Even though TikTok is not available for download on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, its traffic levels are almost back to where they were before the ban, according to insights from Cloudflare Radar. The widely used short-video platform experienced a dramatic drop in traffic when it was taken down due to the US government’s decision requiring ByteDance to either sell the app or face a ban. However, since January 19, 2025, the app has steadily regained its user activity.
David Belson, Cloudflare’s head of data insight, revealed that TikTok’s DNS traffic, which measures internet requests to TikTok’s servers, is now only 10% lower than it was before the shutdown. This marks a remarkable comeback, considering the platform’s traffic had fallen by 85% at its lowest point after the ban took effect.
Although this significant recovery suggests that TikTok is still widely used, new users are unable to download it, and those who removed it from their devices cannot reinstall it through official platforms.
TikTok Still Absent from App Stores
Even though TikTok’s services have resumed, the app remains unavailable for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This restriction prevents new users from accessing TikTok and blocks previous users who deleted the app from reinstalling it through standard means.
The app was initially taken down from these platforms in response to a US government directive that mandated TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to either sell the app to a US-based entity or face a complete ban in the country. This policy ultimately led to TikTok’s temporary suspension.
Although TikTok’s core functions are now operational, the app stores have yet to reinstate it, leaving people questioning whether it is still under legal scrutiny.
Other ByteDance Apps Remain Unavailable
TikTok is not the only ByteDance-owned app affected by this situation. Several popular apps developed by ByteDance have also disappeared from major app stores. These include:
- Marvel Snap – A mobile card game.
- CapCut – A widely used video editing tool.
- Lemon8 – A social media platform.
Like TikTok, these apps continue to function for existing users but remain unavailable for new downloads in the US.
Neither Apple nor Google has provided an official statement regarding if or when these apps will return to their respective stores. As a result, users are left guessing about the timeline for their reinstatement.
Users Finding Alternative Ways to Access TikTok
With no official way to download TikTok in the US, many users have turned to alternative methods to keep using the app. Some of the most common approaches include:
- Using VPN services to connect to internet servers in countries where TikTok is still available.
- Changing the region settings on their Apple ID to a country like Canada, where TikTok remains accessible for downloads.
These workarounds demonstrate the high demand for TikTok, even as the legal situation surrounding the app remains uncertain.
Why Apple and Google May Be Delaying TikTok’s Return
One possible reason for TikTok’s continued absence from app stores is the legal uncertainty that still surrounds the platform.
Although former President Donald Trump recently signed an order postponing TikTok’s ban, this action does not guarantee that the app is free from future legal action.
Tech giants like Apple and Google may be waiting for more legal clarity before deciding whether to reinstate TikTok on their platforms.
The challenges facing TikTok in the United States are part of a larger conflict between the US and China over issues such as technology, national security, and data privacy.
US officials have raised concerns about ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government, warning that TikTok could be used for data collection and surveillance. These concerns led to the divest-or-ban policy, which initially forced the platform to go offline.
Although TikTok’s traffic has bounced back, it still faces legal and regulatory hurdles. If ByteDance fails to reach an agreement with US lawmakers, the app could be forced into another shutdown or permanent ban.
With traffic recovering and users finding creative ways to access the app, TikTok remains one of the most resilient digital platforms. However, its long-term presence in the US depends on several key factors:
- Whether the US government ultimately allows ByteDance to keep TikTok or forces it to sell the app.
- The decision of Apple and Google on whether to restore TikTok to their app stores.
- Possible legal battles that could arise if TikTok continues operating in an uncertain regulatory environment.
For now, users who already have TikTok installed can continue to use it, but new downloads will remain restricted until further notice.
