How to Access TikTok in the U.S. After the Ban: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Access TikTok in the U.S. After the Ban
How to Access TikTok in the U.S. After the Ban

Hi, This is Alex from Winbox, today i want to talk about How to Access TikTok in the U.S. After the Ban, please share the article to help more tiktok refugees, and to save and restore their data and services.

As of January 19, 2025, TikTok has ceased operations in the United States due to a legal ban. When American users open TikTok, they are greeted with a notice explaining that the app is no longer available due to unresolved concerns raised by U.S. courts and the inability of the Biden administration to provide sufficient assurances to TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.

TikTok ban notice
TikTok ban notice

The notice offers two options: “Learn More” or “Close App.” Clicking “Learn More” provides further details about the reasons behind the shutdown, while selecting “Close App” exits the application entirely.

For users determined to continue accessing TikTok, there are viable methods to bypass the ban. Below, we outline two detailed approaches for regaining access to TikTok in the U.S.

Method 1: Use a VPN to Access TikTok

VPN for TikTok
VPN

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the simplest way to bypass the TikTok ban. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Uninstall TikTok

• Begin by uninstalling the TikTok app from your device.

• This step ensures that any cached data, including region-based restrictions, is completely removed.

Step 2: Choose a Reliable VPN Service

• Select a VPN provider that offers servers outside the United States, such as in Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, or Singapore.

• Some recommended VPNs include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.

Step 3: Install the VPN and Connect

• Download and install the VPN app on your device.

• Log in to the VPN service and connect to a server located in a country where TikTok is not banned.

Step 4: Reinstall TikTok

Re-download the TikTok app from your app store with your Canada/Japan's apple ID (important). You must register a new apple ID that locates outside of the U.S, or change your current apple id country location, but i would recommend you register a new one with a new email. Login app store with your new apple id outside of the U.S, and then search "TikTok" and download. Since TikTok's sister app like lemon8, capcut were banned well, you should download these apps with the apple id as well.

Change apple id location

• Make sure the VPN is still active before opening the app.

Step 5: Launch TikTok

• Open TikTok while the VPN is active.

• The app will detect the VPN’s location and load content based on the IP address of the connected server.

Important Note:

The content displayed on TikTok will be tailored to the country associated with your VPN’s IP address. For example, connecting to a Canadian server will show you TikTok content from Canada.

Method 2: Change Phone Settings and SIM Configuration

For users who find the VPN method ineffective, a more advanced approach involves altering your device’s settings.

Step 1: Remove the SIM Card

remove your sim card

• Power off your device and remove the SIM card.

• Removing the SIM card ensures that your phone’s network connection is no longer tied to a U.S.-based carrier.

Step 2: Adjust System Settings

• Go to your device’s system settings and change the region to a country outside the U.S. (e.g., Canada or Japan).

• Adjust the time zone to match the selected region.

Step 3: Use a VPN

• Install and activate a VPN, connecting to a server in the same country as your new region settings (e.g., Canada).

Step 4: Reinstall TikTok

• Download and install TikTok again from your app store.

• Open TikTok while the VPN is active and the region settings are configured.

Step 5: Access TikTok Content

• You should now be able to view TikTok content from your selected region, with some videos potentially originating from U.S.-based users who have adopted similar workarounds.

Why These Methods Work

These strategies capitalize on TikTok’s reliance on IP addresses, system settings, and network configurations to determine a user’s location. By simulating a connection from outside the U.S., you can effectively bypass the restrictions and continue enjoying TikTok content.

A Global Perspective on TikTok Bans

countries ban tiktok
countries ban tiktok

The U.S. is not alone in banning TikTok. Countries like India, China, and Russia have also imposed restrictions, citing various national security or data privacy concerns. Users in these countries have successfully employed similar VPN and regional configuration methods to regain access, proving these techniques to be effective.


Conclusion

While TikTok’s shutdown in the U.S. poses a significant inconvenience to its users, there are practical solutions to bypass the ban. Whether you choose to use a VPN or adjust your device’s settings, these methods allow continued access to the platform’s vibrant content. With proper precautions and reliable tools, TikTok fans in the U.S. can stay connected to the global TikTok community.

Follow Winbox News for more information about TikTok Ban!

Alex

Alex

Winbox Editor/Assist
Malaysia