TikTok users in the U.S. can still download the app on their Android devices, despite the social media giant being removed from the Google Play Store.
The new workaround allows users to sideload TikTok, which means installing the app from sources outside the official store.
Why Was TikTok Removed?
TikTok’s removal from Google Play came amid increasing scrutiny of the app, especially after President Trump’s executive order and new regulations from the U.S. government.
Although TikTok was given a brief 75-day reprieve, both Google and Apple have kept the app off their stores due to potential legal concerns.
How to Download TikTok on Android
Follow these steps to download TikTok directly from the company’s website:
- Prepare Your Device
- Open your Settings.
- Go to the Security or Privacy section.
- Enable Install Unknown Apps or Install from Unknown Sources.
- Download the APK
- Visit tiktok.com/download on your smartphone.
- Choose either the standard app or TikTok Lite.
- Tap the download option and accept any security prompts.
- Complete Installation
- Find the downloaded APK file in your Downloads or Notification Panel.
- Open it, review the permissions, and tap Install.
- After installation, open TikTok and log in to your account.
Is Sideloading Safe?
While sideloading lets you install apps outside the Play Store, it does come with risks. Unlike Google Play, which scans apps for malware, sideloading bypasses those checks.
For safety, only download TikTok from its official website, as third-party sources may not be reliable.
Can You Install TikTok on iPhone?
Apple doesn’t allow sideloading in the U.S., so iPhone users can’t install TikTok outside the App Store.
However, they can still access TikTok through a web browser or by adding a shortcut to their home screen. But, this method doesn’t provide the same features or smooth navigation as the app.
TikTok Lite: A Smaller, Simpler Version
TikTok Lite is a lightweight version of the app designed for low-storage devices. At just 30MB, it takes up far less space than the standard app, which can be over 2GB.
However, it sacrifices some features, including fewer sharing options and more frequent buffering.
Will TikTok Return to U.S. App Stores?
Although there’s no clear timeline, TikTok’s journey back to the official app stores is uncertain.
The company continues to face regulatory hurdles in the U.S., and it’s unclear if they can resolve the challenges.
For now, Android users can still sideload TikTok, while iPhone users are limited to using the web version.
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