News
TikTok Could Be Banned This Sunday: Here’s How to Keep Using the App
Three steps to be prepared
- January 16, 2025
- Updated: January 16, 2025 at 1:55 PM
TikTok’s future in the United States hangs by a thread. With the ban scheduled for this Sunday, millions of users may find themselves unable to access the video platform. However, there are ways to prepare and continue enjoying TikTok even if the restrictions take effect. Let’s explore how to ensure that our creations and favorite content remain accessible.
Download TikTok and Keep the App Installed
The first step to face this situation is to download the app on all your devices and make sure not to delete it. If TikTok disappears from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, accessing it will become significantly more challenging. Meanwhile, those who already have it installed will still be able to use it, albeit with some limitations, as we’ll discuss shortly.
Additionally, make sure the app is updated to the latest version available from the App Store or Google Play Store to ensure you can enjoy the service for as long as possible.
Set Up a VPN to Bypass Restrictions
With the app installed, let’s talk about how to continue accessing the servers that power TikTok. One of the most useful tools in situations like this is a virtual private network or VPN. VPNs allow you to change the location from which you’re accessing the internet, which can be crucial if TikTok is blocked in the U.S. Setting up a VPN is easier than it might seem:
- Download a reliable VPN app, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or iTop VPN. It’s essential to choose a provider that ensures speed and stability.
- Configure the VPN to connect from a country where TikTok is still available. Options could include Canada (with good connection speeds due to geographic proximity) or any other country that hasn’t implemented similar restrictions.
- Activate the VPN before opening TikTok. Once connected, you can access the platform as if you were in that other country. When done, simply deactivate the VPN and continue browsing as usual.
Here’s a key point: selecting a trusted VPN service is critical. Since all your traffic will pass through the service, choose one that respects your privacy. Avoid free services, as they often finance themselves through data collection or intrusive ads, which could compromise your security.
Download Your TikTok Videos
With the steps above, you can guarantee access to the platform, but it’s a good idea to go further. Preparing for the potential ban by saving your TikTok videos ensures you’ll have them stored on your devices to watch and share anytime.
How to Download Your Videos Directly from the App
There are two ways to download TikTok videos: directly through TikTok or using third-party download services. For the first method, which lets you download all your data in one package, follow these steps:
- Open the TikTok app and tap your profile at the bottom.
- Tap the ☰ Menu button at the top, then tap Settings and privacy.
- Tap Account.
- Tap Download your data.
- Select the information you want included in your file and choose a file format.
- Tap Request data.
Once the file is ready, you can follow the same steps to download it. Keep in mind that activity from the last 24–48 hours may not be included in this file.
If you want to download a specific video, the steps are simpler:
- Open TikTok and select the video you want to download.
- Tap the share button and choose the Save video option.
- The video will be saved to your device’s gallery with a watermark, ensuring you can access it even if the app becomes inaccessible.
Using Online Tools to Download Videos
If you want to download videos without the watermark or access specific content, online tools like SnapTik, SaveFrom, or SSSTikTok can help. Here are the general steps:
- Copy the video link from TikTok.
- Open the chosen tool’s website in a browser.
- Paste the link into the designated field and select the download option.
- Save the file to your device.
Keep in mind that while these tools are useful, it’s your responsibility to use them legally. Downloading content from other creators without their permission is not allowed, so focus on videos you’ve personally contributed to the platform.
Is It Legal to Keep Using TikTok? What Happens After Sunday?
Although the situation looks bleak, not all hope is lost. TikTok might reach an agreement with authorities to avoid the ban or implement strategies to mitigate its impact. In the meantime, preparing for a scenario where the app is less accessible allows you to stay ahead and protect your content.
If the ban goes through, will it be illegal to keep using TikTok? The answer is no. Even if the law takes effect, it won’t be illegal to continue using TikTok. Nor will it be unlawful to find alternative ways to download the app outside official stores, though the process might be more complicated. The law is clear: “This law will not apply to individual people accessing TikTok.”
By following these steps, you can continue using TikTok, even with certain limitations. From keeping the app installed to setting up a VPN or downloading your favorite videos as a precaution, there are solutions to adapt to this potential change. Let’s see how the situation unfolds in the meantime.
Architect | Founder of hanaringo.com | Apple Technologies Trainer | Writer at Softonic and iDoo_tech, formerly at Applesfera
Latest from David Bernal Raspall
You may also like
If you think the Nintendo eShop is bad, the proposal from Nintendo Life confirms that it's not easy to improve on Nintendo
Read more
Graphic Design Trends for 2025: Inclusive designs: From your idea to reality
Read more
Deepfakes Are Becoming More Convincing: How to Spot Them
Read more
Celebrate Data Privacy Day and Secure Your Data with Avast Free Antivirus
Read more
The incredible story of SpaceWar, the first open-source video game in history
Read more
Top 5 Cybersecurity Predictions for 2025
Read more