TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. One of the app’s best features is the ability to discover trending content from different regions and countries. However, TikTok defaults to showing you content based on your device’s region setting which is automatically detected. If you want to explore content outside of your current region, typically you would need to use a VPN service to change locations. But there are a few simple ways to change your TikTok region without needing to install any additional apps or VPN software.
Why Would You Want to Change TikTok Region?
Here are some of the main reasons TikTok users want to change their region setting:
- See viral content and trends from other countries like the USA, Japan, Korea, etc.
- Access TikTok features that may not be available in your country yet.
- Get around geo-blocking restrictions for certain content.
- Interact with creators and influencers from a different region.
- Take advantage of deals and promotions not available in your area.
The Easiest Method: Clear App Data
The simplest way to change your TikTok region is by clearing the app data which resets the location. Here are the steps:
- Open Settings on your Android device or go to General > iPhone Storage on iOS.
- Find TikTok in the list of apps.
- Tap on Storage/Data & Cache Usage and then tap “Clear Data” or “Offload App.”
- Open TikTok again – it will now prompt you to select a new region.
This essentially tricks TikTok into thinking you’re opening the app for the first time. And during initial setup, it will ask you to pick a region. The downside is you’ll lose any saved data like favorites, settings, etc. But it’s the fastest way to change locations.
Using Airplane Mode
If you don’t want to lose your TikTok data and settings, another option is using Airplane Mode:
- Make sure TikTok is completely closed – not running in the background.
- Turn on Airplane Mode on your phone.
- Launch the TikTok app and it should now prompt you to select a new region.
- Pick your desired region and confirm.
- You can turn Airplane Mode off again.
Airplane Mode blocks internet access which prevents TikTok from automatically detecting your location. So it will request you manually select a region just like during initial setup. This method works to change regions without losing any of your existing in-app data.
Using a GPS Spoofing App
A third option is using a GPS spoofing app that allows you to manually set a mock location. Here’s how:
- Download a location spoofer app like Fake GPS Free from the app store.
- Allow the app to access your device’s location services.
- Search for your desired region’s location and tap on the map to set it.
- Open TikTok and it should now use the spoofed GPS location.
This fools TikTok into thinking you’re actually in that new location based on the false GPS data. Just keep in mind most spoofer apps require you to root your Android device. For iPhone, you’ll need to jailbreak which comes with major security risks.
Adding an International Payment Method
TikTok also detects your region based on any payment information you’ve entered in the app. Try adding an international credit card or PayPal account:
- Go to your TikTok profile and tap the 3-dot menu.
- Choose “Manage account” and select “Settings and privacy.”
- Tap “Region” and then “Payment methods.”
- Add a new payment method like a credit card, PayPal, etc. from another country.
- Return to the Region page and your TikTok app should update.
By adding payment details that match a different country, it can trick TikTok into switching your localized content. Just don’t actually make any purchases with the international payment method.
Change App Store Region
The TikTok app you download comes from your device’s assigned App Store region. Change this setting:
- On iPhone, open Settings > iTunes & App Store.
- Tap your Apple ID and select Country/Region.
- Choose a new country and confirm change.
- On Android, open Play Store > Menu > Account.
- Under Country, pick a new region and complete verification.
Now when you re-download TikTok, it will come from the new App Store which then sets your default region. This takes more effort but is one of the better permanent solutions for changing locations.
Using a Free Web-Based VPN Service
If you don’t want to download VPN software, here are some free web-based services you can use:
- Hide.me – Offers a free VPN tier that works on mobile browser.
- Opera Browser – Includes a built-in free VPN service.
- TunnelBear – Offers a limited free data VPN plan each month.
ProtonVPN
– Has free VPN server options with no data limits.To use these, simply connect to the service on your device web browser. Then open TikTok within that browser and not through the app. TikTok will detect the VPN region allowing you to change locations.
Subscribe to a Paid VPN Service
For the best experience, consider subscribing to a full-featured premium VPN service like:
- NordVPN – Offers high-speed servers ideal for streaming.
- ExpressVPN – Great for unblocking geo-restricted content.
- Surfshark – Unlimited device support with competitive pricing.
- CyberGhost – User-friendly apps good for new VPN users.
These paid options are faster, more stable, allow many more device connections, and make it easy to change TikTok regions. A subscription gives you access to VPN servers around the world.
Use TikTok’s Travel Feature
TikTok does offer a “Travel” mode that temporarily changes your region:
- Go to your TikTok profile and tap the 3-line menu.
- Choose “Settings and privacy” then “Region” and select “Travel.”
- Pick a destination region like “United States” and confirm.
This sets your TikTok feed to that location for 7 days before automatically switching back. It’s meant for short term travel but can work as a temporary region change too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it against TikTok’s rules to change regions?
No, region switching does not violate any terms of service. TikTok provides options to explicitly change locations for travel purposes. Using technical workarounds like VPNs or GPS spoofers also appears to be allowed.
Can my account get banned for changing regions too much?
There have been no reports of accounts being banned solely for region switching. Just don’t abuse these methods to frequently hop between different locations or drastically distant regions.
Will I need to make a new account for the new region?
No, you can keep using your existing TikTok account. Your profile data will remain the same. Only your localized feed and discover content will adjust based on region.
Can I undo my region change if needed?
Yes, you can always revert back to your original default region using the same methods. Clearing app data or using the Travel setting are easy ways to quickly switch back.
Will region changing slow down my TikTok performance?
Connecting through distant VPN servers or location spoofers can potentially cause lag or buffering issues. Try to select a nearby country when possible for optimal speed.