In this article I will try to resolve issues regarding the installation of the Douyin [抖音] (Chinese TikTok) application on Android and iOS cell devices and together with a general summary of how to use Douyin without a foreigner (that is, a non-Chinese citizen or non-resident in China). However, the most persistent people can still download it on their cell phone in different steps.
Douyin is not found on the global App Store or Google Play Store
Douyin requires a Chinese phone number to create an account on the Chinese app — some users report that registration does not always work with numbers from other countries. If the foreign number doesn't work, you can try logging in with your WeChat account. But it is possible to watch the videos and watch the lives even without logging in with an account.
There is also the language obstacle: on Android, it is only possible to use the app in Mandarin, while the iPhone version has an English translation. But the layout is very similar to normal tiktok.
How to install the douyin app on iOS (iPhone)
There is a trick to installing Douyin from the App Store, but it requires you to change the Apple ID region on the device. The step by step is simple, but it is not possible to make the change if you have an active subscription on your Apple account, such as iCloud storage, Apple Music and Apple TV+.
If you want to proceed, follow these instructions:- Access your account on the APP Store In the top right corner, tap your photo to access your account, then tap your name to open settings
- Change your location Tap “Country/region” and then “Change country or region”.
- Select the country In the list of countries, tap “Mainland China” and then accept the terms of use. From this step onwards, part of your App Store will be in Mandarin, which will be reverted later.
- Change your payment information Under “Payment method”, change the charge to the last option – which means “none”. Under “Billing address”, enter the required information and tap “Next”. You can copy the generic information in the screenshot below, respectively, Donghu, 100000, Chayoang, 北京 (Beijing), and 12345678900.
- Search for Chinese TikTok(Douyin) Restart the App Store and search for “Douyin”, tap the download button and perform the requested facial recognition – it is the same process to download any application in any language and country/region.
- Open the application You can use the application normally to watch videos and share links, however, as login access is restricted and does not accept users from other countries, this will prevent you from liking videos, following people and accessing effects.
- Revert and return your location on the App Store Open your account in the same way as described in steps 1 and 2, the language is different but the touches on the screen are the same, as illustrated below.
- Select your country or preferred In the list of countries, the initial letter of your country. search for:
- 我们 = US (United States)
- 澳大利亚 = Australia
- 伦敦 = London
- 英国 = UK (United Kingdom)
The official Douyin website has a direct link to the Chinese APP Store, link:
or orHow to install the Douyin app on Android
Douyin is not found in global version of the App Store or Google Play Store.
For Android devices it is necessary to download an APK (Android Package Kit) from stores similar to the playstore, as douyin is not found in the Google Play Store.
You will have to allow installation from unknown sources if you install an app outside the playstore. If you want to proceed, follow these instructions:- Download Douyin app Download the douyin app APK file from the Apkpure or douyin official website links given below.
- Search for the downloaded APK file Search in the download folder or click in the notification bar on the file that was downloaded. Select “Install” to begin the installation. Wait a few seconds for the installation to finish.
- Ready now Open Douyin Once the installation is complete, you're ready to roll. Tap “Open” to open the app.
Apkpure.net Store
Direck link apk from Apkpure
Direck link apk from Douyin.com official website
I remind you again that there is no way to translate the application, but the layout of Douyin is very similar to Tiktok. After a few minutes you will be used to it, don't be afraid to use it, if you click on something you don't know just go back or enter the app again.