How to download TikTok app after the ban on the US 2025

If you've been trying to download TikTok app after the ban in the US, you're probably aware that things have gotten a bit more complicated. As of January 2025, TikTok's redownload capability has been blocked in the United States due to ByteDance's failure to sell ownership to non-Chinese entities. This means the app has been removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, leaving users frustrated and searching for alternatives.

On January 19th, 2025, TikTok was fully blocked in the US, triggering error messages like "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now." While current users who already have the app installed can continue using it without issues, those who have deleted TikTok or new users cannot access the app through US-based app stores.

Don't worry, though—there's still a way to redownload TikTok app after the ban. One effective solution is using a VPN for TikTok restrictions bypass. You can easily download TikTok in the US by connecting to a server in a country where TikTok is still available, such as Canada or Mexico. The following step-by-step guide will show you how to access and install TikTok after the US ban.

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How to redownload TikTok in the US on your devices

With TikTok no longer available in US app stores, accessing or reinstalling the app requires a workaround. You can access the app store of a country where TikTok remains accessible, such as Canada or the UK, by using a reliable VPN and connecting to a server in that region. From there, you can redownload TikTok on your phone and dive right back into endless scrolling, discovering all the latest trends and viral videos. This simple solution ensures you stay connected, even if the app isn’t available locally.

How to redownload TikTok app on iPhone

TikTok has been removed from the Apple App Store, and to redownload it in the US, you'll need to change your region. Here’s how to do it:

Download TikTok by changing the Apple App Store region

Step 1. Choose and set up a VPN

After extensive testing, I recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for downloading TikTok. Its reliability, speed, and ability to bypass restrictions make it the ideal choice. So, download and install the NordVPN app on your iPhone, then connect to a server in a country where TikTok is available, such as Canada.

Step 2. Adjust your iPhone settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. At the top of the screen, you’ll see your name and Apple ID—tap it to enter your Apple Account settings, where your account and payment details are managed.

Step 3. Access your App Store settings

In your Apple Account menu, tap on the Media & Purchases section. Then, select View Account to open the detailed settings for your App Store.

Step 4. Change your Country/Region

Tap on Country/Region and follow the prompts. You’ll see a warning about the need for a valid payment method in the new country. Don’t worry - once connected to a VPN, you can choose “None” as your payment method when prompted, even if the warning says otherwise.

Step 5. Set up a new country

Choose a new region, such as Canada. When asked for a billing address, use any valid address from that country. Tools like Fake Address Generator can help you easily find a random Canadian address.

Step 6. Download TikTok on iPhone

Once your region is updated, open the App Store. Search for TikTok and download the app. With the region change and VPN, you can install TikTok without any restrictions.

Download TikTok using NordVPN

If this process seems complicated, you can create a new Apple App Store account:

Install TikTok by creating a new App Store account

Step 1. Choose a reliable VPN

First, select a reliable VPN service. I recommend NordVPN, as it effectively bypasses restrictions and provides fast, secure access. Then, download and install the NordVPN app on your device.

Step 2. Connect to the TikTok VPN

Open the NordVPN app and connect to a server in a country where TikTok is still available, like Canada. This will allow you to access app stores outside of the US.

Step 3. Sign out of your current Apple ID

Next, open your iPhone’s Settings, tap your name at the top, scroll down, and select Sign Out.

Step 4. Create a new Apple ID

Return to Settings and tap Sign in to your iPhone. Choose Don’t have an Apple ID or forgot it? Then tap Create Apple ID and follow the on-screen prompts to set up your new account.

Step 5. Verify your new account

Enter your phone number. Note that the country you choose for phone number verification doesn’t need to match your VPN’s country. You can select any valid country for phone number verification.

Step 6. Set your region

You do need to set your Apple ID region to match the country where TikTok is accessible (like Canada). This ensures you can download the app without restrictions. So, make sure the region in your Apple ID settings aligns with the country you're connected to via your VPN. When prompted for payment information, select "None."

Step 7. Download TikTok

Lastly, sign in to the App Store with your new Apple ID, search for TikTok, and install it. You’ll now have full, unrestricted access to TikTok.

Reinstall TikTok with NordVPN

How to redownload TikTok after ban on Android

Step 1. Install NordVPN

Start by installing the NordVPN app from the Google Play Store. Once installed, open the app and log in or create an account to begin.

Step 2. Choose a server in a country where TikTok is available

In the search box within the NordVPN app, type the name of a country where TikTok is still accessible, like Canada, and connect. This will allow you to bypass the restrictions and access the Play Store as if you are in that region.

