Apple and Google have restored TikTok to their respective app stores after receiving confirmation from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that the federal ban will not be immediately enforced. The reinstatement comes after both companies had removed the app last month in compliance with legislation passed in 2024.

The video-sharing application has returned to both the Apple App Store and Google Play store as of Thursday evening, February 13, as first reported by Bloomberg News.

The restoration follows a January 20 executive order in which the administration directed the attorney general to suspend enforcement of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act for 75 days. President Trump said the pause would provide time for the administration to evaluate potential paths forward for the social media platform.

Legislative Background

The bipartisan legislation, signed into law in April 2024, mandated a nationwide ban on TikTok unless ByteDance completed a “qualified divestiture” of its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025. The law emerged from congressional concerns about TikTok’s Chinese ownership and potential data sharing requirements under Chinese law.

The platform’s long-term status in the U.S. market remains uncertain. If negotiations fail to address national security concerns about TikTok’s ownership structure by early April 2025, the application could face another shutdown. 

ByteDance has received multiple acquisition inquiries for TikTok’s U.S. operations. Potential buyers include Microsoft, Perplexity AI, YouTuber MrBeast, “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary, and business magnate Frank McCourt. Trump recently suggested that the U.S. could take 50% ownership in a joint venture.

The U.S. President also signed an executive order to establish a sovereign wealth fund, suggesting it could acquire TikTok or partner with private investors for the buyout.

However, Chinese officials are reportedly prepared to let TikTok shut down in the U.S. rather than approve a forced sale. Beijing is adopting a hardline stance, seeking a “grand deal” with the Trump administration that would include major concessions on trade and technology policy before approving any TikTok sale.

Amid TikTok’s legal trouble, platforms like X and Bluesky rolled out vertical video feeds to seize the moment and expand their video capabilities.