Where to get TikTok back on your device
TikTok is available from the same place you downloaded apps originally: the App Store if you use an iPhone or iPad, or Google Play if you use an Android phone. If you deleted the app by accident or uninstalled it to free up space, you can reinstall it without paying anything — the app itself is free. Your account and saved videos will still be there once you sign back in.
The process takes about two minutes. You search for the app, tap the download button, and wait for it to install. The steps are slightly different depending on whether you use Apple or Android, so follow the section that matches your device.
Key Takeaways
- TikTok is free to download from the App Store on iPhone or iPad, or from Google Play on Android phones.
- Your account, videos, and saved content remain on TikTok's servers even after you delete the app, so you will not lose anything by reinstalling.
- After reinstalling, sign in with your username and password or your phone number to access your account again.
- If you cannot find TikTok in your app store, check that you are searching in the correct store for your device type.
Downloading TikTok on iPhone or iPad
Open the App Store — the blue icon with a white square on your home screen. Tap the search tab at the bottom right of the screen (it looks like a magnifying glass). Type "TikTok" in the search box and tap the search button on your keyboard.
When TikTok appears in the results, tap the cloud icon with a down arrow next to it. This icon means you have downloaded the app before. If you see a plus sign instead, tap that — it means this is your first time downloading it. Wait for the icon to change to "Open," which means the download and installation are complete. Tap "Open" to start the app, or close the App Store and find TikTok on your home screen to open it later.
Downloading TikTok on Android
Open Google Play — the icon that looks like a colorful triangle on your home screen. Tap the search icon at the top (a magnifying glass). Type "TikTok" and tap the search button on your keyboard.
When TikTok appears, tap it to open the app's page. Tap the "Install" button. Google Play will ask for permission to use your device's features — tap "Install" again to confirm. Wait for the button to change to "Open," which means the installation is finished. Tap "Open" to start the app, or close Google Play and find TikTok on your home screen to open it later.
Signing back into your account
When you open TikTok for the first time after reinstalling, the app will ask you to sign in or create an account. Tap "Log in" at the bottom of the screen. You can sign in using your phone number, email address, or username — whichever one you used when you created your account originally.
Enter your login information and your password. If you forgot your password, tap "Forgot password?" and TikTok will send you a reset link to your email or phone. Once you are signed in, your account, followers, and saved videos will appear exactly as they were before you deleted the app.
What to do if TikTok will not download
If the download button does not appear or keeps failing, restart your device first — turn it off completely and turn it back on. This fixes most download problems. Make sure you have a strong internet connection, either WiFi or mobile data, because a weak connection can interrupt the download.
If the problem continues, check that you are using the correct app store for your device. iPhone and iPad users must use the App Store, not Google Play. Android users must use Google Play, not the App Store. If you are in the right store and the download still fails, try deleting any other apps you do not use to free up storage space on your device, then try downloading TikTok again.
Freeing up space if your device is full
If your phone or tablet is running low on storage, the download may fail or take much longer than usual. Check how much free space you have by going to Settings, then Storage (on Android) or iPhone Storage (on iPhone). If you have less than 500 megabytes free, delete apps or videos you no longer need.
Photos and videos take up the most space. You can delete old photos from your Photos app, or move them to cloud storage like Google Photos or iCloud to free up room. Once you have cleared some space, try downloading TikTok again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my videos if I delete and reinstall TikTok?
No. Your videos, followers, and account information are stored on TikTok's servers, not on your device. When you sign back in after reinstalling, everything will be there. Deleting the app only removes the program from your phone — it does not delete your account.
Can I download TikTok on a computer or laptop?
TikTok is designed for phones and tablets, but you can watch videos on a computer by visiting tiktok.com in a web browser. You cannot create or upload videos from the website version, so you will still need the app on your phone if you want to post content.
Why does TikTok keep asking me to update it?
TikTok releases updates regularly to fix bugs and add new features. When you see an update notification, tap "Update" in your app store to install the latest version. Updates are free and usually take a few minutes to download and install.
What if I cannot find TikTok in my app store?
TikTok is available in most countries, but a few regions have restrictions. If you cannot find it after searching, your location may not have access to it. You can also try searching for "TikTok - Trends Start Here" with the full name, as some app stores list it that way.