The clock is ticking: TikTok could face a shutdown in the USA by April 5, unless ByteDance reaches an agreement to sell its U.S. operations. If you are among the 170 million American users, this news is likely unsettling.
Fortunately, even a ban will not necessarily cut off your access to TikTok. While it might become trickier to use, a little preparation can help you stay in touch with your favorite content creators on TikTok. President Trump has indicated he might extend the deadline if a sale isn’t finalized by April 5, offering some hope for users.
Learn how to use TikTok in the USA after it is banned.

Why is the USA banning TikTok?
The U.S. government’s concerns about TikTok stem from national security issues, primarily due to its parent company, ByteDance, being based in China. This raises fears that ByteDance might share American user data with the Chinese government or manipulate its algorithm to influence content viewed by Americans. The focus of U.S. lawmakers and the President is not just on the app itself, but on the potential influence of the Chinese government.
In response to these concerns, President Biden signed legislation that mandated ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations to an American entity within a specified timeframe. Initially, this deadline was set for January 19, 2025, but President Trump extended it to April 5, 2025, to allow more time for a sale. Despite this extension, ByteDance has not yet sold its stake in TikTok, leading to the current situation where the app faces a potential ban if no sale is finalized by April 5.
However, President Trump has indicated that he might extend the deadline further if a sale is not completed in time, suggesting that there is ongoing interest from potential buyers, including consortiums led by Frank McCourt, MrBeast, Oracle, and a recent bid from Amazon. If ByteDance were to sell its U.S. operations, TikTok could continue operating in the U.S. without interruption, but the company’s reluctance to do so has brought the app to the brink of a ban
How will the USA TikTok ban work?
Under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, TikTok was set to be banned from U.S. app stores starting January 19, 2025, due to national security concerns over its Chinese ownership. This would have prohibited new downloads and updates, potentially leading to performance issues and security vulnerabilities for existing users. Internet service providers were also expected to restrict access to TikTok via web browsers.
However, on January 20, President Trump issued an executive order delaying the ban for 75 days to allow ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, more time to divest its U.S. operations to American investors. As the extended deadline of April 5 approaches, negotiations are ongoing, with potential buyers including Oracle, Blackstone, and Amazon. If a sale is not finalized by this date, the ban may be enforced, leading to the removal of TikTok from app stores and restricted access through ISPs.
What’s Next?
- Court Battles: TikTok’s lawsuit is expected to focus on First Amendment claims and due process. A federal judge blocked a similar Montana state ban in 2023, citing free speech concerns.
- Geopolitical Tensions: The law reflects ongoing U.S.-China tech tensions. China has criticized the move and may block a forced sale of TikTok’s algorithm, complicating divestment.
- User Impact: Over 170 million U.S. users face no immediate disruption, but uncertainty persists. Creators and businesses reliant on TikTok are exploring alternatives like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts.
This remains a fluid situation, with outcomes depending on courts, ByteDance’s actions, and geopolitical negotiations.
How to Use TikTok in the USA with PureVPN
Here is how you can use TikTok in the USA even when it gets banned:
Step #1: Sign Up for PureVPN
Subscribe to PureVPN, one of the best TikTok VPNs on the market. Once done, download and install the PureVPN app on your device and log into your account.
Step #2: Connect to a Server Where TikTok is Available
Connect to a server in a country that has TikTok. You will need a payment method and billing address from the country you choose when changing your app store location (this might affect access to some other apps and content).
Step #3: Change Your App Store Location
Update your region settings in the App Store or Play Store to match the server location you have connected to. You may need to cancel some existing app subscriptions to complete this change.
Step #4: Download TikTok and Enjoy!
Finally, create a new TikTok account or log into your existing one. You can now enjoy TikTok with regular updates as if you were located in a country without the ban.
The Future of TikTok
If TikTok gets banned in the USA, the real question is: would you even want to keep using the app? American creators will likely stop posting and focus on similar platforms such as Instagram and YouTube instead.
As more creators leave, the content you enjoy might vanish, and the same videos could pop up on apps that are not banned. The loss of hundreds of millions of users might even push international creators to prioritize platforms that Americans can still access.
Either way, now might be a good time to check TikTok alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the app is already installed on your phone before the ban takes place, it will stay on your device. TikTok will not be automatically removed from your phone.
Yes, you can still use TikTok post-ban by using a VPN to change your app store location, allowing you to download updates or access the app as if you were in a country where TikTok is not banned.