The Article Tells The Story of:
- TikTok is advising US Android users to sideload the app from its official website.
- The app was removed due to a US law requiring ByteDance to sell to a US-based owner.
- iPhone users cannot sideload TikTok and remain without access.
- Negotiations for TikTok’s sale are ongoing, with several interested buyers.
TikTok Sidesteps US Ban: How Android Users Can Still Get the App
TikTok has taken an unexpected approach to keep its US users connected. Despite being removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, TikTok is advising Android users in the US to sideload the app directly from its official website.
Why TikTok Was Removed
On January 19, TikTok briefly went offline after a US law banning the app took effect. This law requires ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to sell the app to a US-based owner. If not, app stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store must remove it to avoid hefty fines of $5,000 per US download.
Check Out Our Speaker Review of TikTok Goes Dark in the U.S.: What’s Next for the App? Published on January 19, 2025 SquaredTech
Though TikTok quickly restored its service, the app remains unavailable on both stores in the US. However, the company has acted fast, offering Android Package Kits (APKs) through its website to keep Android users engaged.
Check Out Our Speaker Review of TikTok Back Online: Trump Intervenes Amid Controversy Published on January 21, 2025 SquaredTech
How to Download TikTok on Android
TikTok announced via its official Twitter account, TikTok Policy, that US Android users can download the app through APKs available on their website. This method, known as sideloading, isn’t commonly recommended by companies due to security risks, but TikTok’s unique situation has led to this step.
Users can visit TikTok’s official website, download the APK, and install it manually. The company has also provided detailed instructions and support through its Help Center to guide users through the process.
The Legal Battle Continues
The ban on TikTok stems from concerns over national security and data privacy, given ByteDance’s Chinese ownership. One of President Donald Trump’s executive orders paused the law for 75 days, giving ByteDance until April to finalize a sale.
Vice President J.D. Vance has been tasked with negotiating this potential sale. ByteDance has repeatedly stated it has no plans to sell TikTok, but recent statements from major investors suggest a deal might be in everyone’s best interest.
Several companies and individuals, including Perplexity AI and popular YouTuber MrBeast, have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s US operations.
Apple Users Left in the Dark
While Android users can still access TikTok through sideloading, Apple users are left without options. iOS devices do not support sideloading apps unless the device is jailbroken, a risky process that most users avoid. As a result, iPhone users must wait for further legal developments or an official sale.
What This Means for TikTok’s Future
TikTok’s decision to sideload its app shows its commitment to maintaining its US user base despite legal challenges. This move highlights the growing tension between tech companies and government regulations concerning data privacy and national security.
The outcome of the ongoing negotiations will shape TikTok’s future in the US. If ByteDance agrees to sell, TikTok may return to the app stores. If not, users might have to rely on sideloading indefinitely—at least on Android devices.
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