Is TikTok Getting Banned? 3 Ways to Unblock and Use TikTok

Is TikTok Getting Banned? This question has come into focus for its 170 million American users as the Supreme Court weighs the platform’s future. The negotiation requires TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell its US business by January 19. If the original ruling is upheld, TikTok may be restricted or banned across the United States.

For TikTok enthusiasts, finding a way to continue using TikTok has become urgent. This guide will show you how to download and use TikTok usually, no matter where you are.

Is TikTok Getting Banned?

In December 2024, President Biden signed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 19, 2025. If ByteDance does not comply, TikTok could face a nationwide ban.

With major legislative and judicial decisions looming, TikTok’s future in the United States hangs in the balance. The U.S. government has expressed concerns about the national security risks posed by TikTok’s ownership of Beijing-based ByteDance. TikTok has more than 170 million U.S. users, many teenagers. These users are disappointed that they can’t use TikTok.

Related: TikTok Unblocked: Access and Use TikTok in Your Country

How to Use TikTok When It Banned?

If TikTok is blocked in your region or faces a potential ban, here are three effective ways to ensure you continue to use it.

1. Unblock TikTok with a VPN

VPN can help you bypass restrictions and use TikTok safely. LightningX VPN stands out for its fast speed, strong encryption, and global server network. Here’s how to use it:

Steps to unblock TikTok with VPN:

• Download LightningX VPN: Open the LightningX VPN official website or app store to download and install it on your device. It supports all major platforms, such as iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.
• Connect to the server: Open the app and connect to a server in a country/region where TikTok is accessible, such as the UK, France, etc.
• Visit TikTok: Once connected, open the TikTok app or website. You can enjoy TikTok content without restrictions.

2. Unblock TikTok with a Proxy Server

A proxy server can reroute your network traffic to another location to bypass network restrictions. This way, even if TikTok is banned, you can still use it without being affected.

How to access TikTok using a proxy server:

• Find a proxy service that supports TikTok, such as Smartproxy, Bright Data, etc.
• Configure your device’s proxy settings or use a browser extension.
• Set the proxy location to a country where TikTok is accessible.
• Start using TikTok.

Note: Although proxy servers can bypass blockades, they do not provide encryption like VPNs, making them less secure.

3. Explore TikTok Alternatives

If you can’t use TikTok, you can use TikTok alternatives to enrich your daily life. Here are some popular TikTok alternatives:

• Lemon8: A platform that combines short videos and lifestyle content, perfect for people who like the creative atmosphere of TikTok.
• REDnote (Xiaohongshu): A social app originated in China where you can share pictures, videos, and text. It supports a variety of content categories, including photography, life, education, food, pets, etc.
• YouTube Shorts: A short video section on the YouTube platform. Shorts allows creators to upload videos up to three minutes long. This feature can meet users’ demand for short videos.

Using the above methods, you can ensure that you can use TikTok normally without being affected by any ban.

Why is TikTok Getting Banned?

TikTok is popular worldwide but is also heavily censored in the United States. So why is TikTok getting banned?
These reasons mainly include:

1. National security concerns: U.S. lawmakers worry TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance could be forced to share user data with the Chinese government, increasing national security risks.

2. Data access for ByteDance employees: Before Project Texas was implemented, China’s ByteDance employees had access to U.S. TikTok user data.

3. Transparency Report: TikTok’s transparency report revealed that information requests from global law enforcement agencies reached a record high of 4,054 in the first half of 2022, indicating increased scrutiny and potential data access risks.

How Does TikTok Track Your Location?

TikTok tracks users’ geolocation through SIM cards, IP addresses, and GPS tracking.

When you sign up for TikTok, the platform may require phone number verification to verify your identity and prevent fake accounts and fraudulent activity. In some versions, locations can also be recorded automatically via geotags added to posts.

However, TikTok’s use of your location information may increase your risk of cyberattacks, make personal information more easily accessible, and lead to long-term security issues.

How to Log in to TikTok Banned?

1. How to Use TikTok on iOS?

• Register and log in to an Apple ID in a non-restricted region.
• On an iOS device logged in with a foreign Apple ID, go to the Apple App Store to download and install TikTok.
• Install LightningX VPN and activate it according to the instructions. Select a proxy region to connect to.
• Make sure the country and region in your device settings is a TikTok-supported region.
• Remove the SIM card for iPhone users. No additional action is required for iPad users.

2. How to Use TikTok on Android?

Problems with Unblocking TikTok Ban

Using a VPN for TikTok region changes may not work for several reasons.

• You are connected to a server in the wrong region
• Cookies on your device may reveal your true location

Don’t worry. We have some solutions for you:

• Use a different browser
• Clear your cache and cookies
• Connect to different servers
• Contact the VPN Customer Support Team

FAQ about TikTok Banned