How to delete a TikTok account: open TikTok, tap Profile, tap the menu icon (three lines), go to Settings and privacy > Account > Deactivate or delete account, choose Delete account permanently, verify it is you with a code or your password, and confirm. TikTok then deactivates your account for 30 days, and if you do not log back in during that time, it is permanently deleted. If you only want a break, you can deactivate instead, and if you change your mind within 30 days you can recover the account by logging in. This guide explains every step for iPhone and Android, what happens to your videos and data, how to download your information first, and what to do if the option does not work.
Last updated: October 2026. TikTok changes menu names from time to time. If a label looks different on your phone, use the search bar in Settings and privacy, or check the official TikTok Support Center.
Quick Answer: How Do I Delete My TikTok Account?
- Open the TikTok app and log in to the account you want to delete.
- Tap Profile at the bottom right.
- Tap the menu icon (three lines) at the top right, then Settings and privacy.
- Tap Account, then Deactivate or delete account.
- Choose Delete account permanently and tap Continue.
- Verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or email, or with your password.
- Tap Delete account and confirm.
Your account is hidden right away. If you do not reactivate it within 30 days, it is permanently removed.
Delete vs Deactivate TikTok: What Is the Difference?
Many people search for how to delete a TikTok account when they really want a pause. The two options are very different.
| Feature | Deactivate (temporary) | Delete (permanent) |
|---|---|---|
| Is your profile hidden? | Yes | Yes |
| Are videos, followers and messages kept? | Yes, until you return | No, removed after the waiting period |
| Can you undo it? | Yes, by logging in | Only within 30 days, by logging in |
| Can you recover your data later? | Yes | No, after permanent deletion |
| Best for | A break from social media | Leaving TikTok for good |
Rule of thumb: if you might want your videos, followers or username again, deactivate first. If you are sure, delete.
What to Do Before You Delete Your TikTok Account
Deletion cannot be undone once the waiting period ends, so complete this short checklist first.
1. Download your TikTok data
You can request a copy of your information, including your profile details, videos and activity history, before you delete.
- Go to Profile > Menu > Settings and privacy > Account.
- Tap Download your data.
- Choose the file format and submit the request.
- When the file is ready, download it from the same screen. This can take a few days, so request it early.
2. Save your videos
If you want to keep your own videos, save them to your phone from your profile before deleting. Drafts and videos you did not save will be lost with the account.
3. Check TikTok Coins, gifts and purchases
If you bought coins, earn money through creator tools or sell through TikTok Shop, use or withdraw your balance first. Unused balances are generally not recoverable after deletion. Also cancel any subscriptions you started through your app store.
4. Check apps where you log in with TikTok
Some apps and websites allow “Log in with TikTok.” After deletion you may lose access, so switch those accounts to an email login first. Review connected apps using our guide to account privacy settings.
5. Tell your followers where to find you
TikTok does not announce your departure. If you are a creator or business, post your new contact details or other platforms in a final video or bio update.
6. Make sure you can log in
TikTok needs you to verify your identity, so confirm that you can access the linked phone number, email or login method. If you forgot your password, reset it first.
How to Delete Your TikTok Account on iPhone and Android
The steps are almost identical on both phones.
- Open TikTok and tap Profile.
- Tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
- Tap Settings and privacy.
- Tap Account.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Deactivate or delete account.
- Select Delete account permanently.
- Read the information screen, then tap Continue.
- Choose a reason if asked and verify your identity with the code or password.
- Tap Delete account to finish.
Older app versions may show Manage account > Delete account instead. If you cannot find the option, update the app and try again.
How to Delete TikTok on a Computer or Mobile Browser
The easiest and most reliable method is the mobile app. If you use TikTok in a web browser, sign in, open your account or profile menu, and look for settings related to managing or deleting your account. TikTok’s web menus differ from the app and may change, so if you do not see the option, use the app or follow the instructions on the TikTok Support Center. Always type the official address yourself instead of clicking links in messages, because fake TikTok pages are a common phishing trick.
How to Temporarily Deactivate Your TikTok Account
Deactivation is a safer choice if you are unsure. Your profile and videos are hidden from other people until you come back.
- Go to Profile > Menu > Settings and privacy > Account.
- Tap Deactivate or delete account.
- Choose Deactivate account (where available in your region) and follow the prompts.
To return, log in again with your usual details. If you only want fewer notifications or more privacy, you may not need to leave at all. Our guide to TikTok privacy settings shows how to make your account private, limit messages and control who sees your videos.
What Happens After You Delete Your TikTok Account?
Here is the typical timeline.
- Immediately: your profile and videos are no longer visible to other people.
- Days 1 to 30: your account stays in a deactivated state. If you log in, you can reactivate it.
- After 30 days: your account is permanently deleted, including your videos, followers, likes, messages and profile information. You cannot get them back.
Some information may remain for a limited time in backups or where the law requires TikTok to keep records. Messages you sent may still appear in other people’s inboxes, and content that others created using your videos, such as a Duet or Stitch, can remain on their accounts.
Can I recover a deleted TikTok account?
