TikTok banned: Reasons and solutions in 2025

TL;DR:

• TikTok is banned or restricted in some countries due to privacy, security, or content concerns.
• ClearVPN is a simple and secure option to bypass TikTok bans.
• Bans affect creators by lowering views, cutting income, and limiting growth.
• Many creators move to Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or email newsletters.
• Extra tools like AdLock, Pareto Security, and Secrets 4 can help you stay safe online.

If you're a TikTok fan, losing access to the app can be frustrating, especially when traveling to countries with restrictions or bans in place.

In this article, I’ll provide answers to the “where is TikTok banned?” question and explain how to get TikTok unblocked, so that you can enjoy your daily dose of micro-entertainment without any limitations. 

How to unblock TikTok

If TikTok is not working, the best way to deal with this problem is to connect through a VPN. 

VPN allows you to route your internet connection through a remote server, hiding your IP address and encrypting your data. Simply choose a VPN server in a country that doesn’t have any TikTok content restrictions or bans, and you’ll be able to use TikTok in restricted regions.

The best VPNs for unlocking TikTok 

When choosing the right VPN to access TikTok in countries that have introduced TikTok content restrictions, partial bans, or have banned TikTok completely, it’s important to consider the following criteria: 

• Effectiveness: Can it bypass regional blocks in the areas where TikTok is not working?
• Network: Does it have enough servers in locations that don’t have TikTok banned?
• Speed: Is it fast enough to stream video? 
• Privacy: Does it follow a zero-log policy? Is there a kill switch feature that automatically disconnects you the moment you lose the secure connection? Does it use secure encryption?
• Friendly UI: Is it easy to use? 

My top recommendation for a VPN service that meets all of the above requirements is ClearVPN.

ClearVPN is an elegant one-button solution for accessing TikTok in countries that have banned the app. To avoid any TikTok content restrictions you might be facing, use one of ClearVPN’s ready-made tools for changing your geolocation, or Optimal location:

Follow any TikTok-related links with caution

If you're using TikTok in a country with restrictions, you must stay safe and protect your personal information. Be careful when clicking on TikTok-related links, and try to avoid posting anything that might go against your local content rules. TikTok’s own tools, like reporting and blocking, can also help you manage unwanted comments or messages.

To make your online experience even safer, you might want to use a few extra tools:

• AdLock helps block annoying ads, trackers, and scam sites, so you can browse without distractions. 

• Pareto Security monitors your Mac’s privacy settings in case you want to access the TikTok web version and lets you know if anything important is turned off. 

• And if you want to keep your passwords and private info safe, Secrets 4 (available for macOS and iOS) can generate strong passwords, fill them in automatically, and lock everything behind strong encryption.

Why is TikTok banned in some countries?

Countries around the globe ban TikTok for a number of reasons. The three main reasons are:

• User privacy concerns related to TikTok’s data collection practices.
• Threats to national security because of TikTok's ties to China.
• Content censorship.

In most cases, you can’t use TikTok in restricted regions because of cybersecurity concerns. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has been accused of sharing user data with the Chinese authorities.

Countries where TikTok is fully or partially banned

TikTok restrictions range from partial bans in some countries to full nationwide bans. Only a few countries have taken steps to ban TikTok entirely.

• In Afghanistan, TikTok is completely off limits. 
• In China, the app you know is replaced by Douyin, which is its sister version run by ByteDance. 
• India pulled the plug back in 2020 over security and privacy fears.
• Iran blacklisted TikTok alongside other platforms for “immoral” content. 
• Kyrgyzstan followed in August 2023, worried about the app’s impact on kids.
• Nepal did the same in November 2023, citing social harmony and a new rule forcing social media firms to set up local offices. 
• Senegal banned TikTok after accusing it of spreading hateful, subversive messages (though many think it was really about silencing critics).
• Somalia nixed the app for flooding users with horrific images and misinformation.

Countries where TikTok has a partial ban

In most of these places, TikTok is only blocked on government-issued devices: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In the US, the push for a total ban hasn’t gone through, so for now, you’ll only see restrictions on federal and state gadgets, on personal phones in Montana, and on university-owned devices and campus Wi-Fi at certain colleges.

Read also:

• ClearVPN tutorial
• Best VPN for gaming

Impact of TikTok bans on users and content creators

When TikTok gets banned in a country, it can cause big problems for both users and creators. People suddenly lose access to the app, and creators lose their audience. Views go down, brand deals stop, and they can’t make money through the app anymore. With fewer likes and comments, it’s harder to grow. 

So, many creators start using other platforms like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, or even send out emails to stay in touch with their fans. It’s not easy, but some use this as a chance to try new things and keep their work going.

How TikTok’s ban affects global content sharing

TikTok has become a popular way to share creative videos, learn new things, and discover trends from around the world. Without it, creators can't reach as many people, and viewers lose access to content from different cultures. 

While some users move to platforms like Instagram or YouTube, these sites don't offer the same easy way to quickly share videos worldwide. Banning TikTok also brings up bigger concerns about online freedom and who decides what content we can access. It shows how important open platforms are, not just for entertainment, but also for sharing ideas and connecting across borders.

Why is my TikTok not working?

If it’s not a Wi-Fi issue, cache glitch, or TikTok server bug, your location might be the problem. Some regions block access based on IP, restrict downloads (like India), or limit content by area.

How to get TikTok unblocked where it’s banned: Final words

The easiest way to unblock TikTok is to use a VPN. By connecting to a VPN server in another country, you can view the web as a local of that country. Make sure you check which countries allow TikTok access, pick a reputable VPN, and follow safety guidelines to enjoy your favorite content securely.

In addition to a VPN like ClearVPN, you can also enhance your security and browsing experience with apps like AdLock, which blocks ads and trackers; Pareto Security, which makes sure your Mac’s settings are secure; and Secrets 4, which manages your passwords safely and efficiently.

All of these helpful tools are available through Setapp, a platform with over 260 top-rated apps for iOS and macOS. You can try Setapp free for seven days to test these apps and discover other great ways to stay productive, secure, and connected online.

FAQ

What are the reasons that TikTok should be banned?

The main reason for blocking TikTok comes down to National Security concerns in the USA. Some countries have worries about safety and security, as well as immoral or improper content being uploaded and shared. 

What causes you to get banned from TikTok?

Posting content that violates community guidelines, such as material considered harmful, hateful, sexually explicit, or promoting violent or illegal activities, can lead to a TikTok ban. Users can be banned after a single violation or for repeated offenses.

Why did India ban TikTok?

India banned TikTok in 2020 because of concerns about national security and privacy. The government worried that TikTok was collecting too much data and could pose a risk because of its ties to China. This happened at a time when India banned several Chinese-owned apps due to growing tensions between the two countries.

What started the TikTok ban?

The main reason TikTok bans started was concern about security and privacy. Experts worried that TikTok collected more user data than other social media apps, which could risk users' personal information and privacy. Some countries acted because they felt the app was breaking privacy laws or posed a security risk.