TikTok madness: Users in US willing to pay up to $5 million for smartphones with pre-installed app

Days after TikTok was temporarily banned in the US and reinstated by newly inaugurated President Donald Trump, users who had uninstalled the app are now willing to pay steep prices for smartphones with TikTok pre-installed. Despite the ban being lifted, the app remains unavailable for download on the Google Play Store and Apple Store, leaving users searching for alternatives.

Phones with TikTok listed at exorbitant prices

According to a report in the New York Post, an iPhone 15 Pro with TikTok installed was listed for nearly $5 million on eBay. The advertisement described the device as: "Screen protector is only damage phone perfect and has TikTok."

Other users took to social media to express their desperation. A post on X read: "I deleted TikTok and now I can’t get it back! I will pay someone $5,000 for an iPhone 16 Pro Max with TikTok still installed. DM me."


Another user highlighted the spike in demand on eBay, stating: "This is INSANE! eBay is full of phones with TikTok already downloaded on it selling for thousands!!"

Why TikTok remains unavailable for download

The app became inaccessible for downloads following a ban enacted on January 19. Although the ban was reversed within hours, users attempting to download or update TikTok now face restrictions. Android users receive a message stating: "Downloads for this app are paused due to current US legal requirements." Similarly, iPhone users encounter a message saying: "TikTok and other ByteDance apps are not available in the country or region you’re in."

Both platforms direct users to support pages explaining the unavailability. Apple's message reads: "Apple is obligated to follow the laws in the jurisdictions where it operates."

Legal challenges delay app access

Though President Trump extended the timeline for ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to resolve legal issues, Google and Apple are awaiting further clarity. Analysts cited by Reuters suggest the companies are concerned about potential penalties for distributing the app without adequate legal protections.

President Trump has indicated the extension allows more time to finalize the sale of TikTok's US operations. He also hinted at possible buyers, including billionaire Elon Musk.

The ongoing uncertainty around TikTok’s availability has fueled a black market for devices with the app pre-installed, reflecting the app's enduring popularity despite legal roadblocks.