GameStop is making waves by offering to buy phones with TikTok installed. After TikTok was removed from app stores, users who deleted it found themselves struggling to regain access. GameStop’s move to accept these devices has sparked attention. Now, many are curious to know why GameStop is buying phones with TikTok.
Read on to know more.
Why is GameStop buying phones with TikTok?
The ongoing TikTok ban in the United States has sparked a surprising marketplace trend, with GameStop now offering to buy phones that still have the app installed. The ByteDance-owned platform was removed from Apple and Google app stores on January 18, leaving those who deleted the app unable to re-download it. The app briefly went dark for all users. However, those who kept TikTok installed were able to access it again after a 14-hour outage.
For those locked out, buying secondhand devices with TikTok installed has become the only option to scroll once more. Online platforms like eBay have seen listings for such phones, with some priced at thousands of dollars. A recent report highlighted a sale of an iPhone 15 Pro with TikTok and CapCut installed, reportedly going for $14,000.
The trend has also caught the attention of GameStop, which recently announced a program to buy smartphones with TikTok installed. In a January 22 social media post, GameStop confirmed that customers could trade in their devices for cash or store credit. The company shared a flyer promoting cash or trade credit options. However, it did not confirm if devices with TikTok installed would fetch higher prices. Known for its long-standing video game trade-in services, GameStop has expanded recently to include smartphones, tablets, and wearables like Apple Watches.
The future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain as negotiations between ByteDance and the U.S. government continue. For now, those unwilling to wait are turning to such methods.
