**Americans Face TikTok Ban as ByteDance Limits Access in the U.S.**

On Sunday, Americans confronted the reality of the TikTok ban as ByteDance officially limited access to the app in the United States.

When U.S. users try to launch TikTok, they are now greeted with a message stating, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.” This abrupt shutdown triggered a spike in online searches for phrases such as “how to circumvent TikTok ban US,” “how to avoid TikTok block,” and “TikTok VPN,” based on Google Trends data.

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### **Americans Resort to VPNs to Overcome TikTok Ban**

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as a favored method for users trying to evade the TikTok ban. By concealing a user’s IP address and linking them to a secure server elsewhere, VPNs theoretically enable ongoing access to the app. Despite the widely acknowledged concerns regarding TikTok’s cybersecurity, numerous loyal users remain unfazed.

The surge in interest for VPNs was so remarkable that NordVPN reportedly faced technical difficulties shortly after the ban was enforced, according to Downdetector, a site owned by Ziff Davis.

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### **Users Encounter VPN Issues for TikTok Access**

Nonetheless, many users attempting to utilize VPNs to restore access to TikTok have reported challenges. Social media channels were rapidly inundated with memes and grievances early Sunday morning, as users voiced their dissatisfaction over VPNs being unable to bypass the block.

Suggestions on how to regain TikTok access started circulating online. Some users on X (formerly Twitter) recommended ensuring the VPN is connected to a country where TikTok is not prohibited, while others suggested creating a new account from outside the U.S. using a VPN.

Although these strategies remain unverified, it’s noteworthy that the easiest solution might be to wait. According to a report from NBC, President-elect Donald Trump has signaled he may provide TikTok a 90-day extension to prevent a permanent ban.

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### **A Temporary Resolution May Be Imminent**

In the notification addressing the ban, TikTok mentioned, “President Trump has indicated that he will collaborate with us on a resolution to restore TikTok once he assumes office.” With Trump scheduled to be inaugurated on Monday, there is a chance that an extension could be unveiled soon.

In the meantime, TikTok users and creators must adapt to life without the app. For many, this signifies a major transition as they navigate the ambiguity surrounding the platform’s future.