TikTok is allowing users bypass App Store bans

If you're one of those who rage-deleted TikTok when it went offline in the U.S., only to miss the endless scroll of dances, memes, and trends after it restored service, there might be some good news – only if you are an Android user!

TikTok has found a sneaky way back onto your Android device, even though it’s still officially banned from app stores.

Instead of waiting around for the legal drama to play out, TikTok is letting Android users sideload the app directly from its website. By visiting TikTok.com/download, you can download the app as an APK file — essentially a self-contained package that installs everything TikTok needs to run. If you're an iPhone user, though, you're out of luck as iOS doesn't support sideloading apps.

TikTok goes dark in the United States — but here’s how to access it

Using any of these methods to bypass the ban may have legal and security implications.

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This workaround comes as TikTok continues to navigate political turbulence in the U.S., where concerns over its Chinese ownership have lawmakers worried about national security. The app's ban was temporarily paused for 90 days, thanks to an executive order from former President Donald Trump, however, it hasn't made its way back to Google Play or Apple’s App Store since going offline on January 19.

In the meantime, TikTok isn't sitting idle. While its parent company ByteDance is scrambling to find a non-Chinese buyer to keep the app accessible in the U.S., it is offering a direct download, ensuring that millions of users don’t drift away while Washington figures out its next move.

President Donald Trump delays the TikTok ban from going into effect

TikTok restored the app online after a 14-hour outage.

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Of course, sideloading apps do come with risks. While TikTok assures users that downloading directly from its site is secure, tech experts caution against grabbing apps from third-party sites or sketchy QR codes, which could infect your phone with malware.

The stakes are high for TikTok, which has become a cultural phenomenon with over 170 million American users. Several companies, including influencer MrBeast and “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary, have expressed interest in acquiring the platform.

For now, though, TikTok is fighting to stay relevant and accessible — and if you’re ready to get back to scrolling, the back door is wide open.