Where to find and install TikTok

TikTok is available through your phone's official app store — the App Store if you use iPhone or iPad, or Google Play if you use Android. Open whichever store your device uses, search for "TikTok", and tap the download button. The app is free and takes about two to five minutes to install depending on your internet speed.

Once installation finishes, the button changes to "Open". Tap it to launch TikTok for the first time. You'll be asked to create an account or sign in with an existing one before you can watch videos.

Key Takeaways

  • TikTok downloads from the App Store on iPhone or iPad, and from Google Play on Android devices.
  • The app is free to download and install, though it requires an internet connection during setup.
  • You need about 200 to 300 megabytes of free storage space on your device before starting the download.
  • After installation completes, you must create a new account or sign in with an existing email, phone number, or social media account.

Requirements before you download

Check that your device has enough free storage space first. TikTok typically needs 200 to 300 megabytes of space, though this varies slightly by device type. Go to your device's settings and look for storage or storage space to see how much room you have available.

Your device also needs to be running a recent enough version of its operating system. iPhones need iOS 14.0 or later, and Android devices need Android 5.0 or later. If your device is older and cannot update to these versions, TikTok will not install.

You'll also need a working internet connection — either Wi-Fi or mobile data — both to download the app and to use it afterward.

Step-by-step download for iPhone and iPad

Open the App Store, which comes built into every iPhone and iPad. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a magnifying glass). Type "TikTok" in the search box and press search.

The official TikTok app appears at the top of the results, with the TikTok logo next to it. Tap the cloud icon with a downward arrow (or the price if it shows one). You may be asked to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple password. Complete whichever verification your phone asks for.

The button changes to show a loading circle while the app installs. Once it finishes, the button says "Open". Tap it to start TikTok, or close the App Store and find TikTok on your home screen to open it later.

Step-by-step download for Android

Open Google Play, which comes built into most Android phones and tablets. Tap the search icon at the bottom (it looks like a magnifying glass). Type "TikTok" and tap search.

The official TikTok app appears at the top, marked with the TikTok logo. Tap the "Install" button. You may see a screen asking what permissions TikTok needs — camera, microphone, photos, and location are common ones. Tap "Install" again to confirm.

A loading bar shows the download progress. Once it finishes, the button changes to "Open". Tap it to launch TikTok, or close Google Play and find the app on your home screen.

What happens after you install

When you open TikTok for the first time, you see a login screen. You can create a new account using your email address, phone number, or by signing in through another account like Google, Facebook, or Apple ID. Creating an account takes about a minute and requires you to set a password if you use email or phone.

After you log in, TikTok asks for permission to access your camera, microphone, and photos. You can allow or deny these — the app works without them, though you won't be able to record videos if you deny camera and microphone access. TikTok then shows you a feed of videos based on what it thinks you might like.

Troubleshooting common download problems

If the download button does not appear or the app won't install, check that your device has enough free storage space. Delete old photos, videos, or unused apps to free up room, then try downloading again.

If you see an error message saying your device is not compatible, your phone or tablet is too old to run the current version of TikTok. Check your device's operating system version in settings. iPhones need iOS 14.0 or later; Android devices need Android 5.0 or later. If your device cannot update to these versions, you cannot install TikTok.

If the download starts but stalls or fails, close the app store completely and try again. Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection or good mobile signal. If problems continue, restart your phone and attempt the download once more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TikTok cost money to download or use?

No. TikTok is free to download from the App Store or Google Play and free to use. The app makes money from ads shown between videos, not from charging users.

Can I download TikTok on a computer or laptop?

TikTok has a website version at tiktok.com where you can watch videos on a computer, but there is no official desktop app. If you want the full app experience, you need a phone or tablet.

What if I already had TikTok installed and deleted it?

Open your app store and search for TikTok again. The download button appears just as it does for a first-time install. Your old account still exists if you sign back in with the same email or phone number.

Is it safe to download TikTok from the official app store?

Yes. Always download from the official App Store or Google Play, not from third-party websites. The official stores verify that apps are legitimate before listing them.