How to Change Your Xbox Region (and What It Affects)
Changing your Xbox region takes two parts: first update the country/region in your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com, then change the Location setting on the console under Profile & system > Settings > System > Language & location. Microsoft says you should only do this if you have actually moved, and you cannot change it again for three months.
It also has costs. Money in your Microsoft account does not move with you, and some purchases may not work in the new region. Read the next section before you change anything.
What moves with you and what does not
| Item | After a region change |
|---|---|
| Gamertag, achievements, profile | Moves with you |
| Time left on Xbox Game Pass | Moves with you; if the subscription is not offered in the new region, it stays active but may not work as expected |
| Third-party subscriptions | Stay active but might not work as expected; check with the publisher |
| Microsoft account balance | Does not move; Microsoft cannot transfer money between regions |
| Games, apps, and other purchases | Items bought in one region may not work in another |
The simple rule from Microsoft: spend your account balance before you switch.
Step 1: Change your Microsoft account region
- Sign in at account.microsoft.com and select Your info.
- Update Country/region and your Billing & shipping address.
- Select Save.
Step 2: Change the location on your Xbox Series X|S
- Sign in to your console and press the Xbox button to open the guide.
- Go to Profile & system > Settings > System > Language & location.
- Pick your new country or region under Location.
- Change Language or Language region too if needed, then select Restart now.
The first time you buy something after the change, you will be asked to update your billing info.
Why the change might be blocked
Xbox Support lists these reasons:
- You already changed your region in the last three months.
- Your billing is suspended, for example a subscription card has expired.
- You have a balance due on the account.
- Your billing info, like your address or phone number, is incomplete or wrong.
- You would switch from minor to adult status, or the other way around, under the new country’s law.
When not to change it
Microsoft says not to change your region if you are only away for a while, such as a trip or a military assignment. A region change also will not fix backward compatibility errors. And it is not a trick for getting games early: launch timing is set by the publisher, so check our GTA 6 release time guide instead of switching regions.
FAQ
How often can I change my Xbox region?
Microsoft says you cannot change your country or region if you already changed it in the last three months.
Will I lose my games if I change region?
Your profile and achievements move with you, but Microsoft warns that items bought in one region may not work in another.
What happens to my gift card balance?
It stays behind. Microsoft cannot transfer account money between regions, so spend it before you switch.
Do I need to change region for a short trip?
No. Microsoft says to change it only if you are moving long term.
Sources: Xbox Support: Moving to a new country or region, Microsoft Support: Change your country or region