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In June 2020, India banned several Chinese apps, including TikTok and PUBG Mobile, citing national security and data privacy concerns. Recently, reports indicate that TikTok’s website is accessible again in India after a five-year ban, sparking speculation about the app’s potential return. This development has led to questions about whether PUBG Mobile, another high-profile casualty of the 2020 ban, might also be unbanned. This article explores the likelihood of PUBG Mobile’s return and everything we know so far.

TikTok’s Website Returns

As of August 22, 2025, TikTok’s website is accessible to some users in India, marking the first sign of the platform’s presence since its 2020 ban. However, the TikTok app remains unavailable on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and some subpages on the website are inaccessible, suggesting a limited or phased rollout. There’s no official confirmation from ByteDance or the Indian government about TikTok’s full return, but this development has fueled excitement among fans.

PUBG’s Current Status in India

Unlike TikTok, PUBG Mobile’s situation has already seen significant progress through its localized version, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI).

Despite a temporary ban in 2022 over lingering data security concerns, BGMI was reinstated in 2023 and has since amassed over 100 million registered users, dominating India’s mobile gaming market. Krafton’s investments in esports and partnerships with brands like Lamborghini have further solidified BGMI’s position.

Will PUBG Mobile Be Unbanned in India?

The partial return of TikTok’s website has sparked speculation about PUBG Mobile’s potential unban, but several factors suggest that the original PUBG Mobile app is unlikely to return in its pre-ban form:

BGMI as a Replacement: BGMI effectively serves as PUBG Mobile’s successor, tailored to meet India’s regulatory requirements. Krafton’s focus on BGMI reduces the need to revive the original app, which was tied to Tencent.

Geopolitical Context: Improving India-China relations may facilitate discussions about banned apps, but PUBG Mobile’s ban was less about Krafton and more about Tencent. With BGMI addressing these concerns, the government may see no need to revisit the original app’s status.

Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some users speculating about TikTok’s return alongside other Chinese apps, while others focus on BGMI’s success as evidence that PUBG’s ecosystem is already thriving in India.