Changing the region on a smartphone with Android 12 may be needed for various reasons: from access to regional applications in Google Play to the correct operation of services like Google Pay or YouTube Music. However, unlike newer versions of Android, where this process is simplified, the twelfth version has its own nuances. For example, some manufacturers (like Xiaomi or Samsung) block direct change of region through the settings, and changing the country in Google Play is not always synchronized with the system settings of the device.
In this article we will analyze all the current ways to change the region - from standard methods to workarounds with using VPN, SIM cards and even ADB. It is important to understand that some actions may affect the operation of services (for example, Google Pay stops working when changing the country via VPN). Therefore, before starting, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the limitations of each method.
1. Changing the region through the Android 12 system settings
The most obvious way is to change the region directly in the device settings. However, not all manufacturers provide this opportunity. For example, on smartphones Samsung Galaxy with a shell One UI this item may be absent, and on Xiaomi it is sometimes hidden in deep menus.
If your device supports direct region change, follow the instructions:
- 📱 Open
Settings → System → Language and input. - 🌍 Find the item "Region" (sometimes called “Country” or “Location”). If it is not there, try the path
Settings → Advanced → Language and region. - 🔍 Select the desired country from the list. If your region is not available, you may need to update the firmware.
- 🔄 Reboot the device for the changes to take effect.
On some devices (for example, Pixel 6 or OnePlus 9, you may need to configure again after changing the region Google Assistant and other services. Also note that this method does not always change the region in Google Play —for this you need to set up an account separately.
2. Changing the region in Google Play (without changing the system region) If you only need to download applications from another region (for example, with the American catalog or before the official release), you can change the country directly in
If you only need to download applications from another region (for example, Netflix with American catalog or Pokémon GO before the official release), you can change the country directly in Google Play. However, this method has limitations:
- 💳 You need to link a payment method (card or PayPal) from the selected country.
- ⏳ You can change the region no more often once a year.
- 🚫 Some applications (for example, banking) may stop working.
Instructions for changing the region in Google Play:
- Open Google Play Market and tap on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
- Go in
Settings → General → Country and profiles. - Click "Create a new profile" and select the desired country.
- Add a payment method from this country (for example, a virtual card or PayPal with an address in the selected region).
- Confirm the change of region.
Add a backup email to your Google account
Delete unused payment methods
Check whether it supports your bank operations in the selected country
Save data from applications that may be blocked
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After changing the region, some applications (for example, Google Pay or YouTube Premium) may require re-authorization. Also note that free applications from the old region will remain available, but updates for them may be suspended.
If you do not have a card from the desired country, you can use services like Revolut or Wise to create a virtual card with an address in another region. However, this may violate Google Play policies, so use at your own risk.
3. Using a VPN to temporarily change the region
VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to simulate being in another country, but this method has its own characteristics. For example, Google Play can block the loading of applications through VPN, and some services (like Netflix) are actively fighting such workarounds.
However, VPN is suitable for:
- 🎮 Access to regional games (for example, Genshin Impact with servers in Asia).
- 📺 Viewing streaming services (for example, BBC iPlayer or Hulu).
- 🛒 Shopping in online stores with regional restrictions.
How to set VPN to change the region:
- Download a reliable VPNapplication (for example, ProtonVPN, NordVPN or Surfshark).
- Connect to the server in the desired country.
- Clear the cache Google Play and Google Services Framework in application settings.
- Reboot the device.
Why Google Play blocks downloading via VPN?
Google is actively fighting against bypassing regional restrictions. When a VPN is detected, the system may display the error “Your device is not compatible with this version” or completely block access to the store for several hours. To reduce the risk of blocking, use a VPN with the “Stealth Mode” function (for example, in NordVPN) or connect to servers with low load.
Important: some applications. (for example, banking or government services) can block an account upon detection VPNAlso it is not recommended to use free VPNs they often sell user data and have weak protection.
4. Changing the region via a SIM card (for some manufacturers)
Some brands (for example, Xiaomi, Huawei or Realme) bind the device region to SIM card. This means that when you insert a card from a foreign operator, the system may automatically prompt you to change the region. This method does not work on all devices, but it’s worth trying if other methods have not helped. data-i="133">SIM card
Instructions:
- Buy SIM card a local operator in the country whose region you want to install (for example, T-Mobile for the USA or Docomo for Japan).
