TikTok installs differently depending on whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or computer
The steps to get TikTok running depend on what device you have. iPhone users download from the App Store, Android users download from Google Play Store, and computer users can either use a web browser or install an app. This guide walks you through each method so you can pick the one that matches your device.
Before you start, make sure your device has enough storage space — TikTok typically needs at least 200 MB free. You will also need an internet connection and either an Apple ID (for iPhone), a Google account (for Android), or just a web browser (for computer).
Key Takeaways
- iPhone users open the App Store, search for TikTok, and tap Get to download and install the app.
- Android users open Google Play Store, search for TikTok, and tap Install to download the app to their phone.
- Computer users can visit TikTok.com directly in any web browser without installing anything, or download the desktop app from the official TikTok website.
- After installation, you will need to create an account or sign in with an existing one before you can watch or post videos.
- If installation fails, restart your device, check that you have enough storage space, and make sure your internet connection is working.
Installing TikTok on an iPhone
Open the App Store on your iPhone — it is the blue icon with a white square on your home screen. Tap the search tab at the bottom right, then type "TikTok" in the search box. The official TikTok app will appear at the top of the results, with the TikTok logo (a black and white musical note).
Tap the Get button next to the app name. Your phone will ask you to verify your identity using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password — choose whichever method your phone offers. Once verified, the Get button will change to Installing, and then to Open. Wait for the installation to finish, which usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on your internet speed.
Tap Open to launch TikTok for the first time. You will see a screen asking you to sign in or create a new account. If you already have a TikTok account, tap Log In and enter your phone number, email, or username along with your password. If you are new to TikTok, tap Sign Up and follow the prompts to create an account.
Installing TikTok on an Android Phone
Open Google Play Store on your Android phone — it is the colorful triangle icon on your home screen or in your app drawer. Tap the search icon at the bottom (it looks like a magnifying glass), then type "TikTok" in the search box. The official TikTok app will appear at the top, with the black and white musical note logo.
Tap the Install button. Your phone may ask for permission to access certain features like your camera or microphone — tap Allow or Accept to continue. The installation will begin, and you will see a progress bar. This usually takes 1 to 3 minutes depending on your internet speed and phone storage.
Once the Install button changes to Open, tap it to launch TikTok. You will be asked to sign in or create an account. Enter your phone number, email, or username and password if you already have an account, or tap Sign Up to create a new one. You may need to verify your phone number or email address before you can start using the app.
Using TikTok in a Web Browser on Your Computer
The fastest way to use TikTok on a computer is to open any web browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge all work — and go to TikTok.com. You will see the TikTok homepage with videos playing. You can watch videos without signing in, but to upload your own videos, save favorites, or comment, you will need to log in or create an account.
Click the Log In button in the top right corner. You can sign in using your phone number, email, username, or by connecting your Google, Facebook, or Apple account. Once you are signed in, you can browse, like, and comment on videos just like you would on the phone app.
The web version works well for watching and browsing, but uploading videos is easier on the phone app. If you want to post videos from your computer, you may want to install the desktop app instead.
Installing the TikTok Desktop App on Windows or Mac
Go to TikTok.Com in your web browser and look for a menu or settings option — usually three horizontal lines in the top left or top right corner. Look for a link that says "Download" or "Desktop App" and click it. This will take you to a page where you can download the official TikTok desktop application.
On Windows, the download will be a file ending in .exe. Double-click the file to start the installation. Follow the on-screen prompts, which will ask you to choose where to install the app and agree to the terms. Once installation finishes, the app will open automatically, or you can find it in your Start menu.
On Mac, the download will be a .dmg file. Double-click it to open the installer window. Drag the TikTok icon into the Applications folder. Once the copy finishes, open your Applications folder, find TikTok, and double-click it to launch the app. You may see a security warning asking if you want to open an app downloaded from the internet — click Open to proceed.
What to Do If TikTok Won't Install
If the installation stops or shows an error, the most common cause is not enough storage space on your device. Check how much free space you have: on iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage; on Android, go to Settings > Storage. If you have less than 500 MB free, delete some photos, videos, or unused apps and try again.
If you have enough space, restart your device completely — turn it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try installing TikTok again. A restart clears temporary files that sometimes block installations.
If the installation still fails, check that your internet connection is working by opening a web browser and visiting any website. If the internet is slow or dropping, move closer to your Wi-Fi router or wait a few minutes and try again. If you are using mobile data, make sure you have a strong signal.
On iPhone, if you see an error message about your Apple ID, sign out of the App Store and sign back in: go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, then sign back in with your Apple ID password. On Android, if you see an error about your Google account, go to Settings > Accounts > Google, select your account, tap More Options, and choose Remove Account, then add it back.
Creating Your TikTok Account After Installation
Once TikTok is installed and open, you will see a screen asking you to sign in or sign up. If you are new to TikTok, tap Sign Up. You can create an account using your phone number, email address, or by connecting an existing Google, Facebook, or Apple account. Using an existing account is faster because you do not have to enter as much information.
If you choose phone number or email, TikTok will ask for your birth date and let you create a username and password. Your username is what other users will see, so choose something you are comfortable with. You can change it later in your account settings.
After you create your account, TikTok may ask for permission to access your camera, microphone, contacts, or photo library. You can allow or deny these — you can always change these permissions later in your phone or computer settings. Once you finish setup, you will see the TikTok home feed with videos from creators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay to download or use TikTok?
No. Downloading TikTok and creating an account are both free. You can watch videos, like, comment, and post your own videos without paying anything. TikTok makes money from ads, not from charging users.
Can I install TikTok on an older phone or computer?
It depends on how old your device is. TikTok requires iOS 14.0 or later on iPhone and Android 5.0 or later on Android phones. If your device is older than that, you can still watch TikTok in a web browser, but you cannot install the app. Check your device's settings to see what version of iOS or Android you have.
What if I see a message saying TikTok is not available in my country?
TikTok is available in most countries, but a few have restrictions. If you see this message, it means TikTok is not currently offered in your region. You can still try accessing TikTok.Com in a web browser, but the app will not install through your phone's app store.
Can I install TikTok on a tablet?
Yes. On an iPad, open the App Store and search for TikTok just like you would on an iPhone. On an Android tablet, open Google Play Store and search for TikTok the same way. The installation process is identical to phones.
How much storage space does TikTok use after I install it?
The app itself takes about 200 to 300 MB of storage. However, if you download videos to watch offline, those will take additional space. You can manage downloaded videos in the app settings and delete them to free up space whenever you need to.