TikTok is banned in several countries because many governments believe the app to be a threat to national security. TikTok is a Chinese-owned company, which has sparked concern about user data and privacy. Is TikTok banned where you live?
With a VPN, you can easily get back on the app! Here’s how to get around a TikTok ban:
- Get an account with a trusted VPN. We recommend NordVPN as it has robust security tools that will keep your personal information safe.
- Download the right software. If you use TikTok on your phone, get the NordVPN app for iOS or Android as it will provide you with a private internet connection.
- Log in to NordVPN with your new account.
- Connect to a VPN server in a location where TikTok is still available. NordVPN has over 5,000 servers in 59 countries so you will easily find a location where TikTok is not banned.
- Go to the TikTok app and find the content you enjoy!
We recommend NordVPN for countries that have banned TikTok because it has a stellar reputation when it comes to getting around censorship! It will mask your IP address essentially hiding your real location.
In certain countries with a TikTok ban, internet service providers (ISPs) have taken the app from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Read on to see how you can download TikTok, even when the app is not available.
Is TikTok banned where you live? Due to security concerns, a growing number of countries are placing restrictions on the popular app.
India enforced a full TikTok ban in 2020. And, in May 2023, Montana banned TikTok. Many other states in the U.S. could follow the list of locations where TikTok is banned.
The main incentive to ban TikTok appears to be national security. Many governments are concerned about the amount of user data that TikTok collects, as well as its potential ties to the Chinese government.
But can you still use the app in countries that have restricted access to it? Yes! In this article, we tell you how to get around a TikTok ban.
How to Get Around a TikTok Ban in Your Country
The best way to get around a TikTok ban is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). With a VPN, you can change the IP address of your device and virtually locate yourself in a different country. Just connect to a VPN server in a country where TikTok is available, and you’ll be back on the app in no time.
VPN software like NordVPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device, a VPN server, and the internet. When you connect to a different server, your device will automatically take on the IP address of the new VPN server and hide your real IP.
To your internet service provider, it will look like you’re accessing the web from a different location. This is why you can use NordVPN to access TikTok and streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ when they are otherwise not available.
Access TikTok with a VPN in five easy steps
Here’s how you can access TikTok with a VPN:
- Get a subscription with a reliable VPN provider. For TikTok, we recommend NordVPN, which offers one of the best encryption protocols, OpenVPN, to keep your data safe.
- Download the software onto your device. If you’re using TikTok on your phone, you can download NordVPN’s app for iOS or Android via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Log in to the app with the account you created.
- Connect to a server located in a country where TikTok isn’t banned or censored. NordVPN provides more than 5,000 servers worldwide, making it easy to find a location where TikTok is available.
- Open the TikTok app and start scrolling through your favorite TikTok content!
Why Is TikTok Banned in Some Countries?
TikTok has been banned in some countries because of security and privacy concerns. Other regions around the world that have not banned TikTok have chosen to place certain restrictions on the app. Pakistan, for example, has banned the app multiple times, only to revoke the ban again. Hence, it is worth considering getting a VPN for Pakistan just in case this happens again.
Back in 2020, the United States first threatened a nationwide ban on TikTok, but this was rejected on legal grounds. Now, the government is re-considering the TikTok ban in the US.
Let’s have a closer look at why certain governments have banned TikTok.
1. TikTok may be connected to the Chinese government
Some nations around the world believe that TikTok is connected to the Chinese government. TikTok is partially owned by the Beijing-based company ByteDance. The Chinese government has strict censorship rules and tight control over its technology sector. For this reason, international authorities have started to suspect that TikTok might be forced to act on behalf of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party). Some go as far as to suggest that TikTok is a spy app designed to mine sensitive user data for the CCP.
According to the United States government, TikTok poses a significant threat to national security. As a result, the Biden administration has demanded that ByteDance sell its Chinese shares, or TikTok will be banned in the United States.
But how dangerous is TikTok really? While TikTok is definitely not the safest app to use, banning it seems like an excessive measure to take.
2. TikTok collects a lot of data from users
Another key reason that has got TikTok banned is the vast amounts of data it collects from its users and the level of access TikTok needs in order to function. Therefore, a lot of people believe that TikTok’s privacy risks pose a real issue for its subscribers.
