How to Change Steam Region Safely & Legally in 2025
Reading time: 12 min
Last Updated: Sep 16, 2025
-
![Kate Hawkins]()
-
![Sarah Frazier]()
Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Content Manager
Steam has tightened its regional policies, and trying to bypass them can lead to serious consequences — including account suspension. But if you’ve genuinely moved to another country or are studying abroad, you can change your region legally and safely as long as you follow Steam’s strict rules.
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of outdated or misleading advice online. I tested the official process myself and found that you’ll need a local payment method, updated billing info, and a VPN to protect your connection (especially if you game on public or unstable networks).
For this, I recommend ExpressVPN as it offers excellent speeds for gaming, strong privacy features, and protection against DDoS attacks. It also uses the Lightway protocol, which minimizes lag and connection drops. Best of all, you can try it risk-free with its 30*-day money-back guarantee. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
Quick Guide: How to Change Your Steam Region Safely
- Download a VPN. Choose a trusted VPN like ExpressVPN. It delivers fast speeds, strong encryption, and keeps your connection safe from DDoS attacks while gaming.
- Connect to a server. Launch the VPN and pick a server located in your new country. This masks your IP address so Steam will detect the correct country — an essential step before the region update.
- Start browsing on Steam. Open Steam, add a game to your cart, and update your payment region. Enter a local payment method and billing address that matches your new region to finalize the switch.
Important Disclaimer: Using a VPN to spoof your location for cheaper prices or to bypass regional restrictions violates Steam’s Terms of Service and may result in account suspension or restriction.
How to Change Your Steam Region
1. Connect to a VPN Server in Your New Country
Subscribe to a high-quality VPN, download it to your gaming device, and connect to a server in your desired Steam location. I recommend ExpressVPN, with fast connection speeds and an intuitive app interface.
2. Open Steam and Log In
With the VPN connected, open your Steam app and log in to your account.
3. Add a Game to Your Cart and Update Your Store Country
Choose a game you want to purchase and add it to your Steam cart. When you check your cart, you’ll see an option to change your payment country. Click the dropdown menu to choose your new payment location.
4. Confirm the Payment Location
Steam will prompt you to confirm your new payment location, which will change the currency of the Steam store and your wallet. Make sure you’ve used any existing gift card balance before switching, as these won’t be converted — your wallet funds will be converted into your new currency.
5. Complete the Purchase to Finalize the Region Change
Steam will update your cart currency and game price once you’ve changed your region. When you check out, you’ll be prompted to add payment information linked to your new location, like a credit or debit card or PayPal account. Your location change will only be finalized when you make a purchase.
6. Check Your Account to Confirm Your Location Change
After you’ve purchased your game, head into your Account settings. Your payment country and currency should have changed to your new Steam location.
Steam only lets you change your region once every 3 months to stop users from exploiting the system and getting cheaper games. You can also change your Steam region by contacting support, but this can be a lengthy process.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
Best VPNs for Steam in 2025
A reliable VPN offers protection against DDoS attacks, ISP throttling, and on unsecured public WiFi. While VPNs can’t be used to bypass Steam’s region restrictions for pricing, they provide legitimate benefits for gamers who need fast, secure connections.
The best VPNs for Steam offer global server coverage, low-latency performance, strong security features, and support across multiple devices.
| Server Network | Gaming Features | Speed Impact | Device Support | Refund Period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | Smart Location, MediaStreamer | Minimal | All platforms + consoles | 30* days |
| CyberGhost | 11,690+ servers in 100 countries | Gaming-optimized servers, ping display | Low impact | All platforms | 45 days |
| PIA | 29,650+ servers in 91 countries | Port forwarding, unlimited connections | Customizable | All platforms | 30 days |
1. ExpressVPN — Premium Security for Steam Gaming with Lightway Protocol
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol offers fast speeds without compromising security. During testing, it added just 3 ms of latency on nearby servers, keeping gameplay smooth even during high-action sessions. This makes it especially useful for Steam users who want reliable, low-ping connections while traveling or relocating abroad.
Lightway is designed from the ground up for performance. Its lean code helps maintain stable frame rates, low ping, and strong protection against DDoS attacks. ExpressVPN also works seamlessly across PC, mobile, Steam Deck, and even routers — giving you flexibility if you access your account on multiple devices.
