The TikTok blackout has thrown millions of American users into a spiral, leaving them desperate to regain access to their beloved app. From skincare tutorials to pet tortoise influencers, the absence of TikTok feels like losing a part of daily life. But there’s hope, even if it involves a bit of digital gymnastics to get around the ban. Let me walk you through how to do it, step by step, with all the nitty-gritty details you’ll need.
How to Get Around the 2025 TikTok Ban in the US?
First off, it’s critical to understand what happened. Late on Saturday, January 18, 2025, TikTok pulled the plug on U.S. access, citing compliance with the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA). A Supreme Court decision the day before had sealed the fate of the app for now. If you try opening TikTok, you’re greeted with a dismal pop-up: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S.” As if that wasn’t bad enough, other ByteDance-owned apps, like CapCut and Lemon8, also vanished from app stores and U.S. servers.
Here’s the silver lining: while the ban is a significant hurdle, it’s not entirely airtight—yet. One trick to getting TikTok back is leveraging a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN routes your internet traffic through servers in a different country, masking your location. Say you’re in Kansas but want to look like you’re in Canada. A VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN can do just that. NordVPN, for example, boasts over 5,000 servers worldwide, so you could virtually transport yourself anywhere TikTok remains unbanned. Plans start at $3.39 per month for a two-year subscription, and they even offer a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
TikTok is now banned in the U.S. pic.twitter.com/wXVdUdxMiM
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 19, 2025
However, just using a VPN isn’t enough. TikTok has implemented aggressive measures, including blocking U.S.-linked accounts and inspecting SIM card data. That means you’ll need to go a step further: remove your U.S. SIM card or use an international SIM. If you have an old device lying around without a SIM card, that could work too. Combine this with a VPN set to a non-U.S. server, and you’ll have a decent shot at accessing TikTok. Early reports suggest users in the U.S. managed to log in using this method on TikTok’s desktop version via Tor Browser, though it’s far less feature-rich than the mobile app.
A critical caveat: free VPNs are tempting, but they’re risky. Many of them log your browsing activity or even sell your data, turning a privacy solution into a privacy problem. Stick to reputable VPNs with no-logging policies and third-party audits. Some top choices include Surfshark and CyberGhost, in addition to NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Beyond VPNs and SIM swaps, there’s chatter about alternative platforms. Xiaohongshu, or “RedNote,” is a Chinese app drawing users seeking TikTok’s creative vibe. While it doesn’t replicate TikTok exactly, it might scratch that itch for short-form content.
Of course, this workaround isn’t foolproof. TikTok may tighten restrictions, rendering even non-U.S. accounts inaccessible in the U.S. And then there’s the looming question of legality. As of now, PAFACA doesn’t criminalize individual attempts to access TikTok, but it’s wise to stay informed on evolving laws.
So why all the fuss? Lawmakers argue TikTok’s ties to China pose national security risks. ByteDance has repeatedly denied these allegations, insisting U.S. user data is stored domestically. Still, with 170 million American users affected, this ban has sent shockwaves far beyond the political sphere.
Donald J. Trump: On day one I will sign an executive order to save TikTok! The people of America seem to love it. It helped me get elected!
TikTok is officially banned for all users in America. Its gone.#TikTok #tiktokban pic.twitter.com/cv64R0oDjP
— Sumit (@SumitHansd) January 19, 2025
For now, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains in limbo, with incoming President Trump signaling he might delay the ban for 90 days. Whether TikTok reinstates itself quickly or this blackout drags on, these steps could help you stay connected. But be quick—TikTok’s digital cat-and-mouse game might not leave the loophole open for long. Stay tuned, and don’t forget to clear your browsing history!
