The TikTok app remains unavailable on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store following its removal amidst a looming ban in the US. This has prevented new downloads on both Android and Apple devices. However, a solution has emerged for Android users.
TikTok’s official website now offers a direct download of the app’s software package, bypassing the need for app repositories like the Google Play Store. While third-party websites have hosted the software bundle, this method often carries malware risks.
To download TikTok directly, visit the mobile version of TikTok’s website. Click the hamburger menu in the top-left corner, scroll down the side panel, and tap the download option.
A Safer Download Method
Currently, both the full and Lite versions of the TikTok app are available for download. The primary benefit of downloading from TikTok’s official website is the enhanced security, eliminating potential safety concerns associated with third-party sources.
First-time downloads from a web browser might require granting a one-time trust permission to install the package. Once granted, the TikTok app installs seamlessly on your Android device.
A potential drawback is the difficulty of receiving updates when an app isn’t available through the Google Play Store. This can lead to delays in accessing new features and security patches, potentially leaving devices vulnerable.
It remains unclear when TikTok will return to the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store. One contributing factor could be the substantial penalties associated with violations. App stores and service providers face potential fines of up to $5,000 per person, accumulating to millions of dollars with thousands of downloads. Currently, TikTok appears to be in a relatively safe position. Shortly after a nationwide ban was imposed, President Donald Trump signed an executive order delaying the full US ban for 75 days.
The Future of TikTok in the US
The outcome after the 75-day deadline remains uncertain. Reports speculate about a US-based entity acquiring TikTok’s local operations, with names like Oracle, Microsoft, and even Elon Musk circulating.
However, a sale might not be a straightforward transfer of ownership. Parent company ByteDance could potentially abandon the US market entirely. According to The Washington Post, “Beijing is increasingly likely to take a hard-line approach, letting TikTok’s U.S. operations die rather than approving a sale as it holds out for a “grand deal” with the Trump administration that includes larger concessions on trade and tech policy.” (The Washington Post)
The situation has caused considerable concern among users. While Android users have a temporary solution, iPhone users face a more challenging predicament. Apple’s restrictions prevent app installations from sources other than its App Store, except within the EU. This leaves US-based iPhone users without a direct method to download TikTok. The demand has become so high that used iPhones with pre-installed TikTok apps have appeared on online marketplaces with exorbitant price tags, reaching as high as $50,000.
