[Full Guide] How to Download Douyin on iOS & Android?

LocaChange - Douyin Download Assistant

Change your GPS location to mainland China and download Douyin safely on iPhone & Android.

Try It Free

With the global popularity of short videos, Douyin - the original Chinese version of TikTok - has become one of the most vibrant platforms for discovering local trends and creative content in China. However, due to regional restrictions, users in the U.S. and other countries often face issues when trying to download or register for Douyin.

This guide explains how to download Douyin safely and successfully from the U.S., covering both iPhone and Android methods, plus how tools like LocaChange can help you bypass location restrictions. Let’s go!

Why Use Douyin Instead of TikTok?

Although Douyin and TikTok are developed by the same company, ByteDance, they serve different audiences and offer different features:

Exclusive Chinese Content: Douyin showcases China’s latest trends, local news, short dramas, and viral music not found on TikTok.

E-commerce & Shopping Integration: Many Douyin videos include “shop now” links that connect directly to sellers - something international TikTok users can’t always access.

Creative Filters and Music Effects: Some trending sounds and filters appear exclusively on the Chinese version before reaching TikTok.

For creators or trend watchers who want to explore the Chinese market, Douyin offers more exposure and unique cultural insight.

How to Download Douyin on iPhone?

If you’re wondering how to download Douyin on iPhone, you’re not alone. Many users in the United States and other regions outside China try to access Douyin, but can’t find it in their local App Store. That’s because Douyin is officially available only in mainland China, and its App Store listing is region-locked.

Luckily, there’s a simple solution. By changing your iPhone’s App Store region to China Mainland, you can easily download Douyin in the US and enjoy trending Chinese short videos without restrictions.

Step 1 Change Your Apple ID Region to China

1. Go to App Store → Your Avatar → Your Name → Country/Region.

2. Tap “Country/Region” and select China Mainland.

3. Accept the terms and conditions.

4. Use a valid Chinese address (you can find generic ones online).

Tip

You might need to provide a payment method or a Chinese phone number during the setup. Apple’s policies vary by region.

Step 2 Search and Install Douyin

1. Open the App Store and search for “Douyin” or “抖音”.

2. Tap Get to install.

3. After installation, you can switch your Apple ID region back if desired, though updates may require re-switching.

How to Download Douyin on Android?

If you’re an Android user searching for how to download Douyin on Android, you’ll find the process slightly easier compared to iPhone - but it still requires caution. Since the Douyin app is region-locked to mainland China, it won’t appear in your Google Play if you’re in the US or other countries outside China.

The good news is, Android allows you to install Douyin via APK download or through trusted Chinese app stores.

Step 1 Download the Official Douyin APK

1. Visit the official Douyin website and tap the “Download” button.

2. Or use trusted third-party stores like Uptodown or Apkpure.

Step 2 Allow Installation from Unknown Sources

1. Go to Settings → Security → Install unknown apps.

2. Enable the browser or file manager permission.

Step 3 Install and Open Douyin

1. Tap the APK file to install.

2. Open Douyin and sign up or browse as a guest.

Easiest Way: Change Your Region with LocaChange

If you’re still unable to find Douyin in your App Store or simply want the easiest method for how to download Douyin, try using LocaChange - a professional location changer tool. By changing your phone’s region to mainland China with LocaChange, you can instantly access the official Douyin download page, install the app without regional restrictions, and start enjoying all the exclusive content available only on Chinese Douyin.

Watch the video on how to download Douyin with LocaChange:

Why LocaChange helps:

• Instantly change your GPS location to mainland China.
• Works on both iOS and Android without jailbreaking.
• Supports one-click teleport mode and route simulation.
• Helps unlock region-locked apps like Douyin, Bilibili, and Chinese game servers.
• Offers a free trial, clean interface, and 24/7 support.

Try It Free See Pricing

How to Use LocaChange to Download Douyin:

Step 1 Download and install LocaChange on your device.

Step 2 Open LocaChange and search “Beijing” or “Shanghai” as your virtual location. Tap “Move” to change your region.

Step 3 Open your App Store or Google Play again and search “Douyin”. Now, Douyin should appear as available for download.

LocaChange makes it 100% easier to bypass App Store restrictions without needing VPNs or complex setup.

How to Register a Douyin Account After Downloading?

Even without signing up, you can browse videos or short dramas freely. But if you want to follow creators, like, or comment - you’ll need to register an account.

Step 1 Open the app and tap “Register” - You can simply enter a mainland China phone number to receive a verification code. If you don’t have a Chinese number, tap the “+86” area code to select your own country code instead.

Tip: If local numbers fail, you can use virtual number services to receive the verification code.

Step 2 Enter the verification code to complete registration - Then, set your nickname, profile picture, and basic user info.

Step 3 Choose your favorite interest tags - Douyin will start recommending videos based on your preferences, helping you quickly find popular creators and trending content.

After signing up, you can explore a wide range of Chinese short videos, variety shows, and mini-dramas that aren’t available on TikTok.

For the best streaming experience and access to region-locked videos, turn on LocaChange and select a Chinese city location like Beijing or Shanghai.

This ensures Douyin’s algorithm recognizes your region correctly, showing trending Chinese feeds in real time.

Hot FAQs About Douyin

1. Can I download Douyin in the US?

Not directly from the U.S. App Store or Google Play, since Douyin is region-locked to China. However, you can easily download Douyin in the US by changing your phone’s region to China Mainland and using a location changer app like LocaChange to simulate a Chinese IP.

2. Can I use Douyin outside China?

Yes! With the help of LocaChange, you can access, browse, and even post on Douyin anywhere in the world.

3. Is Douyin safe to use outside China?

Yes, Douyin is safe as long as you download it from the official source. Avoid third-party APK sites that may contain modified versions.

To ensure connection stability and security, use LocaChange to connect through a trusted Chinese IP when browsing Douyin abroad.

4. Why can’t I find Douyin in my App Store?

That means your App Store region is not set to China. Go to your iPhone or Google account settings and switch the region to China Mainland.

If the app still doesn’t appear, LocaChange can help you temporarily change your virtual location to China to unlock the Douyin download page.

Conclusion

Learning how to download Douyin outside China doesn’t have to be complicated. By switching your device’s region and using LocaChange, you can easily download the official Douyin app safely and watch the latest Chinese dramas, vlogs, and trends.

Whether you’re in the United States, Canada, or Europe, Douyin opens a window into authentic Chinese pop culture and LocaChange makes that access smooth and secure.

Try It Free See Pricing

Philip Williams

• Pokémon GO
• GPS Spoofing
• AR Gaming

• AR gaming and GPS spoofing specialist with over a decade of software experience. He is a trusted writer on Pokémon GO tips and safe location-changing strategies, helping over 2 million users worldwide. As an Apple enthusiast and expert in location-changing technology, he brings both technical depth and gaming insight to every guide.

Share