How to Fix “this item isn’t available in your country” Error Easily
Arsalan Rathore
Have you ever encountered the dreaded message, “This item isn’t available in your country,” while trying to download an app from the Google Play Store? This frustrating error can be a significant roadblock, preventing you from accessing the latest apps, games, and digital content simply because of your geographical location.
Whether traveling, relocating, or just looking to explore apps available in other regions, encountering such restrictions can be disappointing.
In this guide, we will discuss practical and effective methods for bypassing these geo-restrictions. From changing your Play Store country settings to using a VPN, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix “this item isn’t available in your country” error.
Table of Contents
Why Do you get “This item is not available in your country ” Error
1. Geo-Restrictions Imposed by Content Providers
One of the primary reasons you encounter the “This item is not available in your country” error is due to geo-restrictions. These are limitations set by developers, publishers, or service providers that restrict access to their content based on geographical location.
Licensing agreements often necessitate these restrictions, allowing content distribution only in specific countries or regions. For example, an app might be available in the United States but not India due to such licensing constraints.
2. Regional Censorship and Content Regulation Laws
Another significant factor is regional censorship or content regulation laws. Some countries enforce strict regulations on the content accessed within their borders. This can include blocking certain apps or websites that do not comply with local laws. Consequently, users in these countries may see the “This item is not available in your country” error when attempting to access restricted content.
3. Developer and Market Strategy Decisions
Developer decisions and market strategies also play a crucial role. Developers may choose to release their apps in specific countries first or exclusively for various reasons, such as market potential, resource allocation, or strategic business considerations.
Additionally, some developers might not have localized their apps for all regions, making the app unavailable in certain areas.
4. Temporary Issues or Misconfigurations
Occasionally, the error might occur due to temporary issues or misconfigurations. For instance, a developer might be rolling out an update that temporarily restricts access to the app in some regions. Alternatively, a problem with the app store itself could cause the error message to appear.
How to fix ‘this item isn’t available in your country’ with a VPN
A VPN is a straightforward method to bypass the “This item isn’t available in your country” error. Here are the direct steps to fix this error using AstrillVPN:
- Visit the AstrillVPN website.
- Choose a subscription plan and create an account.
- Download the AstrillVPN app on your device.
- Open the app and log in with your account credentials.
- Select a server located in a country where the desired item is available. (For example, choose a US-based server if the content is available in the United States.)
- Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store on your device.
- Tap “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data” to refresh the store.
- Now open the Play Store.
- Download the app you wanted to download without encountering the error.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Fix this Error?
A VPN is essential for fixing the “This item isn’t available in your country” error. Here’s why a VPN is necessary and how it helps in resolving this issue:
1. Bypassing Geo-Restrictions
The primary reason for encountering the “This item isn’t available in your country” error is geo-restrictions. Due to licensing agreements or regulatory requirements, content providers often limit access to their apps, games, or services based on geographical locations.
A VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions by masking your IP address with one from a different country. Connecting to a server in a region where the content is available can trick the provider into thinking you are accessing from an approved location.
2. Accessing Global Content
With a VPN, you can access various apps, games, and digital content unavailable in your region. This is particularly useful for users in countries with stringent content regulations or limited app availability. By using a VPN, you can enjoy unrestricted access to global content without any geographical limitations.
3. Enhancing Privacy and Security
Apart from bypassing geo-restrictions, a VPN enhances your online privacy and security. It encrypts your internet connection, protecting your data from hackers, ISPs, and other third parties. This ensures your online activities remain private and secure, especially when accessing content from public Wi-Fi networks or other unsecured connections.
4. Avoiding Censorship
Certain apps or websites might be blocked in some regions due to government censorship. A VPN helps circumvent such censorship by allowing you to connect to servers in countries with more relaxed internet regulations. This enables you to access the desired content without restrictions imposed by local authorities.
5. Improving User Experience
Using a VPN can also improve your overall user experience. Many VPNs, like AstrillVPN, offer high-speed servers that ensure smooth and uninterrupted access to apps and content. This means you can download and use apps without lag or buffering issues, providing a seamless experience.
How to Fix this error on an Android device
To fix “this app is not available in your country” error on your Android device, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the AstrillVPN website and sign up for an account.
- Go to the Google Play Store and search for “AstrillVPN.”
- Download and install the app on your Android device.
- Open the AstrillVPN app and log in with your credentials.
- Choose a server in a country where the app or content you want is available.
- Tap the connect button to establish a VPN connection.
- Go to your device’s Settings > Apps > Google Play Store.
- Tap on “Storage” and then “Clear Cache.”
- Tap on “Clear Data” to ensure the store updates your location.
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for the app or content you want to download.
- You should now be able to access and download it without encountering the error.
How to change your location on the Play Store
To change your location on the Google Play Store, follow these steps:
- Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap on your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner.
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Go to “General” and then “Account and device preferences.”
- You will see your current country listed under the “Country and Profiles” section.
- If you are eligible to change your country, you will see an option to switch to a new country profile.
- You may need to add a new payment method from the country you are switching to to change your country.
- Follow the prompts to add a valid payment method for the new country.
- After adding a new payment method, the Play Store will update to reflect your new country.
- This process may take up to 48 hours to complete.
- Once the location update is complete, you can browse and download apps available in the new country.
- Use AstrillVPN to connect to a server in the new country if you encounter any issues.
FAQs
To change your Play Store country, open the Google Play Store app, tap on your profile picture, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Account and device preferences,” and find “Country and profiles.” If eligible, add a new payment method for the desired country and follow the prompts to switch.
To bypass the “item not available in your country” error, use a VPN like AstrillVPN. Connect to a server in a country where the item is available, clear the Play Store cache and data, and then access the Play Store to download the item.
An app may say it’s unavailable in your country due to geo-restrictions, licensing agreements, regional censorship, or developer decisions on app availability. These restrictions prevent users in certain regions from accessing specific content.
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