My 6 year old son threw a tantrum today and destroyed my SGH-1337m's LCD. I'd like to replace it with a Google Edition S4, but I'm having a hell of a time getting to the US google play devices website. I live in Canada and somehow Google manages to detect that I'm not from the US. I have a US credit card available and I can get it shipped to a US address - I just need to be able to order the damn thing and for that I need the US Play store to think I'm in the US. But I'm having a hell of a time tricking it into believing that.
First, I tried signing out of my gmail/google account and creating a new one with 'US' as the country. No good. I still get the "Unavailable in your country" web page.
Fair enough - they're doing IP tracking, I guess, right? So I tried connecting to play.google.com through a VPN into San Francisco. This is a VPN connection that has never failed to spoof a service or website into thinking that I'm in the US. Hulu, Netflix, whatever. And yet Google still tells me that the site is "Unavailable in your country".
Someone suggested that it might be that Chrome itself is somehow tipping play.google.com off, so I tried Safari and I tried Chrome in incognito mode. No good. The GE S4 is still "Unavailable in your country".
I think to myself that this is getting kind of crazy and I look around the net for more suggestions. Someone in a stackexchange post suggests that Google is figuring this out by IP-locating not just the request that your https request came in over, but also the DNS request for play.google.com itself?
I noticed that play.google.com is just a CNAME for www3.l.google.com. When I dig for the IP address in Canada, I get play.google.com resolved to a range of addresses from 74.125.225.193 - 74.125.225.206. When I look up the DNS from the US using a website DNS lookup tool, however, play.google.com resolves to a range of addresses from 173.194.46.0 - 173.194.46.14. AHA!
So I edit my /etc/hosts file so that play.google.com always resolves to 173.194.46.0. And yet somehow, the US Google Play devices store and in it the Google Edition Galaxy S4 is still "Unavailable in your country".
Does anyone have anymore ideas?
If you can get it shipped to an address in the US, have that person order it?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA
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btm fdr said:
If you can get it shipped to an address in the US, have that person order it?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA
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Alas, I'm ordering it myself. I'm getting it shipped to Hagen's of Blaine (which is a shipping company). I live in Vancouver so I can drive over to pick it up when it arrives. And for the credit card I'm using entropay.
At this point I could probably just order a vm on a hosting service like Azure and pay from an RDP session to the VM - that would be fool-proof. But I'm really interested now in how Google is figuring out that I'm not in the U.S. Accessing their US IP addresses from an incognito window going through a VPN that's spilling my packets into the internet in San Fran should really be sufficient. But somehow they're still catching me.
I guess this is why they get paid the big bucks.
tedmm said:
Alas, I'm ordering it myself. I'm getting it shipped to Hagen's of Blaine (which is a shipping company). I live in Vancouver so I can drive over to pick it up when it arrives. And for the credit card I'm using entropay.
At this point I could probably just order a vm on a hosting service like Azure and pay from an RDP session to the VM - that would be fool-proof. But I'm really interested now in how Google is figuring out that I'm not in the U.S. Accessing their US IP addresses from an incognito window going through a VPN that's spilling my packets into the internet in San Fran should really be sufficient. But somehow they're still catching me.
I guess this is why they get paid the big bucks.
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Click to collapse
I access the US Play Store while using UnblockUS service. I use the service mainly for Netflix and other television streaming sites, not specifically for the US Play Store of course
blyndfyre said:
I access the US Play Store while using UnblockUS service. I use the service mainly for Netflix and other television streaming sites, not specifically for the US Play Store of course
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah - I'm using StrongVPN. I thought about trying UnblockUS, but I saw some complaints on their forums saying that Google made some sort of a change and now UnblockUS can't be used to get to the play store. The UnblockUS req said, and I'm paraphrasing here, that "accessing the Google Play Store from UblockUS isn't supported."
aichteeteepee://support.unblock-us.com/customer/portal/questions/1190342-google-play-store
So unblockus works for you? Can you access the Devices part of the Google Play store with it?
