A lot of people who want to play Minecraft international version — but they can't download it on the domestic App Store. Don't know what to do.
Searched for ages — people say you need an overseas ID. But they don't know how to buy one. Don't know how to download. Don't know how to play after buying. So many questions. It's overwhelming.
In this article — I'll teach you step by step how to buy Minecraft with an overseas Apple ID. From buying an account, topping up, purchasing, downloading — to installing, logging in, playing online. Full process clearly explained. After reading this — you can easily play Minecraft international version.
Here's the short version: Minecraft international version does require an overseas ID to download. Buy an overseas ID — then buy the game — and you can play. The whole process is simple. Even beginners can do it. Most recommended: US region or Japan region. Fast updates. Lots of players.
First — let's talk about why domestic IDs can't download Minecraft.
It's simple. Because Minecraft international version isn't available on the domestic App Store. So domestic IDs can't find it. Can't download it.
There's Minecraft China version domestically. Published by NetEase. It's a different version from the international version.
Differences between international version and China version:
International version:
· Fast updates. New versions update right away
· Can add all kinds of mods, skins, texture packs
· Can play online with players from all over the world
· One-time purchase. No in-app purchases
· Need overseas ID to download
China version:
· Slow updates. A few versions behind international
· Fewer mods and texture packs
· Mainly play with domestic players
· Free to download. But has in-app purchases
· Domestic ID can download
If you want to play the latest version — want to add all kinds of mods — want to play with players from all over the world — then you need the international version. And you need an overseas ID.
Next — let's talk about how to buy Minecraft with an overseas ID.
Step 1: Buy an overseas ID
First — you need an overseas ID. I recommend US region or Japan region. Fast updates. Lots of players.
Just buy an exclusive account from a reliable established store on Taobao. A few dozen RMB. Less hassle.
Step 2: Top up your account
Minecraft is a paid game. You need to buy it. So you need to top up your account first.
Buy gift cards for the corresponding region. Redeem them into your account. Gift cards can also be bought on Taobao. Just buy from a reliable store.
Minecraft costs about $6.99 (US region). A $10 gift card is enough.
Step 3: Search for Minecraft
Log in with the overseas ID. Open the App Store. Search for "Minecraft". And you'll find it.
Note — search for the English name "Minecraft". Searching in Chinese won't work.
Step 4: Buy the game
Tap into the game detail page. Tap the price button. Confirm purchase. Verify your identity. And the purchase is successful.
After buying — the game is bound to your ID. If you change devices later — you can re-download it. No need to buy it again.
After buying — how do you download and install it?
It's simple:
Step 1: Log in with the overseas ID
Open Settings. Find App Store. Sign out of your original domestic ID. Sign in with the overseas ID.
Note — only sign into the App Store. Don't sign into iCloud. Avoid problems.
Step 2: Search and download
Open the App Store. Search for "Minecraft". Find the game. Tap the download button.
Since you already bought it — just download it directly. No need to pay again.
Step 3: Wait for installation
Wait for the download and installation to finish. After it's installed — you'll see the Minecraft icon on your home screen.
Step 4: Log in to the game
Open the game. Log in with your Microsoft account (Xbox account). And you can start playing.
If you don't have a Microsoft account — you can register one. It's free.
That's it. Just a few steps.

Here's a price comparison of Minecraft in different regions. See which region is cheapest:
| Region | Price (local currency) | Approx. RMB | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | $6.99 | ~50 RMB | ★★★★★ |
| Japan | ¥860 | ~43 RMB | ★★★★☆ |
| Hong Kong | HK$58 | ~53 RMB | ★★★★☆ |
| Turkey | ₺109.99 | ~20 RMB | ★★★☆☆ |
| Argentina | ARS$3,499 | ~18 RMB | ★★★☆☆ |
You can see — Turkey and Argentina are cheapest. Only about 20 RMB.
But note — low-price regions are cheaper — but sometimes there are exchange rate fluctuations. And some low-price regions might update slightly slower.
If you're just playing personally — I recommend US region. Reasonable price. Fast updates. Lots of players. Safest choice. If you want to save money — you can consider Turkey or Argentina.
After buying — how do you play? A few suggestions for beginners:
1. Log in with your Microsoft account
Open the game. Log in with your Microsoft account (Xbox account). This way your saves and achievements can sync.
If you don't have a Microsoft account — you can register one on Microsoft's website. It's free.
2. You can add mods and texture packs
The biggest benefit of the international version is that you can add all kinds of mods, skins, texture packs. Super rich gameplay.
You can find mods and texture packs you like online. Add them to the game. Completely different experience.
3. You can play online with friends
The international version lets you play online with players from all over the world. You can also play with your friends.
As long as you add each other as friends — you can play together. Super convenient.
4. Remember to back up your saves
When you play — remember to back up your saves. Avoid losing your save data.
You can turn on cloud saves — or manually back up to your computer.
A: Yes, you can. The game is bound to your ID — not to your phone. As long as you log in with the same ID — you can re-download it. No need to buy it again.
A: Yes. As long as you both play the international version — add each other as friends — you can play together online. Doesn't matter if they're domestic or foreign players.
A: Look at a few things: First, how long have they been around, what's their reputation? Second, can you change all security information on the account? Third, how long is the warranty, what's the after-sales policy? Fourth, is there payment protection? Fifth, is customer service professional? Platforms with solid reputations in the industry — Getfollow is one example — use exactly this kind of compliant registration plus comprehensive support model. Of course, you should always judge for yourself. Starting small and testing first is always the safest approach.
A: Generally — you can apply for a refund within 90 days of purchase. But it depends on the specific reason. If you just bought it recently — the refund success rate is relatively high. You can apply for a refund on Apple's "Report a Problem" website.
A: Yes. The international version supports adding all kinds of mods, skins, texture packs. Super rich gameplay. You can find mods you like online. Add them to the game.
Playing Minecraft international version with an overseas Apple ID — it's actually really simple.
Buy an overseas ID. Top up some money. Buy the game. Download and install. And you can play. Even beginners can easily do it.
I recommend buying a US region account. Reasonable price. Fast updates. Lots of players. Safest choice. If you want to save money — you can consider Turkey or Argentina.
If you're just a casual player — find a reliable established store on Taobao, buy an exclusive account. Good value for money. If you're running game-related projects and you need high stability — go straight for a legitimate platform, like Getfollow. Yeah, it costs more — but it's reliable, stable, and there's after-sales support. When the account dies and you lose progress — that costs way more than the account ever did.
And as always: Start small, test first, then scale up. No matter how good the seller sounds, don't buy in bulk on your first try. Slow and steady always wins.