On January 18, 2025, the TikTok app was removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the United States. Shortly after, users received a message stating, "TikTok is currently unavailable." However, within less than 48 hours, a new decision was issued allowing TikTok to resume its operations in the U.S.
The issue that arose was that many users deleted the app from their devices during the initial hours of its removal. When the app was reinstated, it was no longer available on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. This meant that those who kept the app installed on their phones could continue using TikTok, but anyone who wanted to reinstall the app after deleting it could not do so, as it was no longer available on the official app platforms.
If you want to download or access TikTok in the United States, you can use a VPN. By using a VPN, you can change your IP address to a country where TikTok is not restricted, such as Canada or the United Kingdom. This allows you to access and download TikTok despite the current restrictions in the U.S.
However, there are important considerations depending on the type of device you want to use to access TikTok. For example, if you need to re-download TikTok, you will need to follow additional steps beyond just using a VPN. In this article, I will explain all the details you need to know to access TikTok in the United States, whether you are a new TikTok user or need to reinstall the app.
How to Re-download TikTok After the Ban?
Since the app is still unavailable in U.S. app stores, if you want to download and restore TikTok, you will need to use a VPN and create a new account in an app store from a country where TikTok is available (such as Canada or the United Kingdom). This will allow you to access TikTok and download it from that country's app store.
How to Download TikTok from the Apple App Store
To download TikTok from the Apple App Store, you will need to use a VPN and choose one of the following options:
- Change the region of your current App Store account.
- Create a new App Store account in a country where TikTok is not restricted.
Here are the different methods that will help you re-download the TikTok app on your iPhone or Android device:
Downloading TikTok for Apple Devices (iPhone) After the Ban
1. Change the App Store Region
- We will use VPN 1, VPN 2, or VPN 3 on your iPhone.
- Connect to a server in a country where TikTok is available.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on your name at the top of the Settings app page to open your 'Apple Account Settings'.
- Select 'Media and Purchases'.
- Choose View Account.
- Next, tap on Country/Region to change your country or region. Apple may prompt you to add a new payment method for the selected country, but you can skip this step by selecting None and do it later.
- Choose the new country where TikTok is still available, such as Singapore or Canada. You will be asked to provide a billing address for that country, but you can enter any valid address.
- Once the region is changed, go to the App Store, download TikTok on your phone, and start using it.
Note: If you're wondering whether simply activating a VPN will allow you to download TikTok from the App Store, unfortunately, that won't work. You also need to make the changes mentioned above to gain access to the TikTok app on your iPhone.
2. Create a New App Store Account
- Connect to your preferred VPN service in a country where TikTok is accessible.
- Log out of your current Apple ID on your device by tapping your name at the top of the Settings app.
- Next, scroll down and tap Sign Out. Make sure you remember the credentials for your main account.
- After signing out, return to the Settings page and tap Sign in to your iPhone at the top.
- Tap on the Don’t have an Apple ID or forgot it? option.
- Select Create a Free Apple ID.
- Enter your phone number, which can be from any country, as it is only for verification purposes.
- Make sure the VPN is still connected to a country where TikTok is available, and when prompted to select a country during the account setup, choose the same country as the VPN.
- For the payment method, select None.
- Once your new account is created, open the App Store, sign in with your new credentials, and download TikTok without any restrictions.
Downloading TikTok for Android Devices (Samsung, Google ..) After the Ban
1. Change the region on the Play Store
- Download VPN1 , VPN2 , VPN3
- Connect to a VPN server in a country where TikTok is available.
- Open the Google Play Store and tap on your profile picture.
- Select Settings.
- Go to General > Account and device preferences > Country and profiles.
- Select the country you want to switch to.
- Complete the necessary steps.
- Open the Google Play Store, download TikTok, and enjoy.
2. Create a New Google Account
- Use a VPN app to connect to a server in a different region.
- Open the Play Store and log out of your current account.
- Select the option to create a new account.
- After creating the new account, open the Play Store and sign in with the newly created account.
- Download TikTok without any restrictions.
3. Use a Browser (For Both iOS and Android)
- Open your preferred VPN on your smartphone or PC and connect to a country where TikTok is available.
- Launch any browser of your choice and visit the TikTok.com website.
- Enter your login ID and password to enjoy TikTok.