Are you missing out on your favorite content because TikTok is banned or restricted in your region? Well, there is a solution. We’re going to show you how to bypass the TikTok ban and access the app in the US and other places where it’s restricted.
How to Bypass TikTok Ban
Fortunately, none of these methods are complicated, though there are some special considerations that we’ll get into below. But first things first...
For starters, you’ll need a VPN
While we’re going to provide a couple different options for accessing TikTok, all of them require a Virtual Private Network (VPN). These do lots of different things, but the most important for our purposes is the ability to change your digital “location” and thus bypass content restrictions.
Now, there are some free VPNs, but these are not reliable nor safe. However, you can find VPNs that work with both Android and iPhone on our list of Best VPN Services, with prices as low as a couple dollars per month.
These will come with dedicated Android or iPhone apps that are very easy to use on your phone, tablet, or other device.
If you already have the app downloaded on your phone
So, ideally, you were already using TikTok before it was blocked, and you still have the app on your phone. In that case, things are easier.
Simply connect to your VPN, using a server in another country (where TikTok is still available), and you should be able to use the app just fine. Just keep in mind that the content you’re shown may be influenced by your new “location”, including the language that’s spoken there.
For instance, connecting through a server in Spain may lead to seeing Spanish content.
If you don’t already have the app downloaded on your phone
Now, if you don’t have the app, things gets slightly trickier. If you’re using Android, you could download the apk and add it to your phone manually.
However, the safer option is to get it directly from the app store in another country. There are a couple of ways to do this:
Creating a new account
This method requires you to create a separate Google or Apple account, specifically to access the app store
- Connect your VPN to a server in another country
- Create a new Google account or Apple ID based in that country
- Sign in to that account on your device
- While still connected to the VPN, access the app store
- Download TikTok
Once you have the app on your phone, you should be able to switch back to your original account, but you will need to enable the VPN each time you use the app.
Changing your current account’s location
This method allows you to change your existing account to be based in another country. But there are drawbacks to this: you’ll likely need a payment option (debit or credit card, etc.) based in the new country; and it may be difficult to change your account back to your actual country.
This process changes slightly based on your device’s OS:
How to change your Google (Android) account’s country
Warning: If you change your country in the Google Play Store, you’ll need to wait 12 months to change it back, and you won’t be able to access your previous balance or subscriptions from the new storefront! If that’s unacceptable to you, try the “creating another account” option above.
1. Go to the Play Store
2. Find and press the profile icon in the top right of the screen
3. Next, hit Settings → General → Account and device preferences → Country and profiles
4. Select your “new” country: make sure this matches the VPN server you’ll be using!
The final step will be adding a payment method that works in your new country. By the way, Google warns that these changes can take up to 48 hours to work.
How to change your Apple account’s country
1. Go to Settings
2. Press the button that shows your Apple ID
3. Click Media and purchases
4. Next, you want to View Account (Note: This may require you to sign in again)
5. Look for and select Country/Region, then Change Country or Region
6. Select your “new” country: this should be based on the VPN server you’re going to use!
7. You’ll then be show terms of service, which you’ll need to agree to
Lastly, you may need to enter payment information that works in the country chose. Though some people are able to simply select “No”.
How to Bypass TikTok Ban: Wrap-Up
Hopefully, that wasn’t too tricky! If possible, it’s better to either have TikTok pre-installed on your phone – or to create a new account based in another country and download it that way.
Changing your main Google or Apple account’s location is a little more annoying to deal with, because of the requirements for payment info and restrictions on how often you can do this.
Did this guide work for you? Let us know in the comments!