Download TikTok from your phone's app store
The easiest way to get TikTok is through the official app store on your device. On an iPhone, open the App Store and search for "TikTok". On an Android phone, open Google Play and search for "TikTok". The official app is made by TikTok Inc. and has a blue icon with a musical note. Tap the download button, wait for the installation to finish, and you're ready to open the app.
Both app stores are free to use, and downloading TikTok itself costs nothing. The app will ask for permission to access your camera, microphone, and photos when you first open it — you can allow or deny these as you prefer. After installation, you'll create an account or log in with an existing one.
Key Takeaways
- Download TikTok from the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android by searching for the official app made by TikTok Inc.
- The app is free to download and install, though it will ask for permission to use your camera, microphone, and photo library.
- On a computer, you can visit TikTok.com directly in your web browser instead of downloading an app.
- Make sure you're downloading from the official app store, not a third-party website, to avoid malware or fake versions.
- If your device is too old to support the current version, you may need to update your phone's operating system first.
Use TikTok on your computer through the website
You don't need to download anything to use TikTok on a computer. Open any web browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge — and go to TikTok.com. You can watch videos and browse without logging in, but you'll need to create an account or sign in if you want to upload videos, like content, or follow creators.
The website version works the same way as the app, though some features may look slightly different on a larger screen. If you use TikTok frequently on your computer, you can bookmark the page or pin it to your browser's home screen for faster access.
Check your device's system requirements before downloading
TikTok requires a minimum operating system version to run. On iPhone, you need iOS 14.0 or later. On Android, you need Android 5.0 or later. If your phone is older and doesn't meet these requirements, you won't be able to download the current version of the app from the app store.
To check your phone's operating system, go to Settings and look for "About Phone" (Android) or "General" then "About" (iPhone). If your device is too old, you have two choices: update your phone's operating system if it's available, or use the website version on a computer instead. Some older phones can't update past a certain version, and in that case, the website is your only option.
Verify you're downloading the official TikTok app
Always download TikTok from the official app store on your device, not from a third-party website. The official app is made by TikTok Inc. and has a blue icon with a white musical note. If you search for "TikTok" in the App Store or Google Play, the official version appears at the top of the results.
Downloading from unofficial sources puts your phone at risk of malware or fake apps that steal your information. Stick to the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android, and you'll get the real app safely. If you're unsure whether an app is official, check the developer name — it should say "TikTok Inc."
What to do if the download fails or gets stuck
If the download stops or won't start, try these steps in order. First, restart your phone by turning it off and back on. Second, check your internet connection — switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa, since one may be faster or more stable. Third, go to your phone's Settings and clear the app store's cache (on Android, go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Storage > Clear Cache; on iPhone, this step isn't necessary).
If the download still fails after restarting and clearing cache, try uninstalling any recent updates to the app store itself. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store, tap the three dots, and select "Uninstall updates". Then restart your phone and try downloading TikTok again. If you continue to have trouble, your phone's storage may be full — delete some photos or videos to free up space and try once more.
Update TikTok after you download it
After you install TikTok, the app store may notify you that an update is available. Updates fix bugs, add new features, and improve security. You can update manually by opening the app store, searching for TikTok, and tapping "Update", or you can turn on automatic updates so the app updates itself when your phone is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in.
To turn on automatic updates on iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, go to Settings, and toggle on "Automatic Updates". On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, go to Settings > Network preferences, and select "Auto-update apps" then "Over any network" or "Over Wi-Fi only". Keeping TikTok updated ensures you have the latest features and security patches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TikTok safe to download?
TikTok is safe to download from the official App Store or Google Play. The app itself is legitimate and made by TikTok Inc. However, like any app, it collects data about your activity. Read the privacy policy if you want to understand what information the app gathers. Never download TikTok from a third-party website, as those versions may contain malware.
Can I download TikTok on a tablet?
Yes. iPads use the App Store and can download TikTok the same way iPhones do. Android tablets use Google Play. Search for TikTok, tap download, and follow the same steps. The app works on tablets but is designed for phones, so the layout may look different on a larger screen.
What if I don't have enough storage space?
TikTok takes up roughly 200 to 400 MB of space depending on your device. If your phone says storage is full, delete old photos, videos, or apps you don't use, then try downloading again. You can also move photos to cloud storage like Google Photos or iCloud to free up space without losing them.
Do I need a TikTok account to download the app?
No. You can download and install the app without an account. You won't be able to upload videos or follow creators until you create an account or sign in, but you can browse and watch videos as a guest first.
Can I download TikTok on a computer?
You don't need to download an app version for Windows or Mac. Instead, visit TikTok.com in your web browser. If you want a desktop app, you can download it from the Microsoft Store on Windows or the Mac App Store, but the website works just as well and requires no installation.