How to Download TikTok in India After the Ban—Android & iPhone Guide!

Part 1. Is TikTok Working in India 2025?

As of October 2025, TikTok is still banned in India. You cannot download TikTok on Android or iPhone via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store in India.

Though the Indian government has made no official move to reverse the ban, a temporary glitch in August 2025 made the TikTok website briefly accessible. This sparked a wave of questions like “How to download TikTok back on Android?” and “How to reinstall TikTok after ban iPhone.”

However, the glitch was swiftly addressed, and TikTok remains banned in India.

Why is TikTok banned in India 2025?

The Indian government gave several reasons for keeping TikTok blocked. These include:

National Security Risks

• Authorities worry that sensitive user data could be accessed by foreign governments and misused against India.

Data Privacy Concerns

• TikTok collects a large amount of personal information, and India feared that this data was not being protected under Indian laws.

Influence on Children and Harmful Content

• The app was criticized for exposing young users to inappropriate, addictive, or dangerous trends.

Cultural Impact

• Concerns were raised that TikTok content sometimes clashed with Indian values and traditions.

Public Order Issues

• Rumors and misinformation on the platform were seen as potential threats to peace and order.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

• India lacked strong regulations to control TikTok’s operations, making compliance a challenge.

Diplomatic Tensions with China

• Since TikTok is owned by China’s ByteDance, the ban was also tied to broader India–China political and trade disputes.

How Long Will the Ban on TikTok Last?

For now, the ban seems indefinite. In 2025, India’s IT Minister clearly stated that there are no plans to lift the ban on TikTok.

Unless TikTok or ByteDance agrees to follow India’s strict data protection rules and legal framework, it is unlikely the app will return soon.

Part 2. iPhone Trick: How to Download TikTok in India After the Ban! [step by step]

For iPhone users searching for “How can I download TikTok in India?”, we provide you with detailed step-by-step methods to download the app in this section.

First, Install a VPN to Access TikTok Content in India [FREE]

We recommend using Proton VPN. Why? Because it’s reputable, has a free plan, a firm public no-logs stance, and has even removed physical servers in India after new data-logging rules:

• Open the App Store.
• Search for Proton VPN and install it on your iPhone.
• Launch the app and sign up or log in.
• While the free version works reliably, choose a Premium plan if you want access to faster servers.
• Choose a server in a country where TikTok is not banned (e.g., the United States, the UK, Singapore).
• Tap Connect.

Way 1: Change Your App Store Region and Reinstall TikTok

Since the TikTok app is not available on the Indian App Store (which is influenced by your current region), you’ll need to switch regions to get TikTok in India.

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap on your profile picture.
• Go to Media & Purchases.
• Tap on View Account.

• Select Country/Region.
• Now choose Change Country or Region.
• Pick the new country and accept the terms
• Add a valid local payment method and then a billing address.

• With that done, open the App Store, search for TikTok, and install it.
• Launch TikTok while still connected to the Proton VPN.
• Sign in or create a new account.
• Stay connected to the VPN to use the app reliably.

Way 2: Create a New Apple ID in a Different Country

Due to stricter iOS regulations, TikTok might not work as reliably as intended by changing your App Store region for some users if their Apple ID is of Indian-origin.

If you’re still facing issues, follow the steps below:

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap on the Profile picture at the top.
• On the Profile page, scroll down to log out.
• Sign in again by creating a new Apple account.
• Enter a new email, a strong password, and choose a different country/region.
• Add payment and billing for that country,
• Once approved, open the App Store and download TikTok.
• The app will work 100% reliably, even if you are physically located in India.

Way 3: Download the TikTok IPA File

If you don’t want to create a new Apple ID, the TikTok IPA file becomes the ultimate solution. For those unaware, an IPA is an iOS app package.

To download TikTok without the App Store, follow these steps:

• Visit altstore.io on your PC and install AltServer.
• Connect your iPhone to your PC via USB.
• Trust the PC if prompted
• Open AltServer.
• From the menu, choose Install AltStore and select your iPhone.
• Enter your Apple ID when prompted (used only to sign the app).
• On your PC, search for a trusted source to download the TikTok IPA file (e.g., iOS Ninja, IPA Library).
• Launch the AltStore app.
• Tap My Apps and then proceed to select the downloaded TikTok IPA file.
• AltStore will sign and install the TikTok app on your iPhone.
• On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
• Tap the developer profile and choose Trust.
• Open the TikTok app with VPN active and sign in.

Part 3. Android Users: How to Get TikTok Back in India After the Ban [step by step]

If you’re an Android user searching for “How to download TikTok back on Android”, then this section is for you.

First, Use a VPN to Access TikTok-Available Regions

Whatever way you choose, you’ll need a reliable VPN to access TikTok content reliably. We recommend Proton VPN. It’s reputable, free, and has a firm public no-logs policy.

• Open the Google Play Store.
• Search for Proton VPN and install it on your Android device.
• Launch the app and sign up or log in.
• While the free version works reliably, choose a Premium plan if you want access to faster servers.
• Choose a server in a country where TikTok is not banned (e.g., the United States, the UK, Singapore).
• Tap Connect and you’re good to go!

