How to Download Douyin Safely in 2025 [iOS & Android]

"I'm trying to install Douyin on my iPhone outside of China, but it's been really challenging. I attempted to change my region settings, but I wasn't able to. Please help! - CommercialKale2132 from Reddit"

Douyin (often called the "Chinese TikTok") is one of the most popular apps in mainland China, with hundreds of millions of daily active users. But unlike TikTok, which is designed for international audiences, Douyin is restricted to Chinese app stores. Thus, many international users cannot find it in their local app stores, making the download process confusing. In this guide, we will walk you through safe, step by step methods to download Douyin outside China, whether you're on iOS or Android.

Part 1. How to Download Douyin on iPhone/iPad (iOS)

As stated above, Douyin is only available in the China mainland App Store. For iPhone and iPad users, the easiest and safest way to get Douyin is by switching your App Store region to mainland China. Here is the step-by-step guide.

Step 1 Change App Store Region

1. On your iOS device, open the Settings app.
2. Tap your Apple ID at the top → Media & Purchases → View Account → Country/Region.
3. Select China Mainland as your region.
4. Review the Terms & Conditions and tap Agree.
5. For payment info, select None (if available) or add a valid regional payment method.
6. Enter a Mainland China address (you may use any legitimate Chinese address via a random Chinese address generator online, which does not affect billing). Then complete the region switch.

Step 2 Search for Douyin and Download It

Once your region is switched, open the App Store and search for Douyin. Then tap Get button to download and install it on your device.

Part 2. How to Download Douyin on Android Device

Android is much easier than iOS because you can install apps outside Google Play using official APK files. Douyin's official site provides a direct download link to the latest Android APK. This is the safest and most reliable method. Now, follow the quick steps below to download Douyin on your device.

Step 1 Enable APK Installation

Open the Settings app on your Android devices, and then tap Security and privacy → Install unknown apps. This will allow your browser or file manager to install APKs.

Step 2 Download Douyin APK

Next, open your browser on Android and visit Douyin's official website or a trusted APK repository like uptodown to download the latest version of Douyin app.

Step 3 Install and Verify Permissions

Now open the APK file and install it on your device. Check app permissions carefully, as Douyin will request access to camera, microphone, and storage.

Part 3. How to Set Up a Douyin Account Outside China

If you only want to browse viral videos and are not interested in commenting or posting, you do not need an account. In Guest Mode, you can scroll through the feed infinitely, but you won't be able to follow creators or like videos.

If you want full access to Douyin's content, you're suggested to create an account. Douyin offers several different options.

Method 1. Register with Your Phone Number

Can I use a foreign (non-Chinese) phone number? Technically, yes. Douyin now supports international numbers from many countries, including the US, UK, Japan, and Canada. Follow the quick steps here.

Step 1. Open the Douyin app, tap Me → Register.
Step 2. On the login screen, look for the +86 code. Tap it to open the country list.
Step 3. Find your country code (e.g., +1 for USA).
Step 4. Enter your number and wait for the SMS verification code.

Method 2. Register with Third-Party Login (Apple, WeChat, QQ, etc.)

If you don't receive the SMS code, you can also try some third-party logins. The supported platforms are varied depending on your region. If you already have a verified Apple account or WeChat account (which is easier to set up than Douyin), you can simply register it with it.

Step 1. Go to the login screen on your Douyin app.
Step 2. Tap the small Apple icon at the bottom of the Douyin login screen or the More menu and select the WeChat icon.
Step 3. Follow the instruction to finish it. This will link the two accounts and often bypasses the immediate need for a phone number verification.

Method 3. Register with Your Email Address

Another useful method to sign up to Douyin is to use your email address. However, only corporate email address can be used to register. If you have one, you can do it quickly.

Step 1. Open the Douyin app on your device, and tap Me → Register.
Step 2. Select Register with other account → More menu, and choose the Email option.
Step 3. Enter your email address and password. Follow the onscreen instruction to finish the setup process.

Part 4. Use a Location Changer to Fully Enjoy Douyin Content

In most cases, you can download and use Douyin without a location changer. However, some users report that certain features (like live shopping or location-based content) may be restricted abroad. So, if you want to interact with location specific features, a GPS location changer may help.

Tools like TunesKit Location Changer allow you to spoof your GPS location to mainland China, unlocking more localized features. This software can help you instantly change your GPS location to anywhere in the world in one click. It works on both iOS and Android devices without jailbreaking or root.

Thanks to its clean and simple interface, changing location on your iPhone or Android to enjoy Douyin is quite easy.

Step 1. Click the Try It Free button above to download and install TunesKit Location Changer on your Windows or macOS computer.
Step 2. Connect your device to the computer. It supports up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Step 3. After entering the map, select a destination. Then click the Start Modifying button.
Step 4. Now open the Douyin app to see whether your content is updated to the new region.

Part 5. FAQs Related to Downloading Douyin

Part 6. Final Thoughts

Douyin offers a fascinating glimpse into China's digital culture, with features that go beyond TikTok's global version. While downloading it outside China requires extra steps, it's entirely possible with the right methods. The good news is, with TunesKit Location Changer, you'll be able to explore Douyin's unique ecosystem safely and effectively, no matter where you are in the world. Try it free today!