From my experience, older iphones work. I have iphone 11 and 6s and 7. Both older versions work, 11 isn't working.
The way I set up my account:
1) Get a US apple ID- Create it on computer, doesn't matter on which browser and you don't need VPN. Confirm the Apple ID with YOUR OWN phone number. and ofc set the country to US.
2) Insert the US sim and reset the phone.
3) When reset, log in to the phone and you can choose the option that you log into the Apple ID later (after the phone setup). When you have done the setup, log in through settings or store.
4) In the meanwhile you can also turn off Bluetooth and Data. (don't think it really matters but just in case)
5) Then download tiktok WITHOUT vpn. Only US sim, and forget the proxy, you don't need it for this method. (I use Lyca, bought like 2yrs ago from Ebay)
6) After download you should see +1 code number (while trying to log in) if you have a good SIM. (for an example, I tried to reach UK with EE company sims from UK, these didn't work)
7) Create a new email from outlook or if you have a email which you can use, then use it.
8) Now comes the most important point. When you create the account and you can see the feed, you shouldn't see any of your country's content on FYP and Live.
9) Even more important - If you have done everything correctly then you shouldn't be able to like, comment, save and follow. This is completely normal as Tiktok wants to make sure that you are not a "bot". Just check with liking. If you like a video and you can't see the liked video under your "liked videos" section then you are good. If you can see it then you probably did something wrong.
10) Like only once. If you can see that your likes are not registering then don't like for 4-5 days. Don't engage in any way. Just scroll 30min a day. with 10min intervals. (you can set the 10min notification from the settings)
11) When you have waited for 4-5 days then you can try to like and see if it registers. If not, then wait more.
That's the method I use to reach US. Just today hit 400k on one of my videos. And I am from Finland. It can be different for every country.
If you get to the point where you're ready to post, I can give you some tips. For now, you have enough information to start. Keep in mind that I had to figure this out on my own, without any guidance. So it isn't science.
