TikTok Restricted? How to Save Your Videos (2026)

TikTok faces various levels of restrictions around the world. Whether it’s a full ban, a government-device restriction, or age-based limits, millions of users risk losing access to their favorite content at any time.

This guide covers the current global landscape and how to protect your content.

Where Is TikTok Restricted in 2026?

The situation varies widely by country. Here’s what’s actually happening based on verified reporting:

Full Nationwide Bans

These countries have completely blocked TikTok for all users:

India — Banned since June 2020 over national security concerns. The ban remains in effect with no signs of reversal.
Afghanistan — Banned since April 2022 by the Taliban government, citing content inconsistent with Islamic law.
Somalia — Banned since August 2023 along with other social media platforms.
Iran — Blocked as part of broader internet censorship policies.
Uzbekistan — Unavailable since 2021 due to data privacy concerns.
Kyrgyzstan — Banned since April 2024.
Senegal — Full nationwide ban in effect.

Government Device Bans (App Still Available to Public)

Many Western countries have banned TikTok on government-issued devices only. Regular users can still access the app freely:

United States — TikTok is available to consumers. A divestiture deal was reached in January 2026 to move US operations to a US-based investor group. However, TikTok remains restricted on federal government devices.
United Kingdom — Banned on government devices since March 2023.
Canada — Banned on government devices since February 2023. Canada also ordered TikTok to close its Toronto and Vancouver offices in 2025.
Australia — Banned on federal government devices since April 2023.
France — “Recreational” use banned on government employees’ phones since March 2023.
EU Institutions — Banned on EU Parliament, Commission, and Council staff devices.
Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Taiwan — Various government device restrictions in place.

Age Restrictions Being Introduced

A growing trend in 2026 is social media age limits:

Australia — First nation to prohibit social media access for users under 16 (December 2025).
France — Lower house voted to bar social media for users under 15 (January 2026).
Norway, Spain, Greece — Considering similar under-15/16 bans.

How to Save Your TikTok Content

Regardless of where you live, having backup copies of your favorite content is always smart. Here’s how:

Save Individual Videos

Open TikTok and find the video you want to keep.
Copy the link (tap Share → Copy Link).
Go to MediaTools TikTok Downloader.
Paste the link and download — videos save without a watermark in HD.

Extract Audio from TikToks

Love a particular TikTok sound? Use our TikTok Sound Downloader to save the audio as an MP3 file you can keep forever.

Back Up Your Own Posted Content

If you’re a creator, back up your own videos:

Go to your TikTok profile.
Copy the link for each video you’ve posted.
Download clean copies through MediaTools.

This way, even if the platform becomes unavailable in your region, you still have all your content.

How to Access TikTok from Restricted Regions

If TikTok is fully banned in your country, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the most common way users regain access. A VPN routes your internet traffic through a server in another country.

What to Look for in a VPN

Speed — TikTok is video-heavy, so you need fast servers that don’t buffer.
Server locations — Pick a VPN with servers in countries where TikTok works (Japan, UK, Singapore are reliable).
Mobile app quality — You’ll primarily use TikTok on your phone.
No-log policy — Your browsing data should stay private.

Popular options include NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. Do your own research to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TikTok banned in the United States? No. As of 2026, TikTok is available to US consumers. A deal was reached in January 2026 to transition US operations to a US-based investor group. TikTok is only restricted on federal government devices.

Is using a VPN to access TikTok legal? In most countries, VPN use is completely legal. However, some countries (like China, Russia, and North Korea) heavily restrict VPN use. Always check your local laws.

Will TikTok ban my account for using a VPN? TikTok does not typically ban accounts for VPN use. Many people use VPNs for privacy reasons unrelated to TikTok.

Can I still download TikTok videos if the app is removed from app stores? If you already have TikTok installed, it may still work with a VPN. You can also save videos through MediaTools using just a browser — no app needed.

Take Action Now

Don’t wait for restrictions to affect you. Spend 10 minutes today to:

Download your favorite TikToks — watermark-free, HD quality.
Save TikTok sounds as MP3 files.
Research VPN options if you’re in a restricted region.

Your content is worth preserving. MediaTools makes it easy and free.

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