How to Still Access TikTok After Ban Goes Into Effect

The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold the ban on TikTok has left millions of American users wondering how they can continue accessing the popular social media app.

The ban, set to take effect this Sunday, January 19, will result in the removal of TikTok from U.S. app stores and prevent updates to the app.

Why It Matters

TikTok has become a major platform for creative expression, entertainment and news dissemination. The upcoming ban has raised significant concerns about freedom of speech, digital privacy and the influence of foreign-owned apps in the U.S. tech space.

Users are now seeking alternative ways to maintain access to TikTok, highlighting the app’s substantial role in U.S. digital culture.

What To Know

If you already have TikTok installed on your device before the ban, you’ll still be able to use it. However, the app will no longer receive software updates or new features. Over time, this could lead to app performance issues and compatibility problems with other apps.

If you don’t have the app downloaded when the ban takes effect this Sunday, there are a few methods that can help you continue accessing TikTok.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN can mask a user’s location by routing internet traffic through servers in other countries, potentially bypassing regional restrictions. However, VPNs may slow down internet speed and pose security risks.

Sarah Kreps, professor and director of the Tech Policy Institute at Cornell University, told Newsweek that while VPNs are an option for accessing TikTok, they can be costly—either financially for more user-friendly, ad-free services or in terms of convenience.

Kate Ruane, director of the Free Expression Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology, told Newsweek the app’s performance might suffer when accessed via VPN due to the content being hosted on servers in other countries.

Users won’t be able to access TikTok on a standard web browser, though they may be able to do so when using a VPN—though with a lack of certain app-specific features.

Use a Proxy Server

A proxy server routes your connection through another server, potentially allowing access to TikTok by connecting through a country where it isn’t banned. However, unlike VPNs, proxy servers typically do not encrypt your data, making them less secure in general.

Change App Store Regions

By adjusting device settings to change the app store region to a country where TikTok isn’t banned, users may still be able to download and update the app. This method could interfere with other apps and services linked to the original region, though.

Sideload the App on an Android Device

Android users might be able to install TikTok by downloading APK files—which are the installation files for Android apps—from third-party websites. However, doing so can be risky; these files may contain malware or lead to data breaches if they come from untrusted sources.

Security Risks of These Workarounds

Kreps and Ruane further highlight the cybersecurity risks associated with these workarounds.

“Some VPNs use poorly implemented encryption and make them vulnerable to attacks. Free VPNs might contain malware that steal data or damage devices,” said Kreps. “The same is true for sideloading apps, they expose people to risks of downloading malware-infected applications[…].”

Ruane notes that if users choose to sideload TikTok, they should be cautious and verify that the source they use to download or update the app is reliable and secure.

What People Are Saying

Kate Ruane, director of the Free Expression Project at the Center for Democracy and Technology, told Newsweek: “Today’s unprecedented decision upholding the TikTok ban harms the free expression of hundreds of millions of TikTok users in this country and around the world. Individuals use the app to create, to share information, to get their news, to comment on current issues and promote their businesses – that’s precisely the kind of expression the First Amendment is intended to protect.

We hope the decision will be cabined to the narrow circumstances of this case, but we remain concerned that allowing the ban of an entire speech platform to take effect could have impacts on the Court’s interpretation of future laws restricting speech in the U.S. and, globally, could serve as justification for other countries to ban or force the sale of speech platforms operating in their countries, further eroding the free flow of information for everyone around the world.”

Sarah Kreps, professor and director of the Tech Policy Institute at Cornell University, told Newsweek: “Again, what people like about TikTok is that it’s easy and convenient. The more users have to use workarounds, the more attractive other platforms will start to look, and as more people go elsewhere, then the reason to be on TikTok will diminish accordingly.”

Lauren Hendry Parsons, privacy advocate at ExpressVPN, told CNBC: “We consistently see significant spikes in VPN demand when access to online platforms is restricted, and this situation is no different.”

Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, said in a TikTok video posted Friday: “On behalf of everyone at TikTok and all our users across the country, I want to thank President Trump for his commitment to work with us to find a solution that keeps TikTok available in the United States.”

Karine Jean-Pierre, press secretary for the White House, said in a statement on Friday: “President Biden’s position on TikTok has been clear for months… TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law. Given the sheer fact of timing, this administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next administration, which takes office on Monday.”

What Happens Next

As the TikTok ban faces ongoing legal and political battles, the app’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain. Lawmakers may push for new solutions, and TikTok could pursue partnerships or ownership changes to stay available.

In the meantime, users should stay informed and carefully consider the risks of any workarounds.