As of 11:15 a.m. ET on Sunday, the TikTok site remained accessible via desktop browsers, according to YSL News staff and two other sources.

Although TikTok is facing a ban in the United States, users can still download their data.

On Saturday evening, TikTok users encountered a notice on the app stating that it was no longer accessible in the U.S., just hours before the new legislation took effect on Sunday.

“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now,” read the pop-up message on both the TikTok app and website.

This ban prohibits internet hosting services and app stores from distributing TikTok. The Apple App Store and Google Play Store will not remove TikTok from devices where it is already downloaded, but the app is non-functional. TikTok is also unavailable on web browsers.

However, with over 170 million Americans eager to know what’s next for the platform, TikTok is still permitting users to download their data as of Sunday morning.

Here’s a straightforward guide on how to access and download your TikTok data despite the ongoing ban.

Downloading Your TikTok Data via the Mobile App

Even with the ban in place, TikTok users can grab data tied to their accounts, such as usernames, followers, followed accounts, links to favorite videos, messages, and overall activity.

Follow these steps to download your data from the TikTok app:

• Open the TikTok app.
• Tap “Learn more” when you see the ban notification.
• You’ll be redirected to the TikTok website; tap “log in” at the bottom of the ban notification.
• Log in to your TikTok account.
• Tap “Download your data.”
• Select the data you wish to download and choose a file format (.TXT (plain text) or JSON). Both formats can be opened with standard text editing applications.
• Tap “Request data.”

Downloading Your TikTok Data via the Website

To download your TikTok data using a web browser, follow these steps:

• Visit TikTok.com.
• Click “download your data” at the bottom of the ban notification.
• Click “download your data.”
• Choose the data you want to include in the download and select the file format (.TXT or JSON), both compatible with standard text editors.
• Click “Request data.”

If you can access the full TikTok website, here’s another method to follow:

• Go to TikTok.com.
• Click “More” at the bottom left corner of the page.
• Click “Settings.”
• Click “Privacy.”
• Click “Download your data.”
• Select the data you want to include in your download and choose a file format (.TXT or JSON).
• Click “Request data.”

When Will You Receive Your TikTok Data?

Depending on the volume of data requested, TikTok will send you a downloadable file in a few minutes to a few days.

Why is TikTok Banned in the US?

Following several investigations and controversies, President Joe Biden signed a law last spring that mandated ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company in China, to divest from the platform by January 19, 2025. Some officials are concerned that ByteDance might share U.S. user data with the Chinese government, viewing it as a potential national security risk.

Since ByteDance did not sell TikTok by the deadline, the app is now effectively banned in the U.S.

Despite having previously supported a TikTok ban, President-elect Donald Trump has now pledged to “save” TikTok, stating to NBC News last week that he anticipates providing a 90-day extension to avert the ban.

TikTok’s CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross.