How to Unblock TikTok Ban Using a VPN | Best TikTok VPNs

TikTok took the United States of America by storm over the past few years. It now faces the threat of a nationwide ban, which is concerning to many TikTok users. However, in the event that the app is banned, you can still access it with a virtual private network (VPN). In this article, learn why TikTok is facing a ban in the US, how you can get around a TikTok ban, and which VPN is the best for avoiding the ban.

What is the TikTok ban bill?

The TikTok ban bill, formally known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, is a bill introduced in the United States of America that would ban TikTok if the app is not sold by ByteDance, its parent company, to a US-based entity. The intent of the act is "to protect the national security of the United States from the thread posed by foreign adversary controlled applications, such as TikTok," according to the official bill on the Congress website.

Because ByteDance is a Chinese-based company and China is a foreign adversary to the United States, the US is concerned with the security of the app in relation to the Chinese Communist Party and its data collection. Therefore, the bill was proposed as a way to either remove the app from American app stores with a nationwide ban or force a sale to an American company.

TikTok on a phone screen

Is TikTok getting banned in the US?

It's unclear whether or not TikTok will be banned in the United States. However, if the app is not sold, then yes, it will be banned and removed from US app stores.

In order for the TikTok ban in the US to be successful, the related bill needs to pass through the House of Representatives and the Senate before it goes to the President for approval. As of March 2024, the House of Representatives passed the bill by a vote of 352-65.

The bill went to the Senate after passing the House. In April 2024, after evaluating and discussing the legislation, the Senate passed the bill as part of a larger foreign aid package in a 79-18 vote.

There was some question as to whether or not President Joe Biden would sign the bill. Vice President Kamala Harris previously stated that the Biden administration doesn't "intend to ban TikTok." However, the bill was signed by the President in April 2024 shortly after the Senate vote. The potential for perceived dissonance between these statements is likely due to the belief that the bill would force a sale rather than ban the app. But if ByteDance refuses to sell, then the app will indeed receive a ban in the US.

When would a TikTok ban go into effect?

There's no exact timeline for when a TikTok ban would go into effect, as legal discussions and court battles could draw the process out. However, once the bill officially passes, it gives ByteDance roughly nine months to sell the app to a new host in the United States with the option for the President to extend the deadline by a few months if the administration believes a sale is in progress. Otherwise, the company will lose access to app stores in the US. Therefore, assuming ByteDance does not sell, a full TikTok ban would likely go into effect nine or ten months after the bill passes.

How to get around a TikTok ban

Unlike the RESTRICT Act, an act lawmakers originally proposed as a TikTok ban in 2023 that potentially criminalized the use of VPNs to access the app, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act does not present a legal risk to TikTok users.

The best way to get around a TikTok ban is with a VPN, or virtual private network. Virtual private networks encrypt your Internet traffic, protecting your data privacy online by hiding your IP address from browsers and websites. They allow you to change the location of your IP address. You automatically receive an IP when you join a network, but with a VPN, you can essentially spoof your location by using a different IP.

Therefore, if you use a VPN, you can change your IP location to a different country outside of the US. This would allow you to access the app, provided that you choose a country that doesn't also ban TikTok.

Keep in mind that should TikTok be banned, it won't be legally available on any app stores. Therefore, you would need to have the TikTok app already downloaded on your phone or other device in order to successfully use a TikTok VPN workaround. Additionally, the app won't be able to receive any software updates or security patches. Using outdated apps like this can increase a user's risk of encountering malware or other cyber threats.

How to choose a VPN for TikTok

When choosing a VPN to use with TikTok after the ban, there are a few things that you should look for. Use the following list as a checklist. When you choose a VPN, make sure that it has as many of these items for the most optimal performance.

