How to Download Douyin App on iPhone and Android: Complete Installation Guide

Why Douyin Isn't on Your App Store

Douyin (抖音) is only listed on the China mainland App Store and Chinese Android markets. It has never been published on international App Stores or Google Play. This is a deliberate choice by ByteDance — Douyin and TikTok are separate products for separate markets.

If you search "抖音" on a non-China App Store, you won't find it. Here's how to get it.

Method 1: iPhone — Create a China Apple ID (Recommended)

This is the safest method. Your regular Apple ID stays untouched, and Douyin works normally after installation.

Step-by-step

1. Create a new Apple ID at appleid.apple.com

   • Use a new email address (different from your current Apple ID email)

   • Set Country/Region to China Mainland

   • For payment method, select None

   • Fill in a Chinese address (any valid format — street, district, city, postal code)

2. Sign into the China Apple ID on your iPhone

   • Open App Store → tap your profile icon → Sign Out

   • Sign In with the new China Apple ID

   • Agree to any terms that appear

3. Download Douyin

   • Search "抖音" in the App Store

   • Tap Get → the app downloads to your phone

4. Switch back to your regular Apple ID

   • App Store → Sign Out of the China Apple ID

   • Sign In with your regular Apple ID

   • Douyin stays installed and works normally

Updating Douyin

When Douyin needs an update:

1. Sign into the China Apple ID in the App Store

2. Find Douyin → tap Update

3. Switch back to your regular Apple ID

Tip: Don't delete Douyin — updates keep it current without needing to re-download.

Method 2: iPhone — Switch Your Existing Apple ID Region

⚠️ Warning: This method changes your Apple ID region permanently until you switch back. It affects all subscriptions, payment methods, and purchase history. Only use this if you don't have active Apple subscriptions.

Step-by-step

1. iPhone Settings → tap your name → Media & Purchases → View Account

2. Tap Country/Region → Change Country or Region

3. Select China Mainland

4. Agree to terms and conditions

5. Payment method → select None (if available) or add a Chinese-compatible payment method

6. Fill in billing address with a Chinese format

7. App Store → search "抖音" → download

After downloading: Switch your Apple ID back to your original region if needed. Douyin remains installed.

Method 3: Android — Official APK from Douyin Website

Android is straightforward — no account changes needed. You install the APK directly.

Step-by-step

1. Enable APK installation

   • Settings → Security → Enable "Install from unknown sources"

   • Only enable this for your browser app (not globally)

2. Download from Douyin's official site

   • Open Chrome → visit douyin.com/download

   • The page auto-detects your Android device

   • Tap the download button → APK file saves to your Downloads folder

3. Install the APK

   • Open your file manager → Downloads → find douyin_*.apk

   • Tap to install → confirm permissions

   • Open Douyin and start browsing

Important: Only download APK from the official Douyin website. Third-party sites may distribute modified versions with security risks. If you must use an alternative source, Uptodown is a reputable option.

Method 4: Android — Chinese App Stores

If you prefer using an app store interface:

After installing any of these stores, search "抖音" and install.

After Installation: First-Time Setup

Allow necessary permissions

When you first open Douyin, the app requests:

• Phone number — for registration and verification

• Storage — for saving videos and caching content

• Camera — for recording videos (optional)

• Location — for content recommendations (optional)

Grant at least phone and storage permissions for the app to function properly.

Language note

Douyin's interface is entirely in Chinese. There is no official English mode or language toggle. Key navigation terms:

Registering Your Account

You can browse Douyin without an account, but registration is required for following creators, commenting, and recharging Diamonds.

With an international phone number

1. Open Douyin → tap Login

2. Tap the country code dropdown (default: +86)

3. Scroll to find your country code (e.g., +1 US, +44 UK, +65 Singapore)

4. Enter your phone number → request SMS code

5. Enter the code → account created

Note: Not all country codes are available. If yours isn't listed, use a third-party login method.

With third-party accounts

Douyin supports login via WeChat, QQ, Apple ID, and Weibo. Tap "其他方式登录" (Other login methods) on the login screen.

Douyin vs TikTok: Don't Confuse Them

If you already have TikTok: That's the international version. Douyin is a different app with different content, different currency, and a different user base. You need to install Douyin separately.

FAQ

Is it safe to download Douyin APK on Android?

Yes, when downloaded from the official Douyin website. Avoid random third-party APK sites — they may distribute modified or malicious versions.

Will creating a China Apple ID affect my regular account?

No. The China Apple ID is completely separate. After downloading Douyin, sign back into your regular Apple ID — Douyin stays installed.

Can I use Douyin without a Chinese phone number?

Yes, for browsing content. For full features (recharging Diamonds, commenting), you need an account — which can be created with some international phone numbers or third-party logins.

Does Douyin work on all iPhones?

Yes, as long as the iPhone runs iOS 13 or later (Douyin's minimum requirement). The current version supports iOS 15+.

Can I have both Douyin and TikTok on the same phone?

Yes. They are separate apps with no conflict. Just don't confuse their currencies — Douyin Diamonds and TikTok Coins are not interchangeable.