Can You Still Download TikTok After the US Ban?
If you’ve recently tried to install TikTok from the App Store or Google Play and couldn’t find it, you’re not alone. With growing concerns over national security, the United States has put forward efforts to restrict access to the app. As a result, many users — especially new ones — are left wondering: Is it still possible to download TikTok after the US ban?
The good news? Yes, it is. But there are a few workarounds you’ll need to know.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy, safe, and effective ways to download and use TikTok in the U.S., even after it’s officially banned from app stores. Let’s dive in.
Why Was TikTok Banned in the U.S.?
To understand how to bypass the TikTok ban, it’s helpful to understand why it happened in the first place.
The U.S. government raised concerns that TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, might share American user data with the Chinese government. While no definitive evidence has been made public, the concern alone was enough for policymakers to act.
In 2024, legislation was passed requiring TikTok to either sell its U.S. operations or face a ban. While TikTok challenged the law, the app began disappearing from major app stores for U.S.-based users.
So, what now?
What Does the TikTok Ban Mean for Users?
If you’re in the U.S. and already have TikTok installed, you’re not immediately affected — at least not yet. You can keep using the app, but you may eventually stop receiving updates or security patches.
But those trying to download TikTok in the U.S. for the first time or reinstall it after deleting it will run into an issue: it’s no longer available on the Apple App Store or Google Play in the U.S.
That’s where alternative solutions come into play.
How to Download TikTok After the U.S. Ban
Whether you’re using Apple or Android, there are a few methods that still let you access TikTok safely and effectively.
Using a VPN to Access TikTok
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is your ticket to bypassing regional restrictions. It allows you to change your device’s IP address, making it appear as if you’re accessing the internet from a different country.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to using a VPN to get TikTok:
- Choose a trusted VPN provider. Popular options include NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Connect to a server located in a country where TikTok hasn’t been banned (like Canada, the UK, or Australia).
- Once connected, go to your device’s app store.
- Change your App Store or Google Play region (more on this below).
- Search for TikTok and download as usual.
Keep in mind that simply using a VPN may not be enough on its own — you’ll also likely need to change your app store region.
How to Change Your App Store Country (for iPhone/iOS Users)
Apple restricts apps based on the region your App Store is set to. So if you’re an iPhone user, you’ll need to change your store location before you download TikTok. Here’s how:
- Open your Settings, then tap your name at the top (Apple ID).
- Go to Media & Purchases > View Account.
- Tap Country/Region > Change Country or Region.
- Select a country like Canada or the UK.
- Accept the terms and conditions and add a valid payment method and address (you can use a Canadian or UK postal code you find online).
- Now search for and download TikTok from the App Store.
Once the app is installed, you can switch your account back to the U.S. if needed — TikTok will remain on your phone.
How to Change Google Play Region (for Android Users)
Android users can also change their Play Store region. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap your profile icon > Settings > General > Account and Device Preferences.
- Select a country (like the UK or Australia).
- Follow the prompts to confirm the region change. You may need to add a new payment method based in that country.
- Once changed, search for TikTok and download it.
Remember, Google only allows you to change your Play Store region once a year, so choose your country wisely.
Other Ways to Get TikTok on Android
A major advantage for Android users is the ability to install apps outside of the Google Play Store. This is called “sideloading.”
Here’s how it works:
- Enable “Install from Unknown Sources” in your phone’s security settings.
- Download the TikTok APK file from a reputable source like APKMirror or APKPure.
- Open the file to install the app to your device.
Important: Only download APK files from trusted websites. Malicious APKs can carry viruses or malware, so be careful.
Tips for Using TikTok Safely After the Ban
Once you have TikTok installed, it’s important to protect your security and privacy. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Stick to official or well-known APK sources. Unknown sites can be risky.
- Use a reliable VPN while using the app to keep your browsing anonymous and secure.
- Regularly check for app updates. Since automatic updates may stop working, you’ll want to update TikTok manually using the same method you installed it with.
What About Future Updates?
Here’s where things get a little tricky. Since TikTok is no longer officially available through U.S. app stores, automatic updates might not happen.
That means every once in a while, you may need to:
- Reconnect to your VPN.
- Revisit the overseas app store or download the latest APK manually.
It does require a little extra effort, but it’ll keep you connected to the latest features, trends, and — let’s be honest — addictive videos that TikTok is known for.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If TikTok is your creative outlet, your go-to for funny videos, or even your marketing platform, then yes — taking a few extra steps to download and use the app is probably worth it.
The current U.S. ban doesn’t stop people from using TikTok. It just adds a few hurdles. But with a VPN, a region change, or sideloading on Android, you can still get your daily dose of dance challenges, ramen hacks, and endless scrolling.
Just remember to stay safe, use trusted sources, and enjoy your TikTok feed — wherever you are.
And who knows? Until the legal battles are over, you might just become a pro at digital detours.
