TikTok is once again available for download on both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store in the United States after a brief hiatus that began on January 19, 2025. The popular video-sharing app had been delisted as part of a nationwide ban, which was initially put in place by the president-elect Donald Trump. However, the app's return to the stores follows a series of legal developments that have raised questions about its long-term future in the country.
The ban was implemented in response to national security concerns, and Apple and Google complied by removing TikTok from their platforms. But after a promise from Trump not to enforce the ban immediately, the service was restored, although the app remained inaccessible for new downloads in US app stores. Apple’s decision to reinstate the app came after receiving a letter from US Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to Bloomberg. Google followed suit, reintroducing TikTok on the Play Store after the Justice Department assured the company that restoring access wouldn't break the law.
While the app has returned, the ban technically remains in effect. The Trump administration had ordered a 75-day delay in enforcement, starting January 20, 2025. This means that while TikTok is back on both app stores for now, it could once again be removed if the government moves to enforce the ban later on.
For now, those looking to get TikTok back on their phones, whether after deleting it or on a new device, will need to take certain steps depending on their device.
How to Download TikTok if You Deleted It or Have a New Device
If you removed TikTok during the ban or are setting up a new phone, just visit the App Store or Google Play as the app is now available to download and install directly from these stores. Alternatively, if you're reading this article when TikTok is banned again, you can try this:
On Android devices
- Visit TikTok’s website directly to download the app.
- Scan a QR code on the site or go to tiktok.com/download and choose between the standard TikTok app and TikTok Lite, the more compact TikTok version.
Once downloaded, users will need to change settings to allow the installation of apps from unknown sources. While some users may be wary of installing apps this way, it remains a functional workaround for now.
On iOS devices
iPhone users can access TikTok through their web browsers, but they might be unable to download the app directly if the app becomes unavailable again. Even if you previously had TikTok installed, Apple’s support page notes that apps cannot be re-downloaded or transferred to a new device if deleted. Those wishing to access TikTok on an iPhone are left with the option of adding a shortcut to their home screen via Safari. However, this method only allows users to watch videos and engage with the app’s content, not to upload their own:
- Visit tiktok.com.
- Sign in or click the Safari’s Share button to add an icon to your homescreen and access it like a proper app.
Use a VPN (But It's a Tricky One on iPhones)
For more dedicated and tech-savvy TikTok creators, using a VPN to “fool” your device into thinking it’s located outside the US is another potential workaround, though this process can be complicated. You must change your App Store region, create a new Apple ID, and even secure a payment method linked to another country; these steps may not be easily navigated by everyone.
- Create a new Apple ID with a phone number from another country using a service such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, or Hushed.
- Find and install a VPN that can identify you as coming from that country. These might be NordVPN and Proton VPN.
- Match your phone’s region with the region on your VPN.
- Get a valid payment method and a valid billing address for the country you’re pretending to be in.
4K Tokkit
4K Tokkit, a desktop TikTok downloader and viewer, can be quite useful in this situation, especially for those affected by the TikTok ban or download issues.
Here's how it can help:
- Access content without re-downloading the app — If you're unable to download TikTok due to the restrictions in the app stores or if you want to avoid using a VPN or other workarounds, 4K Tokkit provides a way to still access and download TikTok videos directly to your computer. This can be useful for users who need to access content for personal use or business purposes (like for creating a content library or researching TikTok trends).
- Saving content for offline use — In case the TikTok app is pulled again, or if the user faces difficulties with app reinstallation, 4K Tokkit allows you to save your favourite videos to your computer. This means you won’t lose your important content, and you can continue viewing or using the videos even if TikTok’s status in the app stores changes again.
- Batch downloading and organizing content — For users who have already built a library of TikTok videos and want to archive it, 4K Tokkit can download videos in bulk. This way, you can continue to work with TikTok videos regardless of what happens to the app's availability in the future.
All you have to do is to install 4K Tokkit on your computer and enter the hashtag, user handle, or a music track into the search field. You can also back up your entire TikTok account.
Looking Ahead
Despite the app's return to the US app stores, the long-term future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain. The US government has not yet indicated its final position on the app, and the possibility of further legal challenges or regulatory actions looms large. For now, users can enjoy access to TikTok once again, but the app's availability could hinge on future political decisions and negotiations.
