On Saturday night, TikTok went dark, pulling its products from app stores in the United States. By Sunday, TikTok services resumed for American users after assurances from former President Trump, but the app remains absent from app stores—even after Trump signed an executive order delaying enforcement of the TikTok ban.

The Rise of Sideloading as a Workaround

As the ban loomed, Android users were advised to explore sideloading as an alternative to downloading TikTok. Sideloading enables the installation of apps not available on official stores like Google Play. For users who missed the chance to download TikTok before the ban, sideloading from reputable platforms offered a potential solution.

However, sideloading comes with risks. While Google Play provides a layer of security by screening apps for malware, sideloading apps from unknown sources can expose users to potential threats. Trusted platforms, such as APKMirror, have traditionally been safer options for sideloading. APKMirror verifies the authenticity of app developers, making it a recommended choice for downloading TikTok post-ban.

APKMirror Blocks TikTok Downloads

Unfortunately, APKMirror has now blocked TikTok downloads entirely. A search for TikTok on the platform displays a clear message explaining the restriction:

TikTok downloads are blocked due to the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act—the law responsible for banning TikTok in the U.S.

This block also extends to Lemon8, a popular lifestyle app from TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance. While users can still search for Lemon8 on APKMirror, any attempt to download it results in the same error message.

Interestingly, APKMirror continues to allow downloads of other TikTok-related apps such as CapCut and Marvel Snap. Despite being banned from official app stores under the same law, these apps are still available on APKMirror. For instance, users can download CapCut’s version last updated on January 22 and Marvel Snap’s version from January 14.

Legal Ambiguities Around the TikTok Ban

The situation underscores the complexities of enforcing the TikTok ban. The law in question officially went into effect on January 19, passed by Congress, signed by President Biden, and upheld by the Supreme Court. It grants the president the authority to delay the ban by 90 days if ByteDance demonstrates efforts to sell TikTok. However, the law’s original deadline has already passed, raising questions about the legality of delaying enforcement.

Some companies, including TikTok and its U.S. hosting partner Oracle, appear to interpret the delay as valid, continuing operations despite the law’s enactment. Meanwhile, others, like APKMirror, are erring on the side of caution by blocking TikTok downloads while still allowing access to related apps.

Limited Options for TikTok Access

For now, there are few secure ways to download TikTok if you missed the opportunity before the ban. Attempting to sideload the app from unverified sources increases the risk of downloading malware or compromised versions of the app. As a safer alternative, users can rely on TikTok’s web app, which remains operational. While it lacks the full functionality of the mobile app, it’s a more secure option than downloading the app from unreliable sources.

Conclusion

The TikTok ban and its enforcement have created significant uncertainty for users and platforms alike. APKMirror’s decision to block TikTok downloads highlights the delicate balance between adhering to legal requirements and serving user needs. For now, Android users looking to access TikTok must navigate limited options, prioritize security, and explore safe alternatives like the web app to avoid risks.