How to Unlock Region-Restricted Apps on Your Android Device

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How to Unlock Region-Restricted Apps on Your Android Device 4

Your favorite app can be region-restricted for a couple of reasons.

Perhaps the app developer has signed a contract with a company from a particular country or market, which makes the app only available in that part of the world. Alternatively, it can be that the app relies on copyrighted content that cannot be accessed from where you are.

Whatever the reason, downloading a region-restricted app and finding out that it cannot be used in your country is a major letdown. Can you change this? No. Can the app be tricked into believing that you’re based someplace else? Fortunately, the answer is a resounding yes.

Here are two ways to unlock region-restricted apps on your Android device.

Use a VPN to Change Your IP Address

How to Unlock Region-Restricted Apps on Your Android Device 5

VPN is short for a virtual private network, a technology used for protecting devices and sensitive data from cybercriminals. The main purpose of a VPN is to add an unbreachable layer of security to your computer, tablet, or smartphone by masking your IP address.

The IP address works as a digital fingerprint of your device. Whenever you’re connected to the internet, a port associated with your IP address is open. Since it is unique for every user in the world, it can be used by cybercriminals for breaking into your device.

Needless to say, your IP address is also geo-based.

Every website you interact with knows your IP address; otherwise, it wouldn’t be able to send you pages, images, and files. Your IP address reveals your ISP and approximate location – not your house or current residence, but your neighborhood, city, and country.

This is how developers restrict app usage on certain locations.

A VPN, as mentioned before, masks your IP address and dedicates you the address of a server located someplace else. It can even change your physical location to the country where the app you want to use is not region-restricted, for example.

Here’s how to do it:

⦁ Step 1: Download and Install a VPN App

There are many great options to choose from. Google “the best VPN” and conduct a little background research. Download the app from the Google Play Store and install it on your device.

⦁ Step 2: Select a Different Server Location

Go online to research the app you want to use and find out where it can be used from. Then, open a VPN app and select any server location that’s not region-restricted.

⦁ Step 3: Adjust Google Play Store Settings

Navigate to the Settings app on your device, find the Google Play Store, and select the “clear data” and “clear cache” options. Then, go back and select “force stop” to stop the app.

⦁ Step 4: Find and Download the Forbidden App

Finally, use the browser to google the app you want to use. Google will offer you the link to the app on the Play Store, from where you can download the forbidden app without restrictions.

Install the Desired App Using APK File

How to Unlock Region-Restricted Apps on Your Android Device 6

An Android Package Kit, or APK for short, is the package file format used by your OS for distribution and installation of apps. It too can be used for unlocking region-restricted apps, in case you don’t want to use a VPN (which isn’t smart, protection-wise).

Here’s how to trick the Google Play Store using the APK file.

⦁ Step 1: Google the App and Add APK to Query

Once more, reach out to Google for help and type in the name of the app you want to use along with the keyword “APK.”

⦁ Step 2: Download the APK File for the App

Browse your SERPs and download the APK file for the app you want to use from a trusted source. Stay careful, as you can stumble upon a malicious file with malware attached.

⦁ Step 3: Install the App on Your Device

The only thing left for you to do is open the downloaded APK file and select “install” to start using the region-restricted app.

However, the APK file trick won’t work if you don’t allow your Android device to install apps from unknown sources. Even if the same app is available in the Google Play Store, your OS will treat it as a potentially risky third-party app.

See how this may expose you to intruders?

These techniques may be equally effective in circumventing geo-restrictions, but they are not equally safe. With the APK file approach, you’re taking a risk. A VPN, on the other hand, is a safe bet when it comes to installing restricted apps, and it’s one of the best security measures you can have.

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2 comments
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  2. Wtf happened to the lengthy post they I just put here, showing how to access different sites and services to access geolocked apks?

    How dare you mark it as spam? I just went from a brand new reader, to syndrome who’s never using your site ever again.

    No wonder there’s no comments/readers here. It’s a dead site.

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