Step 3. Change your Google Play region

Next, open the Google Play Store and go to your profile. Tap Settings > General > Account and Device Preferences > Country and Profiles. Choose the country you selected for the VPN (e.g., Canada) and follow the instructions to switch your region.

Step 4. Open the Play Store and download TikTok

After changing your region, go back to the Play Store, search for TikTok, and download the app. It should install without any issues, and you can start using TikTok again.

Note: You can only change your region once every 12 months on Google Play. Before switching, make sure to cancel any active subscriptions.

Alternatively, you can create a new Google Play account: Log out of your current account in the Play Store > Create a New Account: Select "Create a new account" and follow the steps > Download TikTok: Open the Play Store and download TikTok from the new account.

Access TikTok on the desktop

If can’t access TikTok through the app, you can still use it on your computer:

Step 1. Get a VPN

Sign up for a reliable VPN service, such as NordVPN. A VPN will help you bypass restrictions and access TikTok from your desktop, if you have problems to access it even on your browser.

Step 2. Choose a server in a country where TikTok is available

Open the VPN app and select a server in a country where TikTok is available, like Canada or Mexico. Connecting to a server in one of these countries will make it appear as though you're browsing from there, allowing you to access TikTok.

Step 3. Open your browser and go to TikTok.com

Once connected to a VPN, open your preferred web browser and go to TikTok.com. You'll be able to access the full TikTok website without restrictions.

Step 4. Enjoy TikTok without restrictions!

Now, you can freely browse TikTok's content, watch videos, and interact with posts from your desktop!

Redownload TikTok in US with NordVPN

How can a VPN help with TikTok bypass after the ban in the US?

A VPN can bypass geo-restrictions and the TikTok ban by spoofing your location. It encrypts your internet traffic, reroutes it through servers in TikTok-friendly countries, and assigns you a new IP address. With it, you get full access to the platform, and neither TikTok nor your ISP (Internet Service Provider) will know you’re in the US.

To obfuscate the origin of your IP address, a TikTok VPN should come with robust encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. The other crucial element when selecting a VPN to bypass the TikTok ban in the US is server coverage. You need a VPN with a vast selection of servers in nearby TikTok legal countries (outside the US but still close) to stream TikTok videos without buffering. Plus, if one server isn’t working, you can easily switch to another one and enjoy unrestricted access to TikTok.

When I tested NordVPN's ability to unblock and redownload TikTok from the US, it was the fastest VPN. It also meets all the requirements for encryption, server networks, and smooth streaming performance.

Why is the TikTok app not in the US App Store?

TikTok has been removed from the US's Apple App Store and Google Play Store due to national security concerns. US officials are worried that the Chinese government could access sensitive user data through the app, as TikTok is owned by the Chinese tech company ByteDance. China’s strict data-sharing laws compel companies like ByteDance to provide user data to the government upon request. TikTok is used by around 170 million Americans, raising significant alarms among US intelligence agencies and data privacy experts. They fear that this data could be exploited for surveillance or influence operations.

These concerns have led to escalating actions in the US, including bans on government-issued devices in several states and the passing of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications (PAFCA) bill in 2024. This law mandates that ByteDance must sell TikTok’s US operations within one year, or the app will be banned nationwide. TikTok has filed lawsuits and is negotiating with US officials to delay or overturn the ban, arguing it infringes on First Amendment rights. As the January 19, 2025, ban date approached, TikTok in the US went dark for all American users.

Even with the US TikTok ban lifted, the app has been removed from the Google Play and Apple App Stores. Luckily, users can still access TikTok in the US using a trustworthy VPN to hide their location and redownload and reinstall the app. A VPN allows users to access TikTok as if they were in a country where the app is still available, letting them continue enjoying the platform without interruption.

Beware of TikTok Download Scams after the US ban

Since the TikTok ban in the US, many users, including myself, have been scrambling to find ways to download or update TikTok after the ban or bypass the restrictions. Unfortunately, where there's demand, scammers are always looking to take advantage of the situation. When I searched for a way to access TikTok, I came across numerous fake download links and services that can seriously compromise your security and harm your device. Here's what you need to know and how to avoid these scams:

• Fake APK files. Some websites may claim to offer TikTok APK files for download, but in reality, they often contain malware, spyware, or adware. I've learned that downloading APKs from unknown or suspicious sources is a huge risk. Always stick to official app stores or trusted platforms to avoid these risks.
• "Unban TikTok" phishing links. Scammers have set up fake TikTok unban websites asking for your personal details, payment information, or both. These sites may look convincing, but entering your details could expose you to identity theft. Never, under any circumstances, enter your information on sites that aren't verified.
• IPhone "Profiles" trick. Online tutorials claim you can redownload TikTok on your iPhone by installing unverified profiles. Thus, these profiles are dangerous and can expose your device to security risks.
• Paid services promise TikTok access. TikTok is a free app, so any service charging you to "unblock" or "restore" the app is definitely a scam. I've come across several services that make these promises, but they only take your money without delivering anything in return.

After the ban, the safest and most effective way to download TikTok in the US is to use a trusted and reliable VPN like NordVPN. A VPN allows you to change your virtual location and access TikTok as if you were in a country where the app is still available, such as Canada.

Also, always verify the sources you're using and stay away from third-party apps or services that claim to unblock TikTok. Don't fall for shortcuts; protecting your device and personal data should always come first.

TikTok ban bypass: bottom line

As of January 2025, TikTok continues to face significant scrutiny in the US, with concerns over data privacy, national security, and its ties to China driving the ongoing ban push. The situation escalated with a bill signed into law in April 2024, which blocked TikTok access for US users. Starting January 19, 2025, ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, didn’t sell the app to a US-approved buyer, and TikTok went dark for all users in the US, also removing it from the App Store.

In the meantime, many people use VPNs to bypass state restrictions and redownload TikTok. If you're looking for the best VPN for TikTok redownload in the US, I recommend NordVPN. As NordVPN has servers all over the world, you can easily connect to a server in a country where the TikTok app is still available to download. Moreover, it's reliable for unblocking apps because of its high-quality security and privacy features. Plus, NordVPN's advanced tunneling protocols ensure fast and stable connections, making it the best choice for streaming TikTok videos.

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FAQ

Why can't I redownload TikTok?

You can’t redownload TikTok because it’s been removed from the US App Store and Google Play Store. To bypass this, use a VPN to connect to a country where TikTok is available, like Canada. Then create a new App Store or Google Play account for that region to download TikTok.

Can I download TikTok after the ban?

The ban on TikTok in the US has been delayed after ByteDance temporarily shut it down in January. However, the app can't be downloaded to new devices, so you can still use it if you already have TikTok installed. To download TikTok after the ban, you'll need to use a VPN like NordVPN to change your virtual location and access the app from a still available country, like Canada or Mexico. Just be careful of scams offering fake download links.

Does a VPN work for the TikTok ban?

Yes, a VPN can bypass a TikTok ban by masking your location and connecting to a server in a country where TikTok is available. This enables you to access TikTok as if you were in that country. For the best experience, choose a reliable VPN like NordVPN with fast servers in TikTok-friendly regions. Remember, location spoofing might also be required for app downloads.

Can you use a VPN for the TikTok ban?

Yes, it's legal to use a VPN to bypass a TikTok ban. A VPN changes your IP address, making it appear as though you’re accessing TikTok from a region where it’s not restricted. This allows you to enjoy the app even in banned regions. For seamless access, use a high-quality VPN like NordVPN and connect to servers in countries like Canada or Mexico where TikTok remains accessible.

How to get around a TikTok ban?

If you want to get around a TikTok ban, the easiest way is to use a VPN. It lets you spoof your IP address, making it appear that you're accessing TikTok from a different country where the app is still available. If you connect to a server in Canada or Mexico where TikTok is not blocked, you can access the app without problems.

What is the best VPN for unblocking TikTok in the US?

NordVPN is the best VPN for accessing TikTok in the US, thanks to its advanced unblocking ability, reliable connections, and strong overall security. Robust encryption combined with the NordLynx tunneling protocol overcomes the US ban by unblocking TikTok in restricted countries like the US. Additionally, this VPN has wide server networks in nearby countries (510+ in Canada and Mexico) for the fastest connection speeds. Plus, DNS leak protection and a kill switch ensure your location stays hidden.

Is using a VPN to access TikTok in a banned country legal?

Yes, using a VPN to access TikTok in a banned country is legal. However, you should choose a reliable provider that hides your online activities and masks your IP address to stay completely safe.

What can I do right now to protect my data if I use TikTok?

The best way to protect your data while using TikTok is to use a VPN like NordVPN. It encrypts your internet connection, ensuring your activity stays private and secure. I recommend downloading NordVPN and connecting to a secure server in Canada. This will give you an added layer of protection while browsing TikTok.

Can I download TikTok in the USA?

If you had previously downloaded TikTok, you can still access it after the ban has been lifted. However, if you didn't download it before or uninstalled it, you won't be able to reinstall it through the US app stores. The easiest way to bypass this restriction is to use a VPN like NordVPN to change your location to a country where TikTok is still available (e.g., Canada or Mexico). This will allow you to redownload and reinstall the app without any issues.