Way 1: Manually Download the TikTok APK

Unlike iOS, Android lets its users easily download apps from unofficial sources.

• First, go to Settings > Security (or Privacy).
• Enable “Install apps from unknown sources” for your mobile browser.
• Now open your mobile browser on the Android phone.
• Visit the UpToDown official site.
• In the search bar, type “TikTok” and hit enter.
• Tap on the official TikTok app.
• Scroll down and tap the “Download” button.
• The APK file will begin downloading to your device.
• Once downloaded, find it in your Downloads folder and open it.
• Tap Install and wait for the process to finish.
• Open the app and sign in or create a new account.

Way 2: Change Google Play Store Region

If you’re not comfortable with downloading APK files from unofficial sources on your Android phone and also have a valid payment method from another country, then we recommend changing your Google Play Store region to install TikTok in India on your phone:

• Open the Google Play Store app.
• Tap your profile icon.
• Go to Settings > General > “Account and device preferences”.
• Tap on “Country and profiles”.
• Select a new country and follow the prompts to add a payment method from that country.
• Once approved, you’ll be able to find TikTok on the Play Store.
• But you’ll still need to use a VPN to access content on TikTok.

Part 4. Unlock TikTok in India: The Android & iPhone Trick You Need!

For users who are not tech-savvy, PoGoskill provides an easy way out. It is a top-notch GPS location spoofer app that safely, reliably, and instantly changes your GPS coordinates to any location in the world.

How PoGoskill Can Help with TikTok in India

• With just a click, you can spoof your GPS coordinates to any location in the world.
• Joystick Mode lets you simulate your virtual movement seamlessly.
• You can also customize your walking speed to your liking.
• PoGoskill is compatible with the latest iOS 26 and Android 16 versions.

Steps to Use PoGoskill for TikTok in India

Free Download

Secure Download

Free Download

Secure Download

• Step 1. Click on the Download button above and install PoGoskill.

  

• Step 2. Connect your device and choose “General Mode”.

  

• Step 3. Find a location on the map and hit teleport to spoof your GPS coordinates.

  

  Step 4. Stay there until to get TikTok in your App Store or the Google Play Store.

Bonus Tips: Download TikTok Videos on iPhone & Android

It’s very common for people to download TikTok videos they like on their mobile devices. Once you’ve successfully managed to download TikTok in India, here’s how to download TikTok videos on iPhone as well as how to download TikTok videos on Android.

1Downloading TikTok Videos Using the TikTok App

• Open TikTok and find the video.
• Tap Share (arrow icon).
• If you see the Save Video option, tap it.
• The clip saves to Photos (iPhone) or Gallery (Android).

2Using Screen Recording

If a TikTok creator has disabled downloads, you won’t see the Save Video option there. In such cases, screen recording becomes your go-to option.

iPhone

• Go to Settings > Control Center > add Screen Recording.
• Open TikTok and get the video ready.
• Open Control Center and press the Record button (make sure Mic is off).
• After a 3-second countdown, the screen recording will start.
• Play the video.
• Tap the red recording indicator to stop screen recording.
• Screen recording will be saved in Photos.

Android (steps will vary by brand, but this will work for most phones)

• Swipe down to open the Quick Settings panel.
• Look for Screen Recorder. If missing, tap the pencil/edit icon to add it.
• Start the Screen Recorder.
• Choose sound source (device audio only is best).
• Find and play the TikTok video.
• Tap the floating button to stop recording.
• Find the screen recording in Gallery.

3Using Online Tools Without Watermark

Some free online tools also let you download TikTok videos directly on your device.

• Open TikTok and find the video.
• Tap Share > Copy link.
• Now head to a trusted downloader site (like ssstik.io or snaptik.app) on your mobile browser.
• Paste the link and choose Download.
• On iPhone: when asked, Choose Download; then go to Downloads folder > Tap the file > Share > Save Video.
• On Android: tap Download; the file saves to the Files/Downloads folder.

FAQs about TikTok being banned in India?

What Replaced TikTok in India?

Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and homegrown apps like Moj and Josh have become popular. Reels and Shorts leverage global platforms’ ecosystems, while Moj and Josh cater to local language and content preferences.

Which App Is Most Similar to TikTok?

Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are most similar. They offer TikTok-like short-video formats, creative tools, and viral algorithms, with Reels leaning on social sharing and Shorts on YouTube’s video ecosystem.

Why Can't I Download TikTok on My iPhone?

You can’t download TikTok on your iPhone in India because the Indian government banned it in 2020 over national security and data privacy concerns, forcing it off the Indian App Store. This legal action was part of a broader ban on hundreds of Chinese apps.

What Will Happen If I Use TikTok in India?

Using TikTok in India is unreliable due to network blocks. Trying to bypass the ban with workarounds like VPNs violates Indian laws and TikTok’s terms of service, risking legal penalties, fines, and permanent account suspension.

Which VPN Works For TikTok in India?

Reportedly, Proton VPN and Express VPN work, but note that using VPNs to bypass the ban is illegal in India, carrying legal and account risks.