How To Delete Your TikTok Account: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re ready to ditch the dances and viral trends? Deleting your TikTok account is a pretty straightforward process, but it’s important to understand what happens to your data and what options you have before pulling the plug. Here’s how to get it done:
- Open the TikTok app on your iOS or Android device.
- Tap Profile at the bottom right corner of the screen. This will take you to your personal profile page.
- Tap the Menu icon, which are the three horizontal lines located at the top right corner of your profile.
- Select Settings and privacy from the menu options.
- Tap Account.
- Choose Deactivate or delete account. (The wording might vary slightly depending on your region and app version).
- Select Delete account. You’ll be presented with two options: Deactivate and Delete. Make sure to select Delete account if you want to permanently remove your profile. Deactivating only temporarily disables the account.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. TikTok will likely ask you to verify your identity, usually via a code sent to your registered phone number or email address. Enter the verification code.
- Confirm your decision to delete your account. TikTok will likely present you with a final confirmation screen. Read it carefully, as this is your last chance to back out.
- Tap Delete (or a similar confirmation button).
That’s it! Your account will now be marked for deletion. Keep in mind that TikTok deactivates your account for 30 days before permanently deleting it. During this 30-day period, you can reactivate your account by simply logging back in. However, after 30 days, your account and all its associated data will be permanently deleted, and you won’t be able to recover it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Deleting Your TikTok Account
We understand you may have a few questions about deleting your TikTok account. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked ones:
General Account Deletion
1. Why can’t I delete my TikTok account?
There are a few reasons why you might be having trouble deleting your account. First, make sure you’ve entered and verified your phone number or email address within your account settings. TikTok requires this for security purposes. Secondly, there might be a glitch in the app. Try force quitting the app and reopening it. Restarting your device could also help resolve any temporary software issues. Finally, ensure you have a stable internet connection, as a poor connection can sometimes interrupt the deletion process.
2. How do I delete my TikTok account without deleting the app?
Deleting your account and deleting the app are two separate actions. To delete your account, follow the steps outlined at the beginning of this article. Deleting the app will only remove the application from your device, but your account will still exist until you specifically delete it within the app’s settings.
3. Can I delete my TikTok account and make a new account with the same email?
Yes, you can, but there’s a catch. When you delete your TikTok account, it goes into a 30-day deactivation period. After those 30 days, the account is permanently deleted. Only after this 30-day period are you free to use the same email address to create a completely new TikTok account.
4. How do I delete a second TikTok account?
The process for deleting a second (or any additional) TikTok account is the same as deleting your primary account. Just make sure you are logged into the specific account you wish to delete before following the steps outlined above. Go to Profile > Menu > Settings and privacy > Account > Deactivate or delete account > Delete account.
TikTok Now Specific Questions
5. Can you not delete a TikTok Now?
You can delete a TikTok Now. If you are talking about deleting a post from TikTok Now, just press Delete on the post itself. If it is within the window for posting a Now, you’ll be prompted to post another one.
Data and Privacy
6. Why is everyone deleting TikTok?
There are several reasons why some users are choosing to delete TikTok. One primary concern is data privacy and security. Some worry about the access that the Chinese government may have to user data collected by ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. Others may simply be taking a break from social media or disagreeing with the platform’s algorithm and content policies.
7. Does deleting TikTok stop spying?
Deleting your account and uninstalling the app prevents TikTok from collecting your data going forward. But that doesn’t mean all your previously collected data vanishes. While TikTok states that deleted data will be permanently removed, the exact timeline and process for this removal can vary and are often subject to their internal policies and legal regulations.
Deletion Effects and Recovery
8. What happens when you permanently delete your TikTok?
When you permanently delete your TikTok account (after the 30-day deactivation period), all of your uploads, watch history, followers, and likes will be permanently removed from the platform. Your account will no longer be searchable, and no one will be able to view your profile or content. Keep in mind that chat messages or DMs might still remain visible to other users who were part of those conversations.
9. How do I delete my TikTok account without waiting 30 days?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to bypass the 30-day deactivation period. TikTok mandates this waiting period to allow users to recover their accounts if they change their minds. If you log back into your account within those 30 days, the deletion process is cancelled.
10. Will people see my TikTok account if I delete it?
During the 30-day deactivation period, your account will be designated as “deactivated” when other users search for it. They won’t be able to view your videos or likes during this time. Once the 30 days are up and the account is permanently deleted, it will no longer appear in search results at all.
Account Management
11. Can I delete my TikTok account and create a new one?
Yes, you can. As mentioned before, you’ll need to wait for the 30-day deactivation period to pass before you can use the same email address or phone number to create a brand new TikTok account.
12. What happens if you have two TikTok accounts?
TikTok allows you to have multiple accounts linked to one device. This can be useful if you want to separate your personal and professional content. However, be careful about using multiple accounts for promotional activities, as TikTok’s algorithms might detect this and potentially shadowban your accounts.
13. What will happen if I delete one of my TikTok accounts?
If you delete one of your TikTok accounts, only that specific account will be affected. The content, followers, and engagement metrics associated with that account will be permanently removed after the 30-day deactivation period. Your other TikTok accounts will remain active and unaffected.
14. Can 2 people use one TikTok account?
While it’s technically possible for two people to share a TikTok account, it’s not recommended. TikTok accounts are designed to be used by one person only. Sharing an account can lead to confusion with the algorithm, potential security risks, and difficulties managing content and engagement. Only one person can be signed in at a time.
Security and Uninstallation
15. How do I safely delete TikTok?
“Safely” deleting TikTok involves two key steps: First, delete your account following the steps outlined at the beginning of this article. This ensures that your data is marked for deletion from TikTok’s servers. Second, uninstall the app from your device. This removes the app from your phone or tablet, preventing it from accessing any further information. This dual-pronged approach minimizes the risk of your data being accessed or used after you decide to leave the platform.
We hope this comprehensive guide has answered all your questions about deleting your TikTok account. If you’re interested in learning more about the impact of games and social media on learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.