Included in the data automatically collected by TikTok are the following:
- Email, phone number, date of birth, contacts
- Profile information, including photos and videos
- Device information, including keystroke patterns
- Location information
- App activity
- Browser and search history
- Any images or text on your clipboard
- Biometric data, including face and voice print
What is important to keep in mind is that many social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, collect equal amounts of data. However, for these companies, more legal safeguards exist.
3. TikTok may be unsafe for children
Several countries around the world might restrict or ban the app because they may consider that TikTok is not safe for children. As the app does not follow strict security protocols to safeguard users’ data and showcases inappropriate content, certain regions around the world have banned TikTok to prevent children from using it.
Even though there are ways to change TikTok’s privacy settings and set parental controls, this may not be enough to keep children safe while using the app.
TikTok Banned Countries List: Where Is TikTok Banned?
Over the years, several countries have decided to place restrictions on TikTok, either temporarily or permanently. Below we give you a comprehensive list of the countries that have banned TikTok or have placed partial restrictions.
| Location | Banned Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Banned | In 2022, the Taliban leadership banned the app to “protect young people from being misled.” |
| Australia | Partially banned | The app was banned on government devices in early 2023, citing security reasons. |
| Bangladesh | Censored | Inappropriate content in TikTok videos. |
| Belgium | Partially banned | A six-month TikTok ban was placed on government devices due to cybersecurity and misinformation concerns. |
| Canada | Partially banned | TikTok has been banned on government devices; it presents an “unacceptable risk” to privacy and security. |
| Denmark | Partially banned | The Defense Ministry has banned the app on work phones due to security reasons. |
| EU (European Union) | Partially banned | Staff members of the European Parliament, European Commission, and the EU Council are not allowed to have the app on their devices because of security concerns. |
| France | Partially banned | “Recreational” use of TikTok (as well as Instagram and Twitter) has been forbidden on government phones due to cybersecurity risks. |
| India | Banned | TikTok has been permanently banned by India’s government since 2020; it was seen as a data security threat. |
| Indonesia | Censored | Inappropriate content on the app. |
| Latvia | Partially banned | TikTok is prohibited on official government devices belonging to the Foreign Ministry because of security concerns. |
| The Netherlands | Partially banned | TikTok was banned from government work phones; the ban is not explicit, but civil servants are discouraged from having apps that might pose a security threat. |
| New Zealand | Partially banned | Lawmakers and members of the Parliament will be prohibited from having TikTok on their work devices due to security risks. |
| Norway | Partially banned | The app is banned on work phones belonging to members of the Parliament to safeguard staff members’ data privacy. |
| Pakistan | Censored and partially banned | Since 2020, TikTok has been banned four times already in Pakistan due to inappropriate content. |
| Russia | Censored and partially banned | TikTok is one of the platforms that continue to be banned in Russia, with temporary lifts; the justification is limiting the spread of misinformation related to the conflict in Ukraine. |
| Taiwan | Partially banned | Public sector ban for TikTok and other Chinese-made software on government devices for security reasons. |
| United Kingdom | Partially banned | To protect data privacy, the app is banned on devices belonging to civil servants. |
| United States | Partially banned | At the moment, TikTok is only banned on federal devices, as well as certain institutions or universities, because of speculations the app is tied to the Chinese government, and a nationwide ban might occur. |
As the list of countries that ban TikTok grows, many people are wondering how to get around a TikTok ban.
Since a ban on this app is location-based, you can use a VPN to get around it. With a premium VPN, like NordVPN, you will be able to virtually change the location of your device, meaning you can access TikTok from a country where it isn’t banned.
Want to get back on TikTok right away? You can use NordVPN’s free trial, which lets you try out the software for 30 days. NordVPN is the most reliable way to access TikTok from anywhere as it offers excellent security protocols like OpenVPN, which means your information will remain private. Moreover, NordVPN gives you access to over 5,000 servers worldwide, so it will be easy to find a server in a country where TikTok is not banned.
Is TikTok banned in China?
TikTok is not banned in China. It is available under a different name: Douyin. Therefore this conception is a big misunderstanding.
Douyin is TikTok’s sister app. It is also owned by ByteDance and is meant for the Chinese market. This means there are some differences in how the app functions. But to a large extent, Douyin is very similar to TikTok.
Is TikTok banned in Ireland?
At the moment, TikTok is not yet banned in Ireland. But it’s likely that the country will follow in the UK’s footsteps in the following months and ban TikTok on all government devices.
