As TikTok waits for the Trump administration and a proposed 90-day delay on a ban, users who previously downloaded the app have returned to the platform.

The video-sharing application went offline on Saturday, but TikTok resumed service on Sunday after being inaccessible for nearly 12 hours.

“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service,” stated the TikTok Policy X account on Sunday around noon ET. “We appreciate President Trump for clarifying that there will be no repercussions for service providers allowing TikTok to be used by over 170 million Americans, benefiting more than seven million small businesses. This is a strong affirmation of the First Amendment and a stand against unwarranted censorship. We aim to collaborate with President Trump for a long-term solution that allows TikTok to operate in the United States.”

Is TikTok back online?

For those who still had the app installed, access was restored by Sunday afternoon.

However, the TikTok app is still not available in the Apple and Google app stores. Therefore, users who deleted the app when the ban began on Saturday are missing out on its return.

Many users took to TikTok to celebrate its comeback on Sunday. Notable posts included videos from the NBA’s Utah Jazz, featuring Lauri Markkanen with his phone, and the University of Georgia football program.

Why was the US government pushing to ban TikTok?

In April 2024, Congress approved a ban on TikTok, which is widely used by 170 million Americans, and President Joe Biden enacted it. The legislation was aimed at addressing fears that TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, posed significant national security risks. The law stipulated that for TikTok to continue its operations in the U.S., it must divest its American business.

After the Supreme Court dismissed ByteDance’s claim that the ban violated users’ free speech, TikTok announced on Friday that it would “have to go dark” on Sunday.

When did TikTok cease operations?

The platform officially went down Saturday evening, just hours before the new legislation took effect.

Users attempting to access TikTok through their mobile devices or internet browsers encountered a message stating their access was restricted.

The Biden administration has indicated that it does not intend to enforce the ban, while Trump has mentioned his willingness to explore options to keep TikTok active, including potentially finding a buyer for its U.S. operations.

So, is TikTok truly banned in the US?

While a law effectively banning TikTok in the U.S. is now active, the app has been removed from mobile app stores; however, it will not be uninstalled from users’ devices where it has already been downloaded.

Trump mentioned to NBC News on Saturday that he plans to “likely” grant TikTok a 90-day extension from a potential ban once he takes office on Monday, providing the administration time to reach a resolution.

“The 90-day extension seems appropriate. It’s a big issue, and we need to handle it carefully,” Trump stated in a phone conversation with NBC News’ “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker on Saturday.

In preparation for Trump’s inauguration on Monday, TikTok initiated the restoration of service on Sunday for existing users.

Upon opening the app, users were welcomed with a message: “Welcome back! Thank you for your patience and support. Thanks to President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!”

Some users have reported being able to access TikTok via web browsers as well.

What does the future hold for TikTok in the US?

To comply with the ban’s regulations, Trump on Sunday evening proposed that the U.S. could own 50% of TikTok’s operations in America.

“I will approve it, but the United States should own half of TikTok,” Trump declared at a rally in Washington, D.C., on the eve of his inauguration. “We’ll have numerous bidders. The U.S. will pursue a joint venture.”

The Chinese government seems open to negotiations. During a regular press briefing on Monday, China’s foreign ministry expressed that companies should make independent decisions regarding their operations and partnerships, according to Reuters.

“TikTok has been a part of the U.S. landscape for years and is immensely popular with American users,” said spokesperson Mao Ning. “We hope the U.S. will truly listen to reason and create a business environment that is open, fair, just, and non-discriminatory for firms operating there.”

Contributing: Francesca Chambers, Greta Cross, Jessica Guynn, Savannah Kuchar, Bailey Schulz, and Felecia Wellington Radel from YSL News; Reuters.

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