TikTok is once again available for download on Apple’s App Store and Google Play in the United States after President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a ban on the popular social media platform.
The app, which briefly went offline in the US, has been granted a temporary reprieve until April 5 following an executive order from Trump that postponed restrictions and assured tech companies they would not face penalties for hosting it.
TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, was at risk of being banned under a law requiring its sale to a US-approved buyer due to national security concerns. The law, signed by former President Joe Biden, was driven by fears that the app could be used by the Chinese government for data collection and influence operations. However, both TikTok and the Chinese government have denied these allegations.
Trump’s recent decision to extend the deadline by 75 days allows TikTok to continue operating in the US while discussions about its future ownership continue. The extension also reassured Apple and Google that they would not be fined for distributing the app, a concern that may have contributed to the delay in restoring it to their stores.
TikTok remains one of the most widely used apps in the United States, boasting around 170 million users. In 2024 alone, it was the second most downloaded app in the country, with over 52 million downloads. According to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, 52% of these downloads came from Apple’s App Store, while 48% were from Google Play.
With its return to app stores, TikTok is once again accessible to millions of users who rely on the platform for entertainment, content creation, and social engagement.
The delay in the ban has renewed interest in a potential sale of TikTok’s US operations. Several high-profile figures, including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, billionaire Kevin O’Leary, and even YouTube personality MrBeast, have expressed interest in acquiring the company. Trump himself has suggested a possible joint ownership model that would comply with US regulations while maintaining ties to ByteDance.
Despite the temporary extension, uncertainty remains regarding TikTok’s long-term future in the US Trump has hinted that the 75-day deadline could be extended further, leaving room for negotiations on a sale or alternative solutions.
Reuters, BBC, and the Guardian contributed to this report.
