Apple App Store not working with VPN: 5 solutions

To access different app libraries on Apple’s App Store, you need a VPN to disguise your location – but what if it breaks? Find out what to do if your VPN isn’t working with the Apple App Store.

Your current VPN doesn’t partner with the Apple App Store and that’s probably because it’s not hiding your location. On this page, we explain what to do if your go-to VPN servers have been blacklisted.

Which VPNs work with the App Store?

Why you can trust GadgetMouse: Our content is written by a team of humans and we refuse to use AI. Plus, we own (and use) every VPN that we write about. For more details, see our editorial policy.

Why is my VPN not working with the App Store?

You might have landed on this article because your current VPN is not playing nicely with the Apple App Store, or other app stores. If you’re attempting to download content from a restricted territory, your connection could be blocked. However, top VPNs for the App Store can help you access them from anywhere in the world.

In summary, common VPN issues include the following:

• Apple’s App Store has blacklisted your go-to VPN server
• You have a flawed internet connection slowing your VPN and app downloads
• Cookies saved on your device are revealing your real location

Apple App Store fixes

1. Check your VPN is up to date

If your VPN doesn’t unlock different regions through Apple’s Store, check you’re using the most recent version.

To update your VPN from a computer, load up the VPN and then choose Settings. You should be able to find an Update option in there.

From an iPhone, open the App Store and tap your profile in the top-right corner of the screen.

2. Try using a different server

If the App Store isn’t letting you download region-locked apps for your iPhone or iPad, the problem might be related to your VPN server. Swapping to an alternative could be the answer. Top VPNs provide numerous servers within each country.

Try disconnecting from the server that you’re using to open up Apple’s Store. Precise steps will vary, but ExpressVPN users can select the three dots icon to see a list of alternative servers in the same country.

3. Message Customer Support

Access your VPN provider’s website and head to the Support or Contact Us pages. Some VPNs even provide a 24/7 live chat service for their members, which is great if you’re reaching out late in the day. A top tip if your VPN isn’t working with the Apple App Store.

4. Reset your VPN

Restart your PC or phone and then launch your VPN again. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, completely uninstall and reinstall your VPN. Open your VPN and the Apple App Store once again.

5. Check your internet

To do this, disconnect from your wi-fi entirely and reconnect. Once your connection is back, try your VPN once more and consider restarting your internet router for a full reset – you’ll spot a button on the back.

You should also run a free internet speed tool and compare results alongside your ISP’s ‘minimum guaranteed speed’ promise. Contact your ISP if your connection is unstable outside of VPN use.

Best VPNs for the Apple App Store

ExpressVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.53 per month
• 6-month subscription: £8.12 per month
• 1-year subscription + 3 months free: £5.42 per month (49% off)

🌎 Number of servers	160
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	5
⏱️ Our speed test results	-8.7% download, -5.5% upload (London)

To download region-locked goodies from the Apple App Store, use ExpressVPN today. It’s user-friendly, fast and effective for accessing content. With ExpressVPN, all you need to do is connect to a server in a country of your choice and you can easily download apps from anywhere.

ExpressVPN conceals your actual IP address, making it impossible for websites to see that you’re enjoying content from a specific location. With servers available in more than 90 countries, every ExpressVPN user can benefit from global coverage. ExpressVPN is compatible with various devices including Mac, Android, and iOS smartphones.

Pros: Smartphone app lets you connect in seconds, 'favourite' most-used VPN servers for quick access, performed remarkably well in our chat support speed test

Cons: Rival VPNs are cheaper, can't use many devices at once

Try ExpressVPN today

Ivacy

• 1-month subscription: £8.62 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3 per month (65% off)
• 5-year subscription + FREE password manager: 80p per month (90% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,700
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

Ivacy is an excellent choice if you want a VPN that works with the Apple App Store. The service employs 256-bit encryption to ward off cybercriminals, also featuring public wi-fi security to safeguard your devices from malware when connected to hotspots in public areas.

With Ivacy, you can easily access apps abroad without anyone being the wiser. This is due to Ivacy’s stringent no-logs policy, which prevents your sensitive personal information from being sold to nefarious third parties.

Ivacy is among the most popular VPNs proven to work on the Apple App Store. By trying it out today, you can gain immediate access to over 3,000 VPN servers worldwide. A single Ivacy subscription provides coverage for up to 10 devices at once, making it ideal for families.

Pros: Connection is steady when using multiple devices, notifications mention if Ivacy is disabled, server locations split by country and city

Cons: We think the ExpressVPN mobile app is faster, below-average results in our chat support speed test

Try Ivacy today

NordVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.49 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3.99 per month (40% off)
• 2-year subscription: £2.79 per month (58% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,200+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	6
⏱️ Our speed test results	-14% download, -7% upload (London)

NordVPN is another exceptional VPN that unlocks region-locked content on the Apple App Store. It has servers distributed worldwide, safeguarded by military-grade encryption. Furthermore, NordVPN’s advanced encryption technology allows you to stay secure on public Wi-Fi networks without compromising speed.

The servers on offer are highly secure, and you can connect without divulging your personal information. NordVPN doesn’t spy on you, either. Moreover, you can explore the CyberSec feature, which effectively blocks dubious websites and reduces the likelihood of your device being infected with data-stealing malware.

With NordVPN, you can download region-locked apps on the App Store within minutes. Simply connect to a VPN server and go from there. Plus, NordVPN offers a 24/7 live chat service to assist you whenever necessary.

Pros: Built-in internet kill switch works well, profile page on app includes 'Security score' with privacy tips, takes less than a minute to reach a live chat agent (based on our tests)

Cons: Other VPNs tested are cheaper, some streaming services require multiple resets to work

Try NordVPN today

PureVPN

• 1-month subscription: $10.95 per month (12% off)
• 1-year subscription: $3.74 per month (70% off)
• 2-year subscription + 4 extra months: $1.96 per month (84% off)

🌎 Number of servers	6,500+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

PureVPN is one of our top recommendations for accessing the Apple App Store around the world. With optimised servers designed to reduce load times, it’s easy to use and provides a great streaming experience.

One of the best features of PureVPN is the encryption of data, which ensures complete anonymity while browsing. Additionally, there’s a 24-hour support team available to answer any questions you might have. Even if you’re not currently based in a supported country, PureVPN makes it easy to bypass geo-locked apps.

With over 6,500 servers in more than 75 countries worldwide, PureVPN provides ample opportunities for unlocking content on the App Store. Plus, if you’re not completely satisfied after trying it out, the brand offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Pros: Surprisingly affordable considering features, lots of UK and US-based servers, generous with simultaneous devices

Cons: Takes a couple of minutes to reach live chat agents (based on our tests), performs better on iOS compared to Android (in our experience)

Try PureVPN today

How to change App Store location

To change your App Store’s location, you can adjust your current Apple ID’s location, or create a new Apple ID with a different location. Either way, you might need a VPN to get the job done.

Our friends over at ExpressVPN have put together a handy step-by-step guide, so take a look at their support page: How to change your iOS App Store’s location to download ExpressVPN.

Using a VPN with the App Store

1. Pick one of our suggested VPNs – we’ll use ExpressVPN for this example.
2. Once you’ve created your ExpressVPN account, sign in.
3. From your device, download and open the ExpressVPN app and select a server in a country that hosts the app you want to download.
4. Once you’re connected, head to the Apple Play Store.
5. Now, you can download an app that’s usually reserved for a specific audience. The Hulu app, for example.

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