The National Cyber Security Center has expressed concerns about TikTok’s data collection and recommends that Ireland restricts the use of TikTok on public sector devices.
Is TikTok banned in the US?
TikTok is not entirely banned in the US. It is only banned on federal devices, as well as certain institutions or universities. As it turns out, enforcing a nationwide ban on TikTok might take more time and prove more difficult than expected.
On top of that, banning any app, including TikTok, is a process that can lead to many legal obstacles pertaining to the First Amendment: it would be a form of US censorship. It will likely require new legislation, which may take a while to come to fruition.
Is TikTok banned in the European Union?
Besides the selective ban on civil servants’ devices, there is no permanent TikTok ban in the European Union. Member states maintain their national sovereignty when it comes to making these decisions.
However, TikTok is certainly under scrutiny from data protection groups. On top of that, TikTok is facing issues staying GDPR-compliant and has been involved in several lawsuits.
Best VPN for TikTok: NordVPN
One of the best VPNs to unblock content is NordVPN. Not only is NordVPN one of the fastest VPNs it also has a ton of features that are specifically designed to get people access to blocked apps and streaming services. It is truly one of the best VPNs in the market right now. With NordVPN, you can unblock TikTok and get unbanned from services like Instagram, for example.
Like most VPNs in the premium segment, NordVPN runs on the safest and most secure VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and NordLynx (WireGuard). It also offers a double VPN feature where you can connect to a website via multiple servers, creating an extra layer of encryption.
On top of that, NordVPN helps you stay safe online with its built-in ad blocker and Threat Protection feature that blocks websites containing malware. NordVPN also offers a Dark Web Monitor that notifies you if your personal information, like your email, has become available on the dark web. Of course, you don’t have to fear for your data: NordVPN is a verified no-log VPN. This means it doesn’t store any of the information going through its servers.
The cherry on top is Nord’s extensive server network which consists of over 5,500 servers across 59 countries.
Unblocking TikTok has never been so easy. With NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee, users can try the VPN for themselves and get a full refund if it doesn’t live up to expectations.
Just click the orange button below to see all the exciting features NordVPN has to offer to help you keep your privacy online.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
How to Find the Right VPN for TikTok
When recommending a VPN for any purpose, we always want to make sure we give you the best option to work with. For TikTok, NordVPN came out on top. If you’d rather use a different option, however, you might be wondering how you know you’re choosing the right one. When comparing VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, you want to keep an eye out for the following key aspects.
Privacy and security
A VPN is supposed to keep your data safe. Especially in countries that have legal consequences for accessing banned apps, you want to be sure that your VPN doesn’t keep any logs and has excellent security features. It must also include an automatic kill switch to cut off your internet connection if the VPN malfunctions, as well as robust VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard to encrypt your data and keep it away from prying eyes.
Obfuscation technology
The best VPNs have software that gets you around even the strictest forms of censorship. With special obfuscation servers, your VPN use is disguised as regular internet traffic, which increases your chances of unblocking banned apps like TikTok, even in places like Russia.
Ease of use
If you’re using a VPN service in countries where TikTok content is inaccessible, you want to be able to use the VPN with ease. Make sure your VPN has good customer service, runs smoothly, and doesn’t cost too much. The best VPN providers are intuitive and affordable!
Server network
A trusted VPN provider usually has thousands of servers worldwide. This increases the chances that you can find VPN servers in locations where TikTok is not banned.
Can’t Download TikTok? Here’s What to Do!
In some countries, TikTok bans are so severe that the app might not even be available in the app stores. ISPs in these countries have been ordered to block downloads of the social media platform, making it difficult for new users to join.
Nonetheless, there are ways you can download TikTok in India or anywhere else where it’s banned. We’ll start with the easiest way — skipping the app altogether and using a VPN and browser.
How to download and install TikTok on iPhone (or iPad)
People using iOS devices will find it relatively easy to download the TikTok app since they can make some simple tweaks within the App Store. If you have an iPhone or iPad, unblocking TikTok in the App Store requires the following steps:
- Open the App Store and click your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen.
- Enter your name and email from the account settings.
- Choose “Country/Region” and tap the “Change Country or Region” button.
- Scroll down the different options and choose a country where TikTok is available from the App Store.
