How to Download TikTok App on iPhone (Even if it's Banned)

TikTok has taken the world by storm with its short-form videos and global trends. But for some iPhone users, downloading TikTok isn't as simple as opening the App Store. Whether you're in a region where TikTok is banned or facing restrictions due to device settings or parental controls, you might find yourself wondering, can TikTok be downloaded at all on iOS?

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So, what can you do if the TikTok app seems completely inaccessible on your iPhone? In this article, I'll walk you through several effective ways to download the TikTok app on iPhone, even if you're dealing with regional bans or missing search results.

Part 1: Check if TikTok is available in your region

Before diving into workarounds, let's start with the basics. Sometimes, the TikTok app is missing from your iPhone simply because of your Apple ID region, device settings, or parental restrictions. In certain cases, the app may be temporarily removed from the App Store due to local laws or compliance issues.

Follow these steps to check if you can download the TikTok app on iPhone the usual way:

Steps:

• Step 1: Open the App Store on your iPhone.

• Step 2: Tap the search bar and type "TikTok".

• Step 3: If the app appears, tap Get and install as usual.

• Step 4: If TikTok doesn't show up or says "Not available in your region," proceed to the next method.

Tip: If the app doesn't appear at all, try using the LSI method, search for "download TikTok app iPhone after ban" in Safari or Chrome. This can sometimes redirect you to the official App Store listing, depending on your network restrictions.

In my case, I couldn't find TikTok using the App Store's search. But when I used Safari to search "download TikTok app iPhone free", it redirected me to the App Store listing, only to show it was unavailable in my region. This confirmed that my Apple ID settings were the issue, not the device itself.

Part 2: Change App Store Region to Download TikTok

If TikTok doesn't show up in your App Store, it's likely because your Apple ID region is set to a country where TikTok is currently banned or restricted. The good news? You can change your region settings and access the app by switching to a country where TikTok is still available, like the UK or Canada.

This method works well for anyone wondering can TikTok be downloaded in restricted areas. Let's walk through it step-by-step.

Steps:

• Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone and tap your Apple ID at the top.

• Step 2: Select Media & Purchases, then tap View Account.

• Step 3: Tap Country/Region and select Change Country or Region.

• Step 4: Choose a country where TikTok is available (e.g., United Kingdom).

• Step 5: Accept the terms and conditions. You'll be asked to enter a valid address. You can use a placeholder for now, just make sure it matches the selected country.

• Step 6: Go back to the App Store, search for TikTok, and download it.

Tip: After the region switch, you might need to update your billing details. If you don't want to disrupt your main Apple ID, consider creating a second Apple ID just for downloading TikTok.

This method worked perfectly for me. I switched my region to the UK, and the TikTok app appeared instantly. However, I did lose access to some apps that were only available in my original region, something to keep in mind. If you're concerned about payment settings, using a second Apple ID is the safest option.

Part 3: Use VPN to Bypass Regional Restrictions

If switching regions doesn't solve the issue, or if TikTok is blocked at the network or government level, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is your next best option. A VPN allows your iPhone to appear as if it's browsing from a different country, one where TikTok is still available.

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This method answers the common question: can you download TikTok even when it's banned? Yes, with the right VPN and a little setup, you can access region-locked content like TikTok safely.

Steps:

• Step 1: Go to the App Store and install a reputable VPN app like ProtonVPN, Windscribe, or NordVPN.

• Step 2: Open the VPN app and connect to a country where TikTok is not restricted (e.g., United States, Canada, UK).

• Step 3: Once connected, open the App Store and search for TikTok.

• Step 4: If the app still doesn't appear, log out of your current Apple ID and sign in with a new Apple ID registered in the VPN-connected region.

Tip: If you're trying to download the TikTok app for iPhone without using the App Store for free, this method, plus a new Apple ID, lets you bypass most restrictions while maintaining App Store access.

I tested this using Windscribe connected to Canada. TikTok showed up immediately in the App Store, but only after I created a fresh Apple ID in the same region. Just remember to disconnect the VPN after installation if your connection slows down. It's a reliable workaround for those in highly restricted areas.

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Part 4: Download TikTok Videos Easily with Toolsmart TikTok Video Downloader

Once you successfully download the TikTok app on iPhone, you might want to save your favorite videos for offline viewing, especially if you're dealing with limited internet, content archiving, or just want to watch without ads or distractions.

That's where Toolsmart TikTok Video Downloader comes in. It's a fast, free, and user-friendly solution for downloading TikTok videos without watermarks or needing to install extra apps.

Why Use Toolsmart TikTok Video Downloader:

• Completely free, no subscription or login required

• No watermark, keeps the original video clean and usable

• Supports all formats, slideshows, duets, stitches, and more

• Works on mobile and desktop, no installation needed

Whether you're an iPhone user or switching to Android, Toolsmart works flawlessly across platforms. If you're looking for a flexible way to download TikTok for Android or save content on iOS, this is one of the best tools available.

How to Use Toolsmart TikTok Video Downloader:

• Step 1: Open the TikTok app and copy the link of the video you want to save.

• Step 2: Visit the Toolsmart TikTok Video Downloader in your Safari or Chrome browser.

• Step 3: Paste the video link into the download box and tap Download.

• Step 4: The tool will generate a clean, downloadable version; just save it to your device.

Tip: This tool is especially helpful for content creators, students collecting references, or anyone with limited data who prefers watching videos offline.

I've used Toolsmart on both my iPhone and Mac. The download speed is impressive, and the fact that there's no watermark makes it perfect for reposting or saving favorite clips. Plus, you don't need to install any shady third-party apps. It's one of the cleanest TikTok video downloaders I've come across.

FAQs

Q1: Why can't I find TikTok on my iPhone App Store?

This usually happens because your App Store region is set to a country where TikTok is banned. In some cases, it may also be restricted by parental controls or device-level settings. If you can't see the app at all, try switching your Apple ID region or using a VPN.

Q2: Is it safe to change App Store regions?

Yes, it's safe, but be aware that switching regions might affect your existing subscriptions and payment methods. If you want to avoid issues, create a second Apple ID for a different region. That way, you can download the TikTok app for iPhone safely without losing access to your main apps.

Q3: Can I use a VPN to download TikTok on iPhone?

Absolutely. A VPN lets you browse from a different country, making it easier to access restricted apps. Combine it with a new Apple ID if TikTok still doesn't appear in the App Store. This method helps when you're wondering can TikTok be downloaded even after a ban?

Q4: How do I save TikTok videos after downloading the app?

Use the Toolsmart TikTok Video Downloader. It's 100% free, watermark-free, and works on both desktop and mobile. Just copy the video link, paste it into Toolsmart, and download, no account needed.