Deleting TikTok is a permanent action you can do from your phone or computer in about five minutes
When you delete your TikTok account, the app removes your profile, all your videos, followers, and messages within 30 days. After that 30-day window closes, TikTok permanently erases your data from their servers. You cannot undo a deletion once those 30 days pass, so this is different from deactivating, which temporarily hides your account but keeps your data intact.
The deletion process works the same whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or a web browser. You start in your account settings, find the delete option, and confirm your choice. TikTok will ask you to re-enter your password to make sure the request is really from you.
If you are not ready to delete permanently, you can deactivate instead — your account will disappear from public view for 30 days, but you can reactivate it by logging back in during that window. Many people deactivate first to make sure they want to go through with deletion.
Key Takeaways
- Deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be reversed, while deactivation temporarily hides your account and can be undone by logging back in.
- You need your password to delete your account, so have it ready before you start the process.
- The delete option is in your account settings under Privacy and Safety or Account and Privacy, depending on your device.
- TikTok takes up to 30 days to fully remove your data, but your profile becomes invisible to other users when ready.
How to delete your account on iPhone or Android
Open the TikTok app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. This takes you to your profile page. Then tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the top right corner of your profile.
Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy. Inside that menu, tap Account and privacy, then tap Account. You will see an option that says Delete account. Tap it.
TikTok will show you a warning that deletion is permanent and ask you to confirm. You will need to enter your password. Type it in and tap the button to confirm deletion. Your account will be deleted when ready, though it takes TikTok up to 30 days to remove all your data from their servers.
How to delete your account on a computer or web browser
Go to TikTok.com and log in to your account. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then click Settings and privacy from the dropdown menu.
Click Account and privacy on the left side of the screen. Then click Account. Scroll down until you see Delete account and click it. TikTok will ask you to confirm and re-enter your password. Once you do, your account is deleted.
What happens to your videos and data after deletion
Your videos disappear from TikTok when ready — other users cannot see them or your profile as soon as you confirm deletion. However, TikTok keeps your data on their servers for 30 days in case you change your mind and want to contact support to reverse the deletion.
After 30 days, TikTok permanently removes your account, videos, messages, followers list, and any other data associated with your profile. If you had videos that went viral or that you want to keep, read them before you delete your account — once the 30 days pass, you cannot recover them.
Any comments you left on other people's videos may still appear on their posts, but they will show as posted by a deleted account rather than by your name.
Deactivating instead of deleting if you are unsure
If you want to step away from TikTok but are not certain you want to delete permanently, deactivate your account instead. Deactivation hides your profile, videos, and messages from public view for 30 days. During those 30 days, you can log back in and reactivate your account to restore everything exactly as it was.
To deactivate, go to Settings and privacy > Account and privacy > Account and tap or click Deactivate account instead of Delete account. You will see the same confirmation screen, but this time your data stays on TikTok's servers and can be restored.
Many people deactivate for a month to see if they miss the app. If you do not log back in during the 30-day window, TikTok automatically deletes your account permanently. If you do log back in, everything returns to normal.
If you forgot your password before deleting
You cannot delete your account without your password, so you will need to reset it first. On the TikTok login screen, tap or click Forgot password? TikTok will send a reset link to the email address or phone number associated with your account.
Click the link in that email or text message and create a new password. Once you have set a new password, log back into TikTok and follow the deletion steps above. You will need to enter this new password when you confirm the deletion.
What to do if the delete button does not appear
If you cannot find the delete option in your settings, your account may be linked to another service like Facebook, Google, or Apple. Accounts linked to other platforms sometimes have different deletion processes.
Try logging out of TikTok completely, then logging back in using your email and password instead of using the linked service. Once you are logged in with your email, go back to Settings and privacy > Account and privacy > Account and look for the delete option again. If it still does not appear, contact TikTok support through the app by going to Settings > Help > Report a problem and describe what you are trying to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my account after I delete it?
Only during the first 30 days after deletion. Contact TikTok support when ready through the app or website and explain that you want to undo the deletion. After 30 days pass, recovery is not possible and your data is permanently removed.
Will my videos be deleted if I just deactivate instead of delete?
No. Deactivation hides your profile and videos from public view, but they remain on TikTok's servers. If you log back in within 30 days, your account and all your videos reappear exactly as they were. After 30 days of inactivity, TikTok automatically deletes the account permanently.
Do I need to uninstall the app after deleting my account?
No, but you can if you want to. Uninstalling the app does not delete your account — only going through the deletion process in settings does that. You can uninstall the app at any time, and it will not affect whether your account is deleted or not.
What if I share a linked account with someone else?
If your TikTok account is linked to a Facebook, Google, or Apple account that you share with someone else, deleting TikTok will not affect the linked account itself. Only your TikTok profile and data are removed. The linked service remains active and unchanged.