TikTok Temporarily Shuts Down in US Following Ban, Service Gradually Restoring
TikTok temporarily shut down its U.S. operations on January 19, 2025, following a Biden-signed law requiring ByteDance to divest from the app. The shutdown occurred at midnight EST after ByteDance failed to sell the platform by the deadline.
TikTok billboard featuring vinyl record
Users initially received this notification: "We regret that a U.S. law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. We're working to restore our service in the United States as soon as possible."
The message was later updated after President-elect Trump announced on Truth Social his intention to extend the implementation period through an executive order after his inauguration:
TikTok US shutdown notice
Current Status:
- Website remains accessible
- App unavailable for new downloads on iOS App Store and Google Play
- Existing users can still access the app
- Service restoration expected after Trump's executive order
TikTok's official statement confirms they're working with service providers to restore access and will collaborate with President Trump on a "long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States." The platform emphasized its commitment to supporting over 170 million American users and 7 million small businesses.
The Supreme Court upheld the original ban, but President Biden has deferred implementation decisions to the incoming Trump administration, suggesting a potential path forward for the platform's continued operation in the United States.
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