The only downside is that ExpressVPN costs more than most other VPNs. However, its performance and reliability justify the price — especially if you value speed and security. Unlike cheaper providers, ExpressVPN delivers consistent results across a wide server network. Plus, it’s backed by a 30*-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
2025 Update! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as per month with a 2-year + 4 months purchase (save up to %)!! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — User-Friendly VPN with Optimized Gaming Servers
CyberGhost offers gaming-optimized servers in key global locations, each displaying real-time ping and load stats so you can connect to the fastest option. In our tests, these servers maintained consistently smooth performance across popular Steam titles — even during peak hours.
What sets CyberGhost apart is its balance of simplicity and control. The Smart Rules feature lets you automate VPN connections based on custom triggers, like launching Steam, so you’re always protected without needing to tweak settings. It also supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, giving you flexibility depending on whether you prioritize speed or security.
The one downside is that CyberGhost’s monthly plan is relatively expensive. But this is offset by its generous 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term subscriptions. While it’s not as fast or globally consistent as ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is a solid mid-tier option if you want reliable performance without complexity.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
2025 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as per month with a 2-year purchase (save up to %)!! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access — Generous Device Coverage with Customizable Encryption
Private Internet Access (PIA) is ideal for gamers who use multiple devices. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections and has a massive server network in 91 countries. It’s easy to connect to a server in your preferred Steam region for low-latency performance.
You can tweak PIA’s encryption levels, switch protocols, and enable features like port forwarding. It’s a great pick if you want to optimize for speed during gaming, but still have the ability to boost security on public WiFi. In our tests, PIA maintained stable connections without noticeable lag in multiplayer games.
The extensive settings may feel overwhelming if you’re new to VPNs. Fortunately, PIA’s default setup works well for most Steam gaming needs. While it doesn’t offer the polished interface or high-speed performance of ExpressVPN, it’s a reliable alternative — and it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WatchEverywhere, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
2025 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as per month with a 2-year purchase (save up to %)!! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Steam
Using our in-depth testing methodology, we evaluated each VPN based on real-world performance, security, and usability for Steam. We checked for fast connections, low latency, strong privacy features and server network to find the best services for Steam.
- Region Change Compatibility — We tested each VPN to ensure it could initiate a region change by aligning our IP address with local payment methods, without causing Steam to flag our account.
- Security Protections — We looked at encryption protocols, DNS leak protection, and DDoS resistance to ensure Steam account safety while switching regions and gaming online.
- Connection Speeds & Latency — We measured ping, download, and upload speeds while gaming on Steam in different regions to check for fast, reliable connections that provide smooth gameplay.
- Server Network Coverage — We tested servers in key Steam regions, like the US, UK, Japan, and Brazil to verify connection stability and quick access to servers.
- Ease of Use — We tested setup and functionality on desktop and mobile apps, as well as Steam Deck, to check for device compatibility and overall ease of use for gamers.
What is Steam Region Lock & Why Does it Matter?
Steam region locks control which games you can buy, how much they cost, and what content you can access, based on your location. These restrictions exist due to licensing agreements, local laws, and regional pricing policies. Some games may be unavailable, censored, or priced differently depending on where you live.
Your Steam region is set using a combination of your IP address, payment method, and the location of your first purchase. This system makes it difficult to spoof your location without triggering Steam’s anti-fraud measures.
Region locks matter because they directly affect your gaming experience. For example, a game available in the US might be blocked or altered in Germany or unavailable entirely in countries under Steam payment sanctions like Russia or Belarus.
If you’re relocating permanently, it’s important to research your new region before switching. Some titles in your library may no longer be accessible after the change.
Common Steam Region Change Problems & Solutions
Even if you’re following Steam’s region change process correctly, a few issues can still pop up. Here are the most frequent problems users face and how to fix them quickly:
- Payment method rejected — Use a local payment method with a billing address in your new country, or try buying a regional Steam gift card.
- Region change option not showing — Make sure your VPN server, billing address, and payment method all match your new location.
- Steam Wallet issues — Spend your balance before switching regions; leftover funds may not transfer correctly, and gift cards are region-locked.
- Manual account verification — Be ready to show proof of relocation (like a utility bill or lease) if Steam flags your account.
- Family Sharing reset — Changing regions removes your Family Sharing setup, so you’ll need to reconfigure it afterward.
- VPN problems — If Steam can’t detect your new region, switch to a different VPN server in the same location and reload your Steam app.
FAQs on Changing Steam Region
Will changing my Steam region affect my existing games?
Can I use Family Sharing across different regions?
What payment methods work for Steam region changes?
Do I need proof of residence to change my Steam region?
Can I change my Steam region while traveling temporarily?
*Please note that ExpressVPN’s generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.
Summary: The Best VPNs for Changing Your Steam Region Safely
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
