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

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. But because the app is only available in the Chinese region, users in the U.S. and other countries often run into problems when trying to download or register for Douyin.

This guide shows you how to download Douyin safely and successfully outside China, with clear steps for both iPhone and Android users. Let’s get started!

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.

How to Register a Douyin Account Outside China?

Here are the methods that currently work for most international users after installing the app:

Method 1 Register with Your Phone Number

This is the simplest and most reliable way to register a Douyin Account. Douyin usually accepts foreign numbers, but delivery time for SMS codes may vary depending on your carrier.

1. Open the Douyin app. Tap 我 (Me) → 注册 / Sign Up.

2. Select your country/region code (you can keep it as your real country).

3. Enter your phone number. Then wait. Next, enter the SMS verification code you have received.

4. Set your username and profile information. You have now successfully registered an account.

Method 2 Register Using an Email Address

If you do not receive the SMS verification code, you can try registering via email. Please note that only corporate email addresses can be used for registration.

1. Open Douyin → go to Sign Up.

2. Switch to the Email tab (邮箱注册) and enter your email address.

3. Complete the captcha verification. Receive the email code and enter it to finish setup.

Method 3 Register with a Third-Party Login (Apple)

Depending on your region, Douyin may allow third-party accounts. If the option doesn’t appear, it may be restricted by region - phone or email registration will still work.

1. On the login page, choose Apple.

2. Approve account permissions.

3. Complete basic profile setup inside Douyin.

Method 4 Use a Friend’s Chinese Number

If none of your verification codes arrive, one workaround is:

1. Ask a friend in China to help you receive the SMS code.

2. Register the account with their number.

3. After signup, go to Settings → Account & Safety → Phone Number.

4. Replace it with your own number or email.

Bonus: Change Your Region or Location with LocaChange

While Douyin’s China Mainland content can’t be accessed through GPS spoofing, many users still want to explore different regional recommendations, unlock location-based filters, or view trends from other cities or countries. This is where LocaChange becomes a helpful tool.

LocaChange is a safe and easy-to-use location changer that lets you switch your GPS position to any place outside Mainland China. By adjusting your location, you can:

Key Features of LocaChange

• Instantly change your GPS location to any place outside Mainland China with one tap.
• Simulate movement routes for more realistic location behavior.
• Works on both iOS and Android without complex setup or root/jailbreak.
• Stay undetected with stable, low-risk location spoofing technology.
• Easily switch between saved favorite locations for quick access.
• Compatible with most location-based apps, including games, social platforms, and travel tools, such as Pokemon GO, Life360, Find My.

Try It Free See Pricing

How to Use LocaChange to Change Location:

Step 1 Download and install LocaChange on your device.

Step 2 Open LocaChange and choose a destination as your virtual location. Tap “Move” to change your region.

Step 3 Open Douyin or other apps to see content adapted to your new region.

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

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. To download it, you need to change your App Store / Google Play region to China Mainland.

2. Can I use Douyin outside China?

Yes, Douyin works normally outside China. You do not need a China IP or GPS location to browse or post content.

3. Is Douyin safe to use outside China?

Yes, Douyin is safe as long as you download it from the official App Store or from Douyin’s official website. Avoid third-party APK sites that may contain modified versions.

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

This usually means your App Store or Google Play region is not set to China Mainland.

To fix it:

Change your Apple ID / Google Play region to China Mainland, then search again.

If the app still doesn’t show up, it’s typically because:

Your account region didn’t fully change, or

You need to sign out and back into the App Store.

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.

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