. But be cautious—Apple’s Terms of Service frown on using VPNs to bypass geo-blocks.
Is This Safe? Will Apple Ban Me?
Creating a US Apple ID is not illegal or forbidden. Tons of travelers, expats, and app testers do it every day.
Just don’t:
-
Lie about your personal identity
-
Use stolen credit cards
-
Abuse geo-restricted apps against their terms of service
My Experience
I’ve had my US Apple ID for years. Thanks to it, I’ve:
-
Tested apps not yet released globally
-
Subscribed to US-only streaming services
-
Snagged apps that never launched in my country
No bans. No drama. Just a few extra steps—and tons of new content.
The Bottom Line
Don’t let Apple’s region locks frustrate you into giving up.
✅ Create a separate US Apple ID
✅ Keep your local account untouched
✅ Enjoy US-only apps with minimal hassle
If even I figured this out—and I once Googled “how to turn on my iPhone”—you can too. 😉
No comments:
Post a Comment