tedmm said:
Yeah - I'm using StrongVPN. I thought about trying UnblockUS, but I saw some complaints on their forums saying that Google made some sort of a change and now UnblockUS can't be used to get to the play store. The UnblockUS req said, and I'm paraphrasing here, that "accessing the Google Play Store from UblockUS isn't supported."
aichteeteepee://support.unblock-us.com/customer/portal/questions/1190342-google-play-store
So unblockus works for you? Can you access the Devices part of the Google Play store with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last time I attempted to access the Play Store Devices was about 3 weeks ago with UnblockUS region settings set to USA. It worked then, I'm working and won't be able to test from home again for a couple weeks though. However UnblockUS does have a free trial
Related
is there any application or way to spoof my location? for example, i am subject to games that are blacked out due to my location in the United States for the application NBA league pass, and i need a way to bypass this by telling the application i am some place where i actually am not.
thanks in advance for any responses
you can spoof your ip address which will show that your connection is in a different place. and no i cannot tell you where to get something that can spoof your ip... google.com
theanswer said:
is there any application or way to spoof my location? for example, i am subject to games that are blacked out due to my location in the United States for the application NBA league pass, and i need a way to bypass this by telling the application i am some place where i actually am not.
thanks in advance for any responses
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct me if I'm wrong, but NBA league pass is a directv app, right? Linked with your directv account... and its location is based on the MAILING ADDRESS that you gave to directv, and I believe that this means that your *actual* location is irrelevant.
lbcoder said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but NBA league pass is a directv app, right? Linked with your directv account... and its location is based on the MAILING ADDRESS that you gave to directv, and I believe that this means that your *actual* location is irrelevant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, if the NBA LP app is anything like NBA LP Broadband, which I believe it is, they do blackouts based on internet service location. I use my friends NBA Broadband account and he registered and lives in LA. I'm in Houston and Rockets games are blacked out for me. So it doesn't matter where you bought the subscription because it blacks out based on where you are when you are watching.
There are two ways to do it without root. Both of them require US (or other paid-app-available area) VPN.
Solution 1:
1) Remove your Google account from your tab.
2) Connect to VPN on your tab.
3) Re-add the Google Account under VPN connecting.
4) Open the Market (if it's running, stop it first) and you'll be able to purchase paid app.
Solution 2:
This solution requires one wired and one wireless network adapter on you computer.
1) Set a hosted wireless network on your computer. This makes your computer as a WiFi hotspot. It's easy to do this on Windows 7, you will find tutorial on Google. Your will see a virtual WiFi adapter after setup done.
2) Setup VPN connection on your computer. Share it with the virtual WiFi adapter.
3) Connect to VPN on your computer.
4) Connect your tab to the wireless network hosted by your computer.
5) Open the Market (if it's running, stop it first) and you'll be able to purchase paid app.
The main idea is to make sure your tab sends out the very first byte of your Google account information with a US IP. That's how Google identify your location. Your won't do that if just simply connect yo VPN on your tab because a US IP always comes after your tab communicate with Google server.
Hi karlarso,
Forgive the newbie question - but is there an issue with Samsung Tab's installing purchased apps via android app store? I haven't come across this. I know Samsung has their own (lame) app store...is Samsung forcing people to use the Samsung App Store instead? Can you use Android app store or Amazon android app store if you wanted, without having to root?
coachclass said:
Hi karlarso,
Forgive the newbie question - but is there an issue with Samsung Tab's installing purchased apps via android app store? I haven't come across this. I know Samsung has their own (lame) app store...is Samsung forcing people to use the Samsung App Store instead? Can you use Android app store or Amazon android app store if you wanted, without having to root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the Android market is completely open and available to Tab users, rooted or unrooted. Samsung does not force anything.
I have absolutely no idea what the OP is about or why anyone would ever need to use that procedure. Maybe it's something to do with non-US devices; its impossible to tell from the post.
