Are you using TikTok for business? The video-sharing platform is an efficient yet entertaining e-commerce platform and must be helping you drive sales. But unfortunately, recent news about the ban will affect the TikTok marketplace and can ban TikTok seller accounts too, if you are selling products in the US.
Need a workaround to access the TikTok shop? You can access the TikTok marketplace by changing your location through a reliable VPN. The guide is all about how to access TikTok shops in the US without getting banned.
What is TikTok Shop?
TikTok Shop is an e-commerce feature of TikTok, that allows businesses and content creators to sell their products directly on the platform. This includes features, in-feed videos, live shopping, and product showcase tabs. TikTok Shopping has become insanely popular for many online retailers, especially Gen Z who are active TikTok users.
How to Access TikTok Shop in the US
TikTok is getting banned in the US on January 19, 2025 as stated by the US government. We have discussed the reasons for the ban, let’s learn how you can access the platform even after a country-wide ban.
PureVPN helps you bypass regional locks from anywhere in the world. You can connect to the servers where TikTok is fully operational and change your IP address to another location without the risk of being blocked or detected.
Here’s how:
- Get a PureVPN subscription and download the app on your device.
- Change your location by connecting to a server where TikTok is working.
- This will change the region of your PlayStore or you can manually change it.
- Download TikTok and access TikTok shop in the US hassle-free!
How to Setup TikTok Shop
1. Create a TikTok Shop Seller Account
- Access the TikTok Seller Center in your region. Use your phone number, email, or existing TikTok account to register. If you have a TikTok Business account, log in directly.
- Enter your email and verify it.
- Set a strong password and proceed.
2. Choose Business Type and Verify
- Choose from Individual, Sole Proprietorship, Corporation, or Partnership. Select “Individual” if you are an individual seller.
- Provide all required business information and upload necessary documents.
- Set Up Shop: Create a shop name, specify your primary product/service type, and add your contact information (phone number for verification).
- Review your information and submit your application.
- Your account will be reviewed. You’ll receive an email within 3-5 business days.
3. Verify Tax Information
Complete the necessary tax forms. US businesses and individuals typically need to fill out W-9 forms.
4. Set Up Warehouse and Shipping
- Set your primary warehouse/pickup address.
- Set your return address (can be the same as the pickup address).
- Choose your shipping method (TikTok Shipping or Seller Shipping) and configure shipping settings.
5. Add Your First Product
- Products added before document verification will not be visible.
- Product submissions are reviewed within 24 hours.
Upload Methods:
- Manual Upload: Upload products individually in the Seller Center.
- Bulk Upload: Download a template and upload products in bulk.
- Mobile App: Use the TikTok Shop Seller Center app for manual uploads and management.
- Platform Sync: Sync products from other platforms like Shopify or Amazon using tools like 4Seller.
6. Bind Bank Account
Ensure the account name matches your registered name (individual) or company name (business). Bind your bank account to receive payments and process returns.
7. Connect to TikTok Account
- Link Accounts: Go to My Account > Linked Accounts and connect your TikTok Shop to a TikTok account.
- Account Roles: This linked account becomes your official shop account. It will be used for E-commerce Live, Video sales, and Ads
During the probationary period, you can link one official account.

What Do You Need to Setup a TikTok Shop in the US?
Ready to start selling on TikTok? Here’s what you’ll need to get your shop up and running in the USA.
Required Documents:
Individual Sellers
- Email Address: Your primary contact email.
- US Phone Number: A valid phone number within the US.
- US Identification: An American passport and driver’s license
- US Residential Address: Your current home address in the USA.
- US Tax Identification: Social Security Number (SSN) and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Business Sellers
- Email Address: Your business’s primary contact email.
- US Phone Number: A valid phone number associated with your business.
- Business Registration: Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable) and Business License
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Registered Business Address: As listed on your business license.
- Primary Business Representative Information:
- Passport or Driver’s License
- Residential Address in the USA
- SSN or ITIN
4 Concerning Reasons for a TikTok Ban in the US and Other Countries
TikTok has faced scrutiny and potential bans in many countries, including the US, due to several concerns:
- Data Privacy and National Security
The biggest concern that upsets the US government is that TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, is used by the Chinese government to steal user data of millions of Americans, including sensitive information that raises fears of foreign influence and unwanted surveillance.
- Misinformation and Disinformation
The platform’s algorithm, designed to maximize engagement, has been criticized for promoting harmful content, spreading misinformation, and potentially manipulating user behavior.
- Mental Health Impacts
Concerns have been raised about the negative effects of TikTok on mental health in Gen Z, due to factors like social comparison, exposure to harmful content, and addictive features.
- National Security Risks
Countries view TikTok as a threat to national security, showing concerns about its potential for censorship, false propaganda, and interference in domestic affairs.
Will I Be Able to Access TikTok Shop in the US Even After the Ban?
The future of TikTok shop operations looks unclear to us. If the ban is fully enforced, TikTok Shop may become inaccessible in the US. This would mean American users couldn’t use the platform to buy and sell products. There’s a possibility that limited access to TikTok Shop might remain, but this is highly uncertain.
TikTok might explore alternative solutions, such as a complete sale of its US operations, which could allow TikTok Shop to continue operating under new ownership.
Just a quick heads-up: If you’re a seller or considering using TikTok Shop, you should have a backup plan in case the platform becomes unavailable.
Can I Use a Free VPN to Access TikTok?
Yes, you can but accessing free VPNs is not recommended! Free VPNs often are notorious for exposing your data to hackers, prying eyes, and data breaches. Plus, when it comes to a government decision to restrict the use of any app you must choose a service that’s reliable and does not reveal your identity.
As the TikTok ban is planned due to privacy concerns, even the free VPNs will never protect your data from sharing. Plus, limited features, unstable connections, and a small number of server locations would never suit you if you are running a business using TikTok Seller Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
The TikTok marketplace is as risky as other online markets. When it comes to e-commerce platforms linked with social media platforms, there is a need to practice caution at all times. TikTok has been under fire for the past few years, you need to be prudent while using the platform while sharing your data.
Yes, using TikTok Shop is generally free for both buyers and sellers. There might be transaction fees or other charges associated with specific services when your business grows.
The TikTok shop as linked to the main platform is expected to stop working in a few days in the US. The platform is obliged by the US government to shut its operation in the States or sell the platform to them, for national interest.
Yes, the TikTok shop and the application are banned in some countries. TikTok has faced severe backlash in recent years due to mishandling data and privacy, which is why the platform is now expected to be banned in the US market as well.
Wrap Up
The future of TikTok Shop in the US remains uncertain following the government-mandated ban. If the ban is fully enforced, most businesses reliant on TikTok Shop will need to explore other options and alternative E-commerce channels. While VPNs can temporarily bypass regional restrictions, it’s important to prioritize data security and choose a reliable VPN service, such as PureVPN.