TikTok has returned to Apple and Google’s app stores in the U.S. after President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a ban on the platform. The app was previously removed from the stores as part of legal requirements for ByteDance to either sell TikTok or face a ban.

TikTok Back on Apple and Google App Stores

Following the delay of the ban, TikTok is once again available for download on Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store in the U.S. The popular social media platform, operated by ByteDance, had been removed on January 18 to comply with a law that required ByteDance to either divest TikTok or see it banned in the U.S.

TikTok serves over 170 million users in the U.S. The temporary removal of the app led many users to explore alternative platforms, with some migrating to the China-based RedNote app, calling themselves “TikTok refugees.”

After nearly a month of absence, TikTok was reinstated on app stores in the U.S. Trump, on his first day back in office, signed an executive order extending the enforcement deadline of the TikTok ban until April 5.

The U.S. government still argues that TikTok poses a national security risk due to its Chinese ownership and potential access to millions of Americans’ data. TikTok, however, denies sharing U.S. user data with the Chinese government and claims that the law forcing its sale or ban violates American citizens’ First Amendment rights.

During his first term, Trump had initially supported banning TikTok but later softened his stance, expressing sympathy for the app. Notably, TikTok CEO Shou Chew was among the attendees at Trump’s inauguration ceremony.

Additionally, Trump suggested that TikTok could be partially owned by American investors, proposing a joint ownership model where half of the company would be controlled by U.S. stakeholders. Potential buyers reportedly include real estate billionaire Frank McCourt, investor Kevin O’Leary, and popular YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast).