US TikTok Ban: How to redownload TikTok after the ban?

On January 18th, 2025 TikTok was removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the United States, and users began experiencing access issues with error messages stating "Sorry, TikTok isn't available right now." However, the next day the service has been restored.

Currently, the situation stands as follows: while existing users who kept the app installed can once again access TikTok, the app remains unavailable for download from US app stores. This means new users or those who deleted the app cannot download or reinstall TikTok through official US channels.

For those who need to download or access TikTok in the US, a VPN can help. By using a VPN, you can change your IP address to a country where TikTok is not restricted, such as Canada or the UK. This allows you to both access and download TikTok despite the current US restrictions.

However, there are important things you need to know depending on your situation and which device you want to use to access the platform. For example, if you need to redownload TikTok, you'll need to follow additional steps beyond just using a VPN. Read my guide below, where I cover every detail you need to know about accessing TikTok in the US, whether you're an existing user looking for a backup plan or someone who needs to download the app for the first time.

How to redownload TikTok app after the ban?

Since the app remains unavailable in US app stores, if you want to download and get TikTok app back, you will need to use a VPN and create a new app store account in a country where TikTok is still available (such as Canada or the UK). This will allow you to access and download TikTok from that country's version of the app store.

How to Download TikTok from the Apple App Store

To download TikTok from the Apple App Store, you'll need to use a VPN and either:

• Change your existing App Store account region
• Create a new App Store account in an unrestricted country

Important: Simply using a VPN to change your IP address is not enough. You must also change your App Store region or create a new account.

Method 1: Changing Your Current App Store Region

1. Choose and set up your VPN. After testing multiple VPN services, I recommend NordVPN for downloading TikTok. I've found it to be the most reliable option. However if would like to know about other VPN options check our Best TikTok VPNs list.
2. Prepare your iPhone settings. Open your iPhone's Settings app. Look at the very top of the settings screen - you'll see your name and Apple ID. Tap on your name to access your Apple Account settings. This is where all your Apple ID information is managed.
3. Find the App Store settings In your Apple Account screen, look for "Media and Purchases" and tap it. Then select "View Account".
4. Change your country/region. Find and tap "Country/Region." At this point, Apple will warn you about needing a payment method for the new country. Don't worry - because you're using a VPN, you'll actually be able to select "None" as your payment method later, despite what the message says.
5. Set up your new region. Set up your new region. When you select your new country (like Canada), Apple will ask for two things: a billing address in the new country and a phone number. You can enter any random address for the country, and the phone number is only required for the billing address - it won't be used for verification. You can get both a random Canadian address and phone number by following this link: https://www.bestrandoms.com/random-address-in-ca
6. Download TikTok. Once your region is changed successfully, open the App Store. Search for TikTok and download it. The app should now install without any restrictions.

Method 2: Creating a New App Store Account

2nd method to get TikTok back on iPhone is creating a fresh Apple ID. This can be easier than changing your existing account's region. You'll need:

• A new email address that isn't already registered with Apple
• A phone number for verification (it can be from any country - it doesn't have to be from the country where you want to create your Apple ID)
• A VPN app installed on your device

1. Choose a reliable VPN. I recommend NordVPN
2. Install the VPN app and connect to a server in a country where TikTok is available
3. Sign out of your current Apple ID Open your iPhone Settings, tap on your name at the top, scroll all the way down and tap "Sign Out." Follow the prompts to completely sign out of your current Apple ID. Or go to https://account.apple.com/account to create a new account
4. Start creating your new account. After signing out, return to Settings. At the top where your name used to be, tap "Sign in to your iPhone." Look for the "Don't have an Apple ID or forgot it?" option and tap it. Then select "Create a Free Apple ID."
5. Complete verification. When asked, enter your phone number. You can use a phone number from any country - it doesn't have to be from the country where you're creating your Apple ID (for example, you can use a US phone number while creating a Canadian Apple ID). You'll receive: A text message with a verification code An email with a separate verification code Enter both codes when prompted.
6. Set up your region. Make sure your VPN is still connected to your chosen country (like Canada). When asked for your region, select the same country. For payment method, you'll be able to select "None" as an option.
7. Download TikTok Once your new Apple ID is active, open the App Store, sign in with your new account, and download TikTok without restrictions.

