TikTok has become a global sensation, boasting a staggering 170 million users in the United States alone. However, this massive audience could soon find themselves cut off from the platform due to potential restrictions unless ByteDance, the app’s parent company, decides to divest. Many Americans are eager to maintain their connection to TikTok. Curious about how you can keep up with your favorite TikTok personalities? Fortunately, there are several methods to stay connected, including using a VPN specifically for TikTok.
Why is TikTok getting banned in the US.?
In the US, officials have expressed concerns that ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, could potentially be compelled to surrender user data to the Chinese government or manipulate the content that reaches American users. To address these issues, TikTok has moved U.S. user data to servers located in the United States and pledged to increase transparency. Despite these efforts, worries about data security and foreign interference persist among legislators.
How will the TikTok ban work in the US?
The enactment of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act would make it unlawful to distribute TikTok through U.S. app stores. Should the ban take effect, TikTok will vanish from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, which means no new installations or updates after January 19. The absence of updates would likely degrade the app’s functionality over time and might expose users to cybersecurity risks.
Furthermore, the legislation could extend to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), potentially leading to blocked access to TikTok via web browsers. However, if you already have the app installed, you’ll be able to continue using it normally until update limitations cause it to malfunction.
How to use TikTok if it gets banned in the U.S.
Download the app before January 19, 2025 Ensure you have TikTok on your device before January 19 if you want to maintain access post-ban, especially if you’re not planning to switch devices soon. Keep in mind, post-ban, you won’t have access to app updates in U.S. app stores, which means no bug fixes, feature additions, or security updates. Over time, this could lead to the app becoming obsolete due to compatibility and security issues.
Change your app store location To circumvent the ban on new downloads and updates in the U.S., consider altering your app store’s country setting. By switching your Apple App Store country to one where TikTok remains available, you can bypass the ban. However, this change can bring about complications such as needing a local payment method and potentially losing access to other apps and content already on your device.
Read more: How to access TikTok Shop in the US
Access TikTok through a browser Although ISPs might restrict TikTok access via web browsers, using a VPN offers a solution. Connecting through a VPN server in a country where TikTok is accessible provides you with an IP address from that country, circumventing geographical blocks. Though the browser version of TikTok doesn’t match the app’s smoothness, it remains a viable option for those in the U.S. unable to download the app due to the ban.
Unblock TikTok with a VPN
As it stands, the TikTok ban doesn’t prevent app access for those in the U.S. who already have it installed. Using a VPN can also help circumvent local restrictions, such as those on public Wi-Fi networks that block TikTok. For instance, using a VPN to connect to a server in the UK allows you to use TikTok as if you were physically there, enabling access regardless of local web restrictions.
How to bypass the TikTok ban with NordVPN
One effective strategy to sidestep the TikTok ban in the U.S. involves using NordVPN to alter your app store location.
Start by subscribing to NordVPN, highly recommended for TikTok.
- Sign up for NordVPN and install the app on your device.
- Connect to a server in a country where TikTok isn’t banned.
- Change your app store region (Apple or Google Play) to match your VPN server location.
- Apple App Store: Update your region through your Apple ID settings. Note that you may need to cancel subscriptions tied to your current region.
- Google Play Store: Change your location (only allowed once every 12 months) through the Play Store settings.
- Use the new region to download or update TikTok.
- Log in or create a new account and start scrolling!
Why you need NordVPN for streaming
After changing your app store region and downloading TikTok, it’s wise to keep using NordVPN to safeguard your online privacy. With a VPN connection, your internet activity remains concealed from prying eyes, including your internet service provider, ensuring that no one can monitor your online actions.
NordVPN ensures your security while offering impressive speeds, allowing you to stream TikTok videos smoothly and swiftly from anywhere without buffering or extended loading times.
NordVPN is highly beneficial for streaming due to its combination of speed, security, and server availability. One of the primary advantages of using NordVPN for streaming is its ability to bypass geolocation restrictions. This allows users to access content from different regions that may otherwise be unavailable due to regional restrictions. For instance, you can watch shows and movies on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer from any country.
Features:
- Threat Protection: NordVPN includes integrated threat protection that guards against malware, trackers, and malicious ads, enhancing your online safety while browsing or streaming.
- DNS Leak Protection: This feature ensures that your DNS requests are routed through the VPN, preventing your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from seeing your internet queries and potentially discovering your actual IP address.
- No Throttling: NordVPN helps circumvent ISP throttling, which is when an ISP deliberately slows down your internet speed based on your activity, especially during high-bandwidth tasks like streaming.
- Encryption: With robust encryption protocols, NordVPN secures your internet connection, making your online activities private and more secure from eavesdroppers.
- Private Location: By hiding your virtual location, NordVPN makes it difficult for third parties to track or pinpoint your geographical presence.
Benefits:
- Fast Connection Speeds: NordVPN’s extensive network of servers ensures that users experience minimal latency and buffering. Fast speeds are critical when streaming high-definition video content, ensuring a seamless viewing experience.
- Large Server Network: With thousands of servers worldwide, NordVPN increases the likelihood of finding a server that offers optimal performance and access to geo-blocked content.
- Multi-Device Support: NordVPN allows you to connect multiple devices under one subscription, which is convenient for households or individuals with multiple devices used for streaming.
- Enhanced Privacy: By encrypting your data and masking your actual IP address, NordVPN provides a high level of privacy, ensuring that your streaming habits and online activities remain confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use TikTok after it’s banned in the US?
If TikTok faces a ban in the US, you can still access it by using NordVPN to connect to a server in a country where TikTok remains available. This method changes your IP address, making it appear as if you are accessing the internet from a different location.
Which VPN is most effective for TikTok in the USA?
NordVPN is highly recommended for accessing TikTok in the USA. It offers fast speeds and servers in multiple countries, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy a smooth TikTok experience.
How can I view TikTok if it’s restricted?
To watch TikTok when it’s blocked, utilize NordVPN to connect to a server where TikTok is not restricted. This will allow you to bypass the block and access TikTok as usual.
Can TikTok track me if I use a VPN?
Using a VPN like NordVPN can significantly limit TikTok’s ability to track your IP address and location. However, keep in mind that TikTok can still potentially track your activity within the app through other means linked to your account information.
Will TikTok remain installed on my phone if it’s banned?
Yes, if you already have TikTok installed on your phone, it will remain there even after a ban. However, you won’t be able to receive updates or reinstall the app from the app store if it’s removed.
Why might TikTok be banned?
TikTok could be banned due to concerns from US lawmakers about the potential for user data to be shared with the Chinese government by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, or for influencing the content seen by American users.
What are my options if TikTok gets banned?
If TikTok is banned, you can still access the platform by changing your virtual location using NordVPN. This allows you to appear as if you are browsing from a country where TikTok is not banned. Additionally, you can keep the app up to date by accessing TikTok through VPN-protected web browsers.