Berner said:
No, the Android market is completely open and available to Tab users, rooted or unrooted. Samsung does not force anything.
I have absolutely no idea what the OP is about or why anyone would ever need to use that procedure. Maybe it's something to do with non-US devices; its impossible to tell from the post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it would have been nice if the OP elaborated on what it was for... I believe it's for those who imported the Tab and live in a country where access to paid apps is not available from the Market.
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
BlackOtaku said:
Yes, it would have been nice if the OP elaborated on what it was for... I believe it's for those who imported the Tab and live in a country where access to paid apps is not available from the Market.
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For example, China.
Great hint
Thank you so much, this worked perfectly!
I am an American living in China and I have not been able to get to many apps that were blocked and have not been able to pay for any app even if it did happen to show up in the Market. I had researched and tried many different things. For others that may be following in my footsteps, it seemed that an app called Market Enabler was specifically designed for this but it does not work on wifi only devices.
I tried what the original poster suggested (Option 1) and have now been able to see some apps that I could not before and have already purchased some that I could not.
Thank you very much.
Another work around
You can view paid apps in the market once you add a credit card to your Google checkout account. (the same Google account you are using on your phone).
I happened to make a payment through Google checkout and the next time I went to the android market on my phone it was showing me paid apps.
Hope this helps!
There are two other (similar) scenarios where you need this:
1) You want to buy a movie/book from google (service is only enabled for US)
2) You want to watch movies on Hulu/netflix
Further more for option two, I do think that an US socks proxy would do (or a spam sling - proxy with all ports open).
I don't think that it's transparent for the Xoom on the PC AP in which way the PC makes the connection to US.
hi guys,
I just bought a US galaxy tab10.1,
Tied my Google checkout to my US credit card
but i still could not see PAID apps in the Market.
I am however NOT in the US currently.
Please advise
Simple, first go to manage installed application in settings and clear data on Marketplace.
Next setup a VPN connecction: http://vpnblog.info/strongvpn-l2tp-android.html
Most of the vpn services are not free.
Always connect to vpn BEFORE opening market place.
Thanks for the info"!
Gosh!really, that means Android Markets identify users according to the county IP & not the credit card source that's tied to Google Account.
What fuss! No paid apps for me for a year until I return to the US.
OR
Pay for VPN service
Zzzz
Just root your device and use market enabler app from the market. It will allow you to change your carrier country code, actually the carrier to a usa one like t mobile or something giving you access to paid apps
Sent from my GT-P7500 using Tapatalk
If you bought Nexus 7 and didn't get 25$ credit (and missing Google Books, Google Magazines, Google Movies) this method may work for you.
1.Make factory reset.
2.When you get to the screen to enter Google account skip it.
3.Uncheck all the check-boxes in next screens.
4.Now when you got to the home screen, go to settings.Under Wireless and Networks click more.
5.Click on VPN, Add VPN. Now the Nexus 7 will ask you to define security (Pattern,Password,PIN), Define whatever you want.
6.Click again Add VPN, and enter this definitions:
Name: SuperFreeVPN
Server address: superfreevpn.com
and click save.
7.Now click on SuperFreeVPN,for username enter:free, and for password go to website superfreevpn.com and look for VPN Password.
8.Click Connect. If connected successfully you will see key icon in notifications.
9.Go to Settings, under Accounts click Add Account and choose Google. Enter your username and password, if everything is OK you will get to screen that will ask you to enter credit card to Google wallet to receive 25$ credit.
10.While you using VPN you can download Google Books, Google Magazines, Google Movies.
what credit card did you put in? im assuming it wont non-US credit cards for getting the credit.
have you personally tried using this method?
I put non-US credit card with US information (zip code and telephone),
And yes i personally used this method and it is working.
freesoul27 said:
I put non-US credit card with US information (zip code and telephone),
And yes i personally used this method and it is working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
non US card with the real name and address thats linked to the billing... and just a US zip and telephone number works?
or was it a US address and phone number... with just a non-US credit card number?
