- TikTok is no longer downloadable in the US
- The app will still give you access to your data
- President Trump can reverse the ban decision
It’s finally happened: TikTok has been banned in the United States. If you’re in the US, you won’t find the app available in the Android or iOS app stores, and if you already have the app on your phone, you won’t be able to use it—except to download your data.
As we’ve written on our TikTok ban live blog, trying to use the app shows a message saying “you can’t use TikTok for now”. Your options are then to close the app or to log in and download your data.
However, there is a strong possibility that the app will be reactivated. The message continues: “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok when he takes office. Stay tuned!”
It sounds like TikTok owner ByteDance is betting big on the future president. Yesterday, Trump told NBC News that he would “most likely” give TikTok a 90-day reprieve when he takes office, which will be tomorrow (January 20).
According to the law
Apple issued a support document on the TikTok ban. Never seen one of these before for removing an app. But again, it’s all pretty unprecedented. All this in a 48 hour ban. https://t.co/V4XpFhKwoe19 January 2025
While this may not be the end of TikTok in the US, users there will have to go without their short-form video fix for at least a day or two. The removal and blocking of the app has been swift and extensive.
As noted by Apple analyst and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple has taken the unusual step of releasing a document supporting the TikTok ban, which will appear if you try to search for TikTok in the iPhone App Store.
“TikTok and ByteDance Ltd. apps are no longer available in the United States, and visitors to the United States may have limited access to features,” the document explains. “Apple is committed to following the laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates.”
The long-term fate of TikTok remains uncertain. According to CNBC, Perplexity AI has made a bid to take over the operations of TikTok in the US – which could be a way for the app to continue operating in the country.
