Days after TikTok was banned in the US and it was quickly revived by new President Donald Trump, users who uninstalled it are willing to spend huge amounts of money to buy smartphones with access to the short-video app. Despite being allowed back in, TikTok is still not available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple Store – leaving users desperate for alternatives.
According to a report New York PostThe iPhone which still has TikTok installed was listed for around $5 million (Rs 43 crore) EBAYThe ad description for the iPhone 15 Pro, 128GB model reads, “The screen protector is only suitable for damaged phones and contains TikTok.”
Meanwhile, users on other social media platforms were pleading to buy TikTok-installed smartphones.
“I deleted TikTok and now I can’t get it back! I would pay someone $5,000 for an iPhone 16 Pro Max with TikTok still installed. DM me,” a post on
I deleted TikTok and now I can’t get it back! I’d pay $5,000 for an iPhone 16 Pro Max that still has TikTok installed. DM me.
– Terrell from Sales (@Terrell_2_Cold) 20 January 2025
This is madness! eBay is full of phones with TikTok already downloaded selling for thousands!! pic.twitter.com/juxXtINQ9z
– Gentry Gevers (@gentrywgevers) 22 January 2025
After the ban went into effect on January 19, some TikTokers mistakenly deleted the app, thinking it would not return. However, within 12 hours, the app went back live, leaving them in a difficult situation.
Why are Google and Apple not allowing downloads?
Android users who go to the Google Play Store to download or update TikTok get a message that reads, “Downloads of this app have been paused due to current US legal requirements”. As for iPhone users, display a similar message stating: “TikTok and other ByteDance apps are not available in the country or region you are in.”
The “Learn More” prompt takes users to a help page with additional information about the availability of TikTok and other ByteDance-owned apps in the United States.
“Apple is bound to comply with the laws in the jurisdictions in which it operates,” the message reads.
While President Trump has given an extension to the ByteDance-owned app, according to analysts, both Google and Apple are waiting for additional protections before bypassing the ban, which could lead to penalties against companies that distribute the app. reuters,
President Trump has said the extension allows more time to find a buyer for Apple’s US assets. A number of potential buyers have emerged, with Mr Trump even indicating he is open to buying the app from billionaire Elon Musk.
