Despite a US ban on TikTok, the Chinese-owned app has found a way to remain accessible to Android users, bypassing restrictions that prevent downloads from official app stores.
In January 2025, TikTok was banned in the US over concerns that the app could be used for data collection and algorithm-driven propaganda. While TikTok has denied these claims, the ban resulted in the app being removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
However, following his inauguration on January 20, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order delaying the full enforcement of the ban. Despite this delay, TikTok remains unavailable for download through official app marketplaces.
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Android Users Can Still Download TikTok via Sideloading
TikTok has introduced a workaround that allows Android users in the US to download and update the app without using the Google Play Store. The company is now offering Android Package Kits (APKs) directly from its website, allowing users to install the app manually through a process known as sideloading.
In an official statement posted to its TikTok Policy account on X, the company explained:
“We’re enhancing ways for our community to continue using TikTok by making Android Package Kits available… so that our US Android users can download our app and create, discover, and connect on TikTok.”
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What About iPhone Users?
Unlike Android, Apple does not allow sideloading on iPhones or iPads. This means that iOS users cannot manually install TikTok through alternative sources. However, TikTok remains accessible through web browsers, allowing iPhone and iPad users to browse and interact with content online.