This second method creates a separate Apple ID that you can use specifically for accessing TikTok and other region-specific apps. The advantage is that you can easily switch between your original Apple ID and this new one in the App Store without affecting your iPhone's main settings or other apps.

Downloading TikTok from the Google Play Store

Changing the region on the Google Play Store is quite simple. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Choose a reliable VPN. I recommend NordVPN
2. Install the app and connect to a server in a country where TikTok is available
3. Open the Google Play Store and click on your profile
4. Click on Settings > General > Account and device preferences > Country and profiles
5. Click on the country you want to switch to
6. Complete the required steps
7. Open the Google Play Store and download TikTok with no restrictions

When it comes to the Google Play Store, you can change your account's region only once every 12 months. It's also crucial to cancel any active subscriptions beforehand.

Alternatively, you can set up a new Google Play Store account in the country you want. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a reliable VPN. I recommend NordVPN
2. Install the app and connect to a server in a country where TikTok is available
3. Tap on your profile and log out of your current account
4. Select the option to create a new account
5. Complete the required steps
6. Open the Google Play Store and download TikTok with no restrictions

Unblock TikTok with NordVPN

Accessing TikTok via a browser

Unblocking TikTok on a browser is easier than unblocking the app. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Choose a reliable VPN provider. I recommend NordVPN
2. Download and install the VPN app
3. Connect to a server in a country where TikTok isn’t banned
4. Open your browser and visit TikTok
5. Enjoy TikTok without any restrictions

Visit NordVPN

Will VPNs work for TikTok ban?

VPNs should be able to grant access to TikTok after the ban, at least based on the current information on how the ban will be implemented. But it depends on what device you want to use TikTok. For browser access, a VPN is all you need. However, if you want to use TikTok on your mobile phone, you'll need to install a VPN and take a few additional steps. Here's what you need to know:

App store access requirements

The most important thing to understand is that you'll need an App Store or Google Play account registered in a country where TikTok is not banned. This is essential because:

• Without it, you won't be able to receive TikTok updates
• The app will eventually stop working without these updates
• Simply using a VPN won't let you update the app

You have two options:

1. Change your existing account's country (has waiting period restrictions)
2. Create a new account registered in a country where TikTok is allowed

When you will be able to redownload TikTok from App store in US?

TikTok remains unavailable on US app stores despite President Trump signing an executive order delaying enforcement of the ban. The underlying federal law requiring ByteDance to divest from TikTok or face a ban remains in effect, leading Apple and Google to take a cautious approach.

While Trump's order temporarily halts enforcement, it doesn't provide explicit legal protection from the original law's penalties, leaving tech companies exposed to potential financial and legal risks for distributing the app. Apple and Google are unwilling to restore the app without formal legal safeguards that would protect them from the divestment law's severe penalties.

Existing users can continue using TikTok, and new users can still access it by using a VPN to connect to a country where it's available (like Canada), creating a new app store account for that region, and downloading the app - though this method carries risks regarding terms of service and functionality.

Can I download/install an older version of TikTok on iOS?

No, it's not possible to download older versions of TikTok on iOS devices. Unlike Android, iOS doesn't support installing previous versions of apps from the App Store, and Apple's strict security measures prevent installing apps from outside sources.

While you might find people suggesting installing TikTok through jailbreaking your iPhone, this is strongly discouraged. Jailbreaking compromises your device's security, voids your warranty, can make your phone unstable, and exposes you to potential malware. Additionally, jailbroken devices often can't receive important security updates, putting your personal data at risk.

Final thoughts

The future of TikTok in the US is still up in the air, but a ban seems like a real possibility. Although the app does raise valid security issues, it has become a key part of many people's everyday routines.

Using a VPN for TikTok can help you get around any restrictions while keeping your connection secure. VPNs such as NordVPN make it easy to bypass geo-blocks and safeguard your data with strong encryption, providing both access and privacy. This way, you can keep enjoying the platform without any concerns, even if it becomes restricted in your region. However, depending on how the ban will be implemented, the question of whether you can use TikTok with a VPN remains.

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