- Insert it into the smartphone and reboot the device.
- If a notification about changing the region appears, confirm the action.
- If there is no notification, try manually opening
Settings → About phone → Region.
This method is especially relevant for devices purchased in Global versionsbut blocked to a specific region (for example, Xiaomi for China, however, please note that after extraction SIM cards the region may be reset). back.
| Manufacturer | Does it support changing the region via SIM? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi | Yes (on most models) | Works on MIUI 12.5+ and global firmware |
| Samsung | No | Region is tied to the firmware (CSC) |
| Google Pixel | Partially | May work on unlocked bootloader devices |
| Huawei/Honor | Yes (on EMUI 12) | Requires a SIM with a local number |
Changing the region via a SIM card is one of the most reliable methods for Xiaomi and Huawei, but does not work on Samsung and some other brands.
5. Changing the region via ADB (for experienced users)
If standard methods do not work, you can try changing the region via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) operation of the system! Incorrect commands can disrupt the system!
Step-by-step guide:
- Enable "Developer mode" on your smartphone: go to
Settings → About phoneand tap on the build number 7 times. - Go back to
Settings → System → For Developersand enable "USB Debugging". - Connect your phone to your computer and install ADB drivers (can be downloaded from the site Android Studio).
- Open the command line (
cmdon Windows orTerminalon macOS/Linux) and enter:
adb shell settings put global region [country_code]Where [country code] is a two-letter region code (for example, US for the USA, GB for the UK, JP for Japan). data-i="191">⚠️ Attention: Using ADB may cause system failures if incorrect commands are entered. We recommend that you create a backup copy of your data before starting. ISO.
After running the command, reboot your device. If the region has not changed, try resetting the settings as well Google Services Framework:
adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gsfIf, after changing the region via ADB, Google services stop working, try deleting and re-adding your Google account in the device settings.
⚠️ Warning: Using ADB may cause system crashes if incorrect commands are entered. We recommend that you back up your data before starting.
6. Problems and errors when changing the region
Even if you have successfully changed the region, unexpected problems may arise. their solutions:
| Problem | Possible reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play does not change the region | Changing the country too often (limited once a year) | Create a new Google account or wait until the restriction is lifted |
| Applications have stopped updating | The region in Google Play does not match the system one | Synchronize regions or use APK files |
| Google Pay does not works | The service is tied to the country of the bank card | Return the old region or use alternatives (for example, Revolut) |
| Resetting the region after a reboot | The manufacturer blocks changes (for example, Samsung) | Try the method with a SIM card or firmware |
If, after changing the region, system applications stop working (for example, Camera or Phone), there may be a conflict with the firmware. In this case, resetting to factory settings or flashing the device will help. data-i="212">Camera
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (especially Samsung with firmware CSC) changing the region can lead to blocking functions like Samsung Pay or Bixby. Before changing the region, check the forums for your model (for example, XDA Developers).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the region in Android 12
Is it possible to change the region on a Samsung Galaxy with Android 12?
On most devices Samsung region is strictly tied to the firmware (CSC code). It can only be changed by flashing it to another version (for example, from SM-G991B to SM-G991U for the USA. There is no official way to change the region in the settings.
What happens if you frequently change the region on Google Play?
Google limits changing the region once a year. If you try to bypass this restriction (for example, by creating new accounts), the system may block the ability to change the region for several months or forever.
Why did SMS stop coming after changing the region?
Some operators block SMS messages when they detect VPN or a mismatch between the region SIM cards and device Try it. disable VPN or contact operator support to unlock.
Is it possible to return the old region after changing?
Yes, but with restrictions:
- B Google Play —only if a year has not passed since the last shift.
- In the system settings—yes, if the manufacturer does not block it.
- After ADB —yes, but you may need to reset the settings.
Will Google Pay work after the shift region?
Most likely not. Google Pay is tied to the country of the bank card and the region of the Google account. If they do not match, the service will block payments. An alternative is to use Samsung Pay (if supported) or local payment systems.