The App Store has been a great home for TikTok and many other apps over the years. However, TikTok users, and newcomers, are having difficulty with the social media platform on their phones. Let’s clear up any questions you have.
TikTok’s consistent and never-ending success will go down as one of the great stories. The social media platform has accrued billions (probably trillions) of views and continues to be downloaded every day. Its success is being tested by Joe Biden though. The 46th President of the United States signed a bill to ban TikTok in the United States.
It’s left TikTok and App Store users confused and could have dire consequences for the platform.
Can You Download TikTok From The App Store in the US?
TikTok cannot be downloaded from the App Store in the US as Apple has pulled the platform from its storefront.
Even though TikTok is back up, you can only access it if you previously have it installed. Otherwise, United States-based Apple and Android users who don’t have TikTok installed can’t download it.
Do We Know When TikTok Will Be Back in The App Store?
Unfortunately, we don’t know when TikTok is coming back to the App Store as neither Apple, Donald Trump nor owner ByteDance has given a timeframe for its possible return.
If you’re outside of the US, you’re fine, and TikTok is working as normal. I’m sorry to say that if you’re based in the US, you can’t download TikTok until something is done to remedy the situation. Donald Trump’s new tenure as president may include a partnership with TikTok, so there’s a possibility it won’t be gone from the store forever.
Stay tuned for further updates on TikTok’s status in the App Store.
Why Isn’t TikTok in The App Store?
TikTok was officially banned in the US on January 19—this meant Apple had to pull the app from its App Store.
It didn’t take long for the social media app to come back online. But despite Donald Trump’s best intentions to resume TikTok access, the legal regulations of Biden’s bill mean companies have to obey until further notice.
Apple’s support page has a full rundown of why this is, and why they’ve pulled it.
“TikTok and ByteDance Ltd. apps are no longer available in the United States, and visitors to the United States might have limited access to features,” says Apple on their page, and explains, “Apple is obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates. Pursuant to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, apps developed by ByteDance Ltd. and its subsidiaries — including TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, and others — will no longer be available for download or updates on the App Store for users in the United States starting January 19, 2025.”
You’ll have to make do with Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media apps for now. Again, work is going on to fully restore TikTok, and bring it back to all storefronts. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
Did you have the foresight to keep TikTok installed on your phone? Or are you one of the unlucky ones locked out of TikTok for good?
Marvel Snap has also been banned due to the TikTok legislature. Plus, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang fans are furious as it’s also succumbed to the bill as well.
