- TikTok can no longer be downloaded in the US
- The app will still allow you to access your data.
- President Trump can reverse the ban decision
It 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 posted in our live blog about the TikTok ban, when trying to use the app you get a message saying “you can’t use TikTok for now.” Then your options are to close the app or log in and download your data.
However, there is a high chance that the app will be reset. The message continues: “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to restore TikTok once he takes office. Stay tuned!”
It appears TikTok owner ByteDance is betting big on the incoming president. Yesterday, Trump told NBC News that he would “most likely” give TikTok a 90-day reprieve once he takes office, which will be tomorrow (Jan. 20).
following the law
Apple released a supporting document regarding the TikTok ban. I’ve never seen one of these before to delete an app. But of course, all this is unprecedented. All this for a 48 hour ban. https://t.co/V4XpFhKwoeJanuary 19, 2025
While this might not be the end of TikTok in the US, users will have to go without their short video fix for at least a day or two. The removal and blocking of the application has been quick and complete.
As noted by Apple analyst and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple has taken the unusual step of publishing a support document for the TikTok ban, which will appear if you try to search for TikTok in the iPhone App Store.
“The TikTok and ByteDance Ltd. apps are no longer available in the United States, and visitors from the United States may have limited access to the features,” the document explains. “Apple is required to follow the laws of the jurisdictions where it operates.”
TikTok’s long-term fate remains uncertain. According to CNBC, Perplexity AI has made a bid to take over management of TikTok in the US, which may be a way for the app to continue operating in the country.