If you select that the card is from United States it is asking you only for name, zip code and telephone number.
I entered my real card number, my real name, US zip code and US telephone.
freesoul27 said:
If you select that the card is from United States it is asking you only for name, zip code and telephone number.
I entered my real card number, my real name, US zip code and US telephone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wow great. Thanks for this. hoping to get my Nexus 7 tomorrow.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Thanks! I will be trying this Friday, saves me a few $ on a dedicated VPN to USA.
it works thx.. now where is the transformers movie?
Open Google Movies (when you connected to VPN) and Transformers should be there.
Excuse my naivety but isn't there a potential risk to your card details if entering them and sending payment details through VPN? If not from external parties at least from the unknown employees of Superfreevpn? Thanks for the advice (and I am sure it works great and is secure) but I'll wait for it (wallet) to be released officially as if money did go missing I can't see Google jumping up to help replace given that a workaround has been instigated to get $25 dollars off them!
after i get the $25 credit, can I change back the credit card information and stop the vpn?
or do this after i use all the credit?
nckturtle said:
after i get the $25 credit, can I change back the credit card information and stop the vpn?
or do this after i use all the credit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what if you dont have a credit card ?
nckturtle said:
after i get the $25 credit, can I change back the credit card information and stop the vpn?
or do this after i use all the credit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can stop the vpn and change back credit information.
my google play keep crashing after i vpn... any solution?
I'm in China, and I think it will be helpful when I received my N7 this week
lunarken said:
my google play keep crashing after i vpn... any solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to reboot the device, if it is won't help try factory reset.
locutus2000 said:
Thanks! I will be trying this Friday, saves me a few $ on a dedicated VPN to USA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I reconsidered, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I will pay for a VPN for 1 month to setup the N7 and make sure that my data is safe.
locutus2000 said:
I reconsidered, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I will pay for a VPN for 1 month to setup the N7 and make sure that my data is safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which VPN did you opt for? Did you set up the VPN out of the box or after a factory reset?
I just got my Nexus today (in Australia) and wanted to subscribe to Wired! magazine, as I have been a reader of this on the iPad since it came out.
I didn't fully use the procedure in the OP but I did add my Aussie credit card with a random US address in order to purchase the subscription (I use Tor to connect to US sites). Then I used Titanium to 'defrost' Google Play Magazines on the device and I have my subscription
wow i got it to work.
if i download the transformers movie can you still watch it when not on vpn?
i brought a VPN from online.. i am connected to a US server now, but still not able to get USA Play store
anyone know what have i missed out?
Nexus 7 Jelly Bean 4.2.2v
Google Play Store 3.10.14v
added: i tried to use Market Access.apk with the SIM numeric 31038 it should be AT&T but it still wouldnt go to USA Play Store
Try different US based free vpn service and report back, i don't remember the name but i use to use one and it work like a charm
Shunsuke2013 said:
i brought VPN from online.. i am connected to a US server now, but still not able to get USA Play store
anyone know what have i missed out?
Nexus 7 Jelly Bean 4.2.2v
Google Play Store 3.10.14v
added: i tried to use Market Access.apk with the SIM numeric 31038 it should be AT&T but it still wouldnt go to USA Play Store
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google has changed the way it handles stores. You need to have a US addressed account to reach US store. Location or IP do not matter now. So instead of faking IP, do an account with US address.
money wasted...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Shunsuke2013 said:
i brought a VPN from online.. i am connected to a US server now, but still not able to get USA Play store
anyone know what have i missed out?
Nexus 7 Jelly Bean 4.2.2v
Google Play Store 3.10.14v
added: i tried to use Market Access.apk with the SIM numeric 31038 it should be AT&T but it still wouldnt go to USA Play Store
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest you try Hidemyass VPN Service One of the best service. The connection speed is awesome. Helps me watch us tv shows and easily use google play store