TikTok Restores Service in the U.S. Less Than 24 Hours After Blackout

Mar. 15, 2025

Stock image of social media user on TikTok in December 2024.Photo:NurPhoto via Getty Stock Photos

NurPhoto via Getty Stock Photos

TikTokhas restored service in the U.S. less than 24 hours after its nationwide shutdown.

On Sunday, Jan. 19, TikTokannounced on X, via an official statement shared to its policy account, that it is “in the process of restoring service” to Americans aftergoing dark the night prior.

“It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship,” the statement added. “We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”

As of 1 p.m. EST on Jan. 19, users are able to access the app.

A spokesperson for TikTok did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information.

A woman opens Tiktok on her smartphone.Helena Dolderer/picture alliance via Getty

Helena Dolderer/picture alliance via Getty

TikTok’s return comes hours after its Saturday night shut down, when those who opened the app were greeted with a message that read, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.”

“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now,” the message continued, before referring to Trump’s indicatiation that he would “work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office” on Monday, Jan. 20.

TikTok’s pop-up message changed throughout the day, with a recent message noting that it was “working to restore our service in the U.S.”

Essentially, ByteDance — the owners of TikTok — would have to either sell the app over fears China’s government could use its data to harm Americans, or shut down. TikTok has previously denied that information on the app would be shared with the Chinese government, calling it “outright censorship of the American people.”

She also shared that due to the “sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes thatactions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday.”

User holds up TikTok in front of American flag.Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty

Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty

Trump — who initially revealed a plan to ban TikTokfrom operating in the U.S.during his first term in office in April 2020 — announced the following morning that he intended to issue an executive order to stall its federal ban and keep the platform running, at least temporarily.

On Jan. 19, the 78-year-old politician wrote on hisTruth Socialplatform that he would “issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.” His message arrived a day after a phone interview with NBC News’Meet the Pressmoderator Kristen Welker, during which he also teased a potential 90-day extension for TikTok.

“The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order,” Trump wrote. “Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations.”

In the same post, the president-elect shared an “initial thought” of the U.S. having 50% ownership in TikTok via a “joint venture,” between the app’s “current owners and/or new owners.”

“By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to [stay] up,” he wrote.

source: people.com