  • Strong security measures. Choosing a virtual private network that can protect you and your data is paramount. Look for robust encryption protocols that prevent data leaks, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. A kill switch blocks your Internet access in the event that your VPN connection fails.
  • Vast server coverage. Make sure to choose a VPN service with servers available across the globe. To access TikTok, you need to get a VPN that lets you access the app from a country that allows it. Look for a VPN with coverage in Canada or the UK.
  • Masking technology. In some cases, websites can detect when you're using a VPN or proxy to change your IP. Choose a VPN with masking technology capable of hiding the fact that you're using a VPN, further improving your privacy online.
  • A strict no-logs policy. You want a VPN that doesn't keep track of your information itself. If your virtual private network tracks and collects your data, it defeats the purpose of using the service in the first place.
  • A wide server network. The bigger a VPN service network is, the faster your connection will be. Choose a wide server network for a fast and stable connection.

Though this list may seem lengthy, choosing a VPN that offers safe browsing is crucial. Avoid using a free VPN to circumvent the TikTok ban, as these are often unsecured and collect data on user activity. Instead, invest in a secure, comprehensive VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Best VPN for TikTok

There are many quality VPN services available. But if you don't know where to start with your search, we recommend using NordVPN for TikTok. NordVPN allows users to use the service on ten devices at once, which helps if you have a large family or friends that all want to access TikTok.

It also uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with 256-bit keys. This offers strong protection against brute-force attacks and other dangers that may threaten users' information.

A TikTok ban may occur in the US.

With NordVPN, you can also choose from over 6000 servers in 80+ locations when you select a new IP location, including Europe, North and South America, and Africa. This ensures that you'll be able to access TikTok from one of these regions.

It also offers a feature called Threat Protection. This feature provides safer browsing by blocking malicious websites, advertisements, and trackers. It reduces your risk of encountering or downloading malware, which risks your device health.

If you want more options, you can also explore ExpressVPN or CyberGhost VPN. Both are trusted and comprehensive virtual private networks.

How to unblock TikTok with a VPN

Once you've chosen your VPN and set it up on your device by following the VPN's instructions, you need to know how to use the VPN to access TikTok after the ban. After installing the app on your phone or device, open the app.

Select a server from a country where TikTok is still available. If you're in the United States, Mexico or Canada are good choices. The close geographic proximity allows for better connection speeds and strength.

Once you've selected a nearby server, connect to the server and then go to the TikTok app on your device. It should now be available through the VPN server.

In the case of a TikTok ban, the app will no longer be available on any American app stores, even with a VPN. Therefore, in order to unblock TikTok with a VPN, first make sure that you've already downloaded the TikTok app before the ban takes place.

How can I protect my data on TikTok?

TikTok, like other social media apps, collects data on its users. Because this is the case, there's only so much you can do to protect your data while still using the apps. However, there are a few ways to limit the data you provide to the app.

To limit the data that advertisers receive, go to Settings and Privacy in the TikTok app and then select Ads. Check the toggle for Using Off-TikTok Activity for Ad Targeting and make sure to turn it off. This makes it so that TikTok can't collect data from other apps and device activity in order to curate advertisements.

You can also customize your account to make it more private. In Settings and Privacy, go to Privacy and Activity Status. This won't notify others when you open the app. You can also make your entire account by turning on the Private Account toggle button.

When TikTok asks you to share your contacts or Facebook friends with them, always reject these requests to safeguard your data. However, if you've already accepted their request, go to your TikTok profile and into your Settings and Privacy. Tap Privacy > Sync Contacts and turn off the sync for contacts and Facebook friends.

You can also select Remove previously synced contacts and Remove previously synced Facebook friends. This doesn't undo the original damage, but it does cut off the app's access to your data moving forward.

Remember that TikTok is a social media app. Therefore, all users should practice standard social media privacy when using the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many Americans use TikTok?

Roughly 170 million Americans use TikTok, making it one of the most popular social media platforms in the country.

Why is the US banning TikTok?

The United States is pursuing a potential TikTok ban because the government considers the app to be a security issue. The app is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese owners company, and China is a direct adversary to the US.
However, the ban is not in effect yet. The President signed the bill in April of 2024, but ByteDance still has months to potentially sell the app before it receives an actual ban.

Will TikTok be banned?

At this time, we don't know whether or not TikTok will be banned in the USA. However, even if it is, it will not be banned universally.