Yes, but only within the 30-day period. Log in with your username and password (or the same sign-in method) and follow the prompts to reactivate. After 30 days the account cannot be recovered, and TikTok Support cannot restore it.
Will my followers be notified?
TikTok does not send followers a notice. They will see that your profile is no longer available.
How to Delete a TikTok Account Without a Password
You usually need to prove the account is yours. If you forgot your password, you have two main options.
- On the login screen, tap Forgot password? and reset it with your phone number or email.
- If you can still receive a verification code at your phone or email, you may be able to complete verification with the code instead of a password.
When you create the new password, make it long and unique. Our guide to how to create a strong password explains a simple method, and the CISA password guidance recommends long, random passwords.
What If You Cannot Delete Your TikTok Account?
The delete option is missing
Update TikTok to the latest version, restart the app and look again under Settings and privacy > Account. Menus vary by app version and region.
The verification code does not arrive
Check that your phone number or email is correct, check spam folders, and make sure you have signal. If you changed numbers, try another verification method or contact TikTok Support.
Your account is banned or restricted
Resolve any restriction first or contact TikTok Support through the Help Center. If the app misbehaves in other ways, our tech troubleshooting guide covers common fixes.
Your account was hacked
Do not delete it immediately. Try to recover it first, because deleting may make it harder to prove ownership. Use Forgot password, check your email for messages about changed details, and report the problem to TikTok Support. After regaining access, change your password, turn on two-step verification and log out of unknown devices. Learn the warning signs in our guide to how to spot a phishing email.
Deleting a TikTok Account Created With Another Login
If you signed up with a phone number, email or another service such as Google, Apple, Facebook or Instagram, you can still delete the TikTok account on its own. TikTok will verify you using that sign-in method. Deleting TikTok does not delete your other account, but you should check that you can still log in to it separately. For other platforms, see our guides on how to delete an Instagram account and Facebook privacy settings.
How to Delete a TikTok Account for a Child or Teen
If a child or teen uses TikTok, the easiest approach is to sit with them and follow the same steps in their account, with their permission. Parents can also use TikTok’s Family Pairing features and review privacy settings together. If you cannot log in and believe the account belongs to a child under the minimum age, contact TikTok Support through the Help Center.
After Deleting: Clean Up Your Digital Footprint
- Delete the app from your phone. Removing the app alone does not delete the account, so do this after you finish the steps above.
- Remove saved logins from your browser and password manager.
- Review other social accounts. Check our WhatsApp privacy settings and Instagram privacy settings guides.
- Search your name online to see whether old videos or reposts remain elsewhere, and ask sites to remove them if needed.
- Learn safe habits. Our technology tutorials and the CISA Secure Our World resources explain how to protect every account.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deleting TikTok
How do I delete my TikTok account permanently?
Go to Profile, then Menu, Settings and privacy, Account, and Deactivate or delete account. Choose Delete account permanently, verify your identity and confirm. The account is permanently deleted after 30 days.
How long does it take to delete a TikTok account?
Your profile is hidden at once, and permanent deletion happens after a 30-day waiting period. During those 30 days you can still reactivate by logging in.
What is the difference between deleting and deactivating TikTok?
Deactivating hides your account temporarily and lets you return by logging in. Deleting removes your account, videos, followers and messages permanently once the 30 days end.
Can I get my TikTok videos back after deleting?
Not after permanent deletion. Save your videos and download your data before you delete, or reactivate within the 30-day period.
Does deleting the TikTok app delete my account?
No. Uninstalling the app only removes it from your phone. Your account continues to exist until you delete it in the settings.
Can I delete a TikTok account without logging in?
No. TikTok needs you to log in and verify your identity. If you forgot your password, reset it using your email or phone number first.
Will TikTok tell people when I delete my account?
No, followers are not notified. They simply will not be able to find your profile.
Can I create a new TikTok account after deleting the old one?
Yes, you can sign up again. Your old videos and followers will not come back, and your old username may not be available.
Do I lose my TikTok Coins if I delete my account?
Unused balances and purchases may be lost after deletion, so use or withdraw what you can first and check TikTok’s Help Center for current rules.
Is it better to deactivate or delete TikTok?
Deactivate if you want a break and may return. Delete if you are sure you want to leave and have saved your data.
How do I delete a TikTok account if I lost my phone number?
Try logging in with your email or another linked sign-in method. If you cannot verify your identity, contact TikTok Support through the Help Center for options.
Can I delete someone else’s TikTok account?
No. You can only delete an account you can log in to. For fake, abusive or impersonating accounts, use TikTok’s reporting tools instead.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to delete a TikTok account helps you take control of your data and your time online. Start by deciding whether you need a break (deactivate) or a permanent exit (delete). Download your data, save videos you care about, check coins and linked logins, then follow the steps in Settings and privacy. Stay logged out for 30 days, and your account will be permanently removed. Afterwards, use the moment to tighten your other accounts with unique passwords, two-step verification and careful privacy settings.
Tip: Not completely sure? Deactivate for a week first. If you do not miss TikTok, return and delete the account for good.