- Tap on “Agree” for the terms and conditions.
- Select the payment method “None” and enter an address in the country of your choice in the billing address section.
- Tap “Next” and then “Done.”
Now that your location in the App Store is updated, you should be able to find and install TikTok.
How to download and install TikTok on Android
In certain countries, Google has blocked hardware IDs for the Android OS in the Google Play Store. If you want to be able to download TikTok on an Android phone, you’ll need to factory reset your device. This reset will wipe your hardware ID.
After, you can get the official APK (Android Package Kit) file online.
Note:
Performing a factory reset erases all data and settings from your phone so make sure you have a backup.
If you use an Android phone, follow the steps below.
- Go to “Settings” > “Security” and look for the option to “Install apps from external sources.”
- Tap on Google Chrome or whichever browser you use.
- Toggle on the switch for “Allow app installs.”
- Now, open your browser and search for “TikTok APK.” Some reputable sources to find TikTok APK files include Apkpure.com and AndroidAPKsBox.
- Once the file is downloaded, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to install the app on your device.
Note:
Only download APK files from reputable sources such as those mentioned above. Also, keep in mind that a drawback to using an APK file means you’re downloading a specific version of the app. If there’s an update for TikTok, you’ll need to search for the latest APK file online to replace your current one.
TikTok Banned? Get Access With a VPN
TikTok bans are not unusual anymore. The list of countries that have (partial) restrictions on the app keeps growing. In addition to India and Pakistan, which have had long national bans on TikTok, an increasing number of European countries are banning TikTok on government devices for security reasons. On top of that, the United States is threatening a permanent ban.
Luckily, you can easily get around TikTok restrictions by using a virtual private network like NordVPN. All you need to do is install the VPN and connect to a server in a country where TikTok is still available. For example, many Latin American and European countries still provide unrestricted access to the app.
Try NordVPN today if you’re looking for a way to get around a TikTok ban!
If you can’t download TikTok directly from the app store, you can change your iOS or Android settings or consider one of our favorite TikTok alternatives to use instead.
Wondering how to overcome bans on other popular platforms? Take a look at our detailed articles below:
- How to Unsuspend Your Twitter Account
- How to Get Unbanned from Omegle
- How to Get Unbanned from Grindr
- How to Get Unbanned from Bumble
- How to Access TikTok in Russia
- Bypass Online Censorship: How to Freely Access the Internet
Wondering how to get around a TikTok ban or why so many countries are blocking TikTok? Check out our frequently asked questions below for some quick answers!
TikTok is banned in several countries for different reasons. Most common justifications include protecting national security and keeping user data safe. Because TikTok is a Chinese-owned company, concerns about potential ties to the CCP have arisen.
If you find TikTok banned, you can get around the ban with a VPN. If you’re worried about the amount of data TikTok collects, check out some good TikTok alternatives.
Getting around a TikTok ban is easy. Here’s how:
- Get an account with a trusted VPN like NordVPN.
- Download the right software. If you use TikTok on your phone, get the NordVPN app for iOS or Android.
- Log in with your new account.
- Connect to a VPN server in a location where TikTok is still available.
- Go to the TikTok app and get instant access!
The best VPN for TikTok is NordVPN. This VPN is available for your computer, as well as for iOS and Android devices. When we did our NordVPN test, it worked perfectly with TikTok and gave us instant and fast access to our favorite creators.
Yes, you can still download and access TikTok if it’s banned in your country. If you’re using an iPhone you can change your location settings or download the APK file on an Android phone. If you want to access the service, you’ll need a VPN.
I can’t download tik tok in App Store
Have you tried the methods described in our article? If you have an iPhone, you should be able to change your country within the App Store settings. On Android, you can download TikTok via an APK file instead. For more specific instructions, check out these step-by-step guides.
Sorry this doesn’t work. Anyone who had tik Tok installed on their phones before the ban had their device id blocked. So the apk doesn’t work, you’ll only get a network error.
Hi Ren! We researched this, and found that doing a hard reset of your phone will help you get around this. This reset will delete get rid of the device ID, after which you can download TikTok using the method mentioned in the article. We’ve updated our main article to include this information.
When I get started to use tiktok.. is always show me network error… What can I do about this…?
It depends on the exact error. If you try to connect with a VPN, maybe try a different server. Maybe one of our other readers knows what to do.