- TikTok can no longer be downloaded in the United States
- The app will still allow you to access your data
- President Trump could reverse the ban decision
It’s finally here: TikTok has been banned in the United States. If you’re in the United States, 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 posted on our live blog about the TikTok ban, any attempt to use the app brings up a message saying “you cannot use TikTok at this time.” Your options are then to close the app or log in and download your data.
However, there is a good chance that the application will be reinstated. The message continues: “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated he will work with us on a solution to restore TikTok once he takes office. Stay tuned!”
Looks like TikTok owner ByteDance is betting big on the new president. Yesterday, Trump told NBC News that he would “most likely” give TikTok a 90-day reprieve once he takes office, which is tomorrow (January 20).
According to the law
Apple has released a support document on the TikTok ban. I’ve never seen one before for deleting an app. But again, this is all pretty unprecedented. All this for a 48 hour ban. https://t.co/V4XpFhKwoeJanuary 19, 2025
While this may not be the end for TikTok in the United States, users will have to go without their dose of short-form videos for at least a day or two. The removal and blocking of the app was quick and complete.
As noted by Apple analyst and Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple has taken the unusual step of releasing a support document for banning TikTok, which will appear if you try to search for TikTok in the App Store. ‘iPhone.
“The TikTok and ByteDance Ltd. applications 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 obligated to comply with the laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates.”
The long-term fate of TikTok remains uncertain. According to CNBC, Perplexity AI has attempted to take over management of TikTok in the United States – which could be a way for the app to continue operating in the country.
