Phones with TikTok already downloaded are being listed for eye-watering sums as the social media platform remains absent from app stores.

Phones are going for thousands of dollars on online storefronts after Apple and Google took down ByteDance platforms.

This has two knock-on effects that are much longer term. First, we now know that a U.S. TikTok ban will be difficult to bypass if it comes back — and the same will be true for any other Chinese (or other) app banned in the same way. There are some options, as I reported over the weekend, but none of them are especially compelling.

There are reports that the United States government is looking to bring in software firm Oracle and US investors to take over TikTok’s operations in America. Oracle would take over the app’s algorithm,

The TikTok app is still not available in Google Play or the iPhone App Store despite Trump's order halting the ban. Here's what's happening.

Some fast-acting entrepreneurs are selling phones with TikTok preloaded on devices for thousands of dollars online, after the social media app was momentarily unavailable in the U.S.

As first spotted by Wired, there are currently about 9,000 eBay item listings for various smartphones that already have TikTok installed. There’s a wide array of devices depending on the preferred make,

People are listing phones preloaded with TikTok for tens of thousands of dollars on eBay, Facebook marketplace and other online storefronts.

“Still has TikTok installed if that’s important to you,” reads one listing for an iPhone 14. “Can send a screen recording or something to prove it. Phones in good condition just some scratches but no cracks. All information and apps other than TikTok will be deleted so when you receive it will be like a new phone with TikTok preinstalled.”

Business Insider's scan of platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace showed hundreds of listings touting phones with TikTok and CapCut installed.

Currently on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, you’ll likely be able to find an iPhone selling for less than $1,000. But if it has the TikTok app — which you can’t currently download from U.S. app stores — prepare for sticker shock.