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Accessing TikTok in the U.S. without the App Store

TikTok remains accessible to those who already have the app installed on their phones in the U.S. Despite a brief service outage earlier this year, the app is no longer listed on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. For users who deleted the app or are setting up new devices, obtaining access requires navigating several workarounds.

For those on Android devices, there is a workaround available. You can download the TikTok app directly from the official TikTok website, although users must adjust certain phone settings to facilitate installation. In contrast, iPhone users face more significant challenges due to the restrictions imposed by Apple.

To download TikTok for Android, visit tiktok.com on your computer. A QR code will be displayed, which you can scan with your phone. Alternatively, you can go to this link on your phone: tiktok.com/download. Here, you’ll have the option to download either TikTok or TikTok Lite — a smaller version of the app suitable for older or constrained devices.

Upon completing the download, you might encounter a security warning preventing the installation of apps from unknown sources. Follow the provided link in the prompt to your Settings, toggle on Allow from this source, then proceed with the installation. Once installed, you can log in as usual. If you prefer to restrict installations from unknown sources later, you can toggle the option off in your settings.

If downloading apps from external sources makes you uneasy, you still have the option to use TikTok via a web browser. This option holds specific limitations, especially for iOS users. Without the TikTok app, iPhone users can access TikTok through a browser, albeit with restricted functionalities.

Users attempting to transfer TikTok from an old iPhone to a new one may face additional obstacles. As confirmed by Apple’s support resources, apps deleted or transferred cannot be redownloaded on new devices. This has led to frustrations among TikTok users who have voiced their challenges on the platform.

Although you can access TikTok via a browser at tiktok.com and perform various actions like commenting and favoriting videos, creating new content via the browser is problematic. Attempts to use the iPhone’s camera for video creation prompt redirection to App Store download requests for the unavailable app, resulting in a frustrating user experience.

Given the challenges surrounding app availability, some users have explored using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass geographical restrictions. This option could potentially allow iPhone users to access the app from an alternative App Store, although this involves a complex setup process that may not guarantee success.

Reports suggest that users attempting this method need to create new Apple IDs linked to foreign phone numbers through services such as Google Voice or OpenPhone. They also need to install a VPN to mask their location and set their device’s region accordingly. Additionally, a valid payment method — matching the new Apple ID’s country — is essential, adding another layer of complexity to the process.

This convoluted method poses considerable challenges, and anecdotal evidence indicates that users often encounter roadblocks along the way, making it a less attractive option for many.

Source
www.theverge.com