TikTok’s US Download Ban Sparks Panic, Users Offer Huge Money for Phones with App Still Installed

After TikTok was banned and then reinstated in the US by President Donald Trump, many users who had uninstalled the app are struggling to get it back. Although the ban was lifted, TikTok is still unavailable for download on the Google Play Store and Apple Store, leaving users looking for alternatives.

This is INSANE! eBay is full of phones with TikTok already downloaded on it selling for thousands!! pic.twitter.com/juxXtINQ9z

— Gentry Gevers (@gentrywgevers) January 22, 2025

A strange trend has emerged, with some users offering large amounts of money for smartphones that still have TikTok installed. For example, one person listed an iPhone 15 Pro on eBay for nearly $5 million, claiming it was “perfect” except for a damaged screen protector and the presence of TikTok.

Many users had deleted TikTok, thinking it wouldn’t return, but it was back online within 12 hours. Now, these users can’t download it again. On Android, the Play Store displays a message saying, “Downloads for this app are paused due to current US legal requirements,” while iPhone users see a similar message saying, “TikTok and other ByteDance apps are not available in your country or region.”

Both Apple and Google have said they must follow US laws. Experts believe the companies are waiting for additional safeguards before allowing TikTok to return to their stores.

Meanwhile, President Trump has given ByteDance more time to find a buyer for TikTok’s US operations, with possible buyers including Elon Musk. The situation remains uncertain, leaving TikTok users anxious.