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How to Access TikTok in the US After the Ban

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

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  • 17 January 2025
  • 15 mins read

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Following a US government-wide ban on the app, TikTok, with its 170 million active users in the US, is planning to cease its operations. The anticipated executive order from the new US President, Donald Trump, will effectively shut down the platform within the next two to three months.  

This ban has deeply impacted millions of Americans who rely on TikTok for content creation and business opportunities. However, the app's sudden disappearance from phones and app stores remains uncertain. The TikTok ban goes beyond entertainment, focusing on data privacy and addressing national security risks associated with the app.

Luckily, TikTok can be accessed through a VPN, ensuring your data is encrypted and the ban doesn't impact your profile and business needs. We will discuss how to access TikTok in the US, even after the platform is immediately or partially banned.

How to Access TikTok in the US

The US government will pull the plug on TikTok on January 19th. While the Federal government cares about national security, Gen Z is not happy with the decision! Teens and even businesses are freaking out. Some have strong sentiments about the TikTok ban, while others secretly cheer (we won't judge). 

Here’s how to access TikTok in the US with a VPN:

  1. Try PureVPN for $0.99.
  2. Change your location by connecting to a server where TikTok is working.
  3. This will change the region of your PlayStore, or you can manually change it.
  4. Download TikTok and get hassle-free access to the US!
Try PureVPN for $0.99

Why is TikTok Getting Banned in the US?

TikTok has become a part of our culture. But its Chinese ownership, ByteDance, is a big red flag for the US and many other lawmakers who want to cut friendly ties with the Chinese Communist government. Some of the concerns include:

  1. Data sharing with the Chinese government.
  2. Risks of content manipulation and propaganda for political influence. 
  3. Fears of foreign control over US platforms. 

Despite TikTok's efforts to address these concerns, including data routing and audits, the platform is in hot water till January 19, 2025. 

How Will The TikTok Ban Work in the US?

A US TikTok ban would affect some users. As an immediate effect, you wouldn't be able to download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store, and there would be no new users and system updates for existing users. 

Next, you can’t access the platform because your ISP would impose restrictions. Also, we do not know if the US government will ban the app on servers, as China has banned Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit.

How Will the TikTok Ban Work?

If the ban takes place on time, the whole idea of accessing the platform can change. Some functions would immediately stop while others would be restricted. 

1. Removal from Official App Stores

The application would be immediately removed from the App Store and Google Play Store. What would you experience? If you are a new user, you won’t be able to install the app on your devices. 

If you already are a creator on TikTok, you might lose important app updates, including, the latest features and security patches, which would leave you vulnerable to malware. 

2. ISP Restrictions

When the government poses bans, ISPs also sometimes need to restrict your access to the servers. In this case, TikTok servers might get blocked and you might not be able to open the app even if you have it installed already.

3. Browser Blocks

If you are using the app on a browser, the government could take some steps to restrict your access. This can happen by blocking the website servers through DNS filtering or using firewall restrictions on US and TikTok server communication.

Can You Still Use TikTok if It’s Banned?

The news of the TikTok ban raised many questions! We all are thinking if TikTok bans, what will happen next? Can we access TikTok even after a ban or will it stop working immediately?

Although we are not sure about the future and what will happen next with TikTok functionality in the US, we surely know that there are some ways to access it.

  1. Download Before the Ban

 If you have TikTok installed before the ban, it might continue to work for some time, though updates and new downloads will be unavailable.

  1. Change App Store Location

You can download or update TikTok by changing your app store region to a country where it's still available. However, this may require a local payment method and could affect other apps working.

  1. Use a Reliable VPN

A VPN can help bypass region blocks, but it might not be enough if TikTok also uses your SIM card to determine your location. Therefore, you first need to turn off location services on your device.

How Do Americans Feel About the TikTok Ban?

TikTok has vehemently denied claims that it shares sensitive user data with the Chinese government, but Congress expresses concern that the Chinese government maintains influence over the company.

A wave of nationalism is sweeping for some Americans and they think banning Chinese apps like TikTok is a smart move to keep our data safe. They point to how China blocks apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit, saying the US should do the same to protect our info.

Many users are increasingly suspicious, as they believe that Meta and Google work on the same formula as TikTok, and there are strong reasons to ban them.

TikTokers who rely on TikTok for their livelihoods are concerned about how a ban would impact their audience and income. Meanwhile, others have neutral thoughts.

Similarly, some people are worried about data usage after a ban, as they feel this might lead to misuse later.

While a US ban on TikTok could impact the $50 billion in sales generated through TikTok Shops, its overall effect on the US economy's GDP will likely be minimal. Most sellers affected by the ban will migrate to alternative platforms, such as Amazon or Shopify, rather than cease their online businesses entirely.

What Does the Ban Mean for TikTok Users?

For Users

The app's functionality would decline, and you might encounter security issues as there would be no updates. 

For Creators

They would experience a sudden drop in revenue and lose all followers. It would be difficult for them to switch to other platforms but they can always start again from zero.

For Businesses

TikTok is an advertisement and business generation platform for businesses. Reduced visibility will impact customer reach and daily sales, and moving to other platforms might cost more.

How the Ban Reflects Growing Privacy Restrictions

Data Safety is Debatable but Essential! 

TikTok is a privacy nightmare, which has always faced heated government scrutiny. Millions of Americans’ sensitive data is in the palm of Chinese owners. While the decision is justified from the US, the ban offers no data deletion or safety guarantee. Even after the ban, the privacy protection looms.

Plus, it makes you wonder if other apps owned by foreign companies will be next. And let's be honest, the government will be watching us too closely. 

Can I Sideload TikTok?

Absolutely not! Sideloading any app, including TikTok is risky and will introduce your device to malware which could be used to steal your essential data. Sideloading is downloading the application through untrusted or unofficial websites, other than the App Store or Google Play Store, and is considered an easy way to exploit vulnerabilities by the hacker. Beware!

Other Tiktok Blogs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can you still use TikTok if it gets banned in the US?

    Plus

    Yes, it is possible to access TikTok if it gets banned in the US. Optimized VPN servers with a global presence can help you use TikTok from anywhere in the world, including the US. With PureVPN, you can change your IP address to a place where TikTok is fully allowed, and watch, create, or sell without getting restricted.

  • Should I download TikTok alternatives?

    Plus

    Trying something new isn't bad if you know the basics of data safety. Before using new apps, you must:
    Limit data sharing,
    Review the privacy policy
    Prevent giving access.

  • How do I bypass the TikTok region?

    Plus

    Connect to a VPN to get around TikTok regional blocks. Use PureVPN’s 6,500+ servers to access TikTok in the US and UK without being blocked and detected.

  • Will the TikTok ban be delayed?

    Plus

    The scheduled removal of TikTok from US app stores on January 19, 2025, remains uncertain. Ongoing legal battles are challenging the ban, and the Supreme Court is considering the matter. We are waiting for the official executive order just like millions of Americans.

  • Will Elon Musk buy TikTok?

    Plus

    No official statement regarding this matter has been made, but there are rumors that Elon Musk’s name is among the potential buyers on the platform preferred by the Chinese owners.

  • What is the best VPN for TikTok USA?

    Plus

    If you are looking for a VPN to access TikTok in the US, then you must get the one that prioritizes privacy. PureVPN with its advanced security protocols helps you access TikTok without revealing your location. Connect with our 6500+ servers and bypass region bans with a click!

Wrap Up

Millions await the decision! What would be TikTok's future? We must find ways to keep our content creation alive. Try PureVPN to access TikTok in the US! 

Reach out to one of our customer support reps if you need help accessing TikTok in the US with a VPN.

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