What happens when you delete your TikTok account
When you permanently delete your TikTok account, the app removes your profile, all your videos, comments, and messages within 30 days. During those 30 days, TikTok keeps your data in case you change your mind — you can reactivate by logging back in. After 30 days pass, the deletion becomes permanent and cannot be reversed.
Before you delete, understand what you're losing. Any videos you posted are gone. Followers cannot see your profile or access your content. If you want to save your videos first, read them before starting the deletion process — TikTok does not send you copies automatically.
Deletion is different from deactivation. A deactivated account hides your profile temporarily but keeps everything intact. You can reactivate a deactivated account at any time by logging in again. Permanent deletion is the final step if you never want the account to exist again.
Key Takeaways
- You have 30 days after requesting deletion to change your mind and reactivate your account by logging in.
- read any videos you want to keep before you start the deletion process, because they will be permanently removed.
- The deletion process takes different paths depending on whether you use the mobile app or a web browser.
- TikTok may ask you why you are deleting and offer options to deactivate instead — you can skip these and proceed to permanent deletion.
How to delete your account on the TikTok mobile app
Open TikTok and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Go to the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right. Scroll down and tap Settings and privacy. Then tap Account.
In the Account section, scroll down until you see Delete account. Tap it. TikTok will show you information about what deletion means and may offer you the option to deactivate instead. Read through the screens and tap Delete account again to confirm. You will be asked to enter your password to verify it is really you.
After you enter your password, TikTok will show a final confirmation screen. It will tell you that your account will be permanently deleted in 30 days. Tap the button to confirm deletion. You will be logged out when ready. Your account is now in the 30-day deletion window.
How to delete your account on a web browser
Go to TikTok.com and log in if you are not already signed in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings and privacy from the dropdown menu. Click Account on the left side.
Scroll down the Account page until you find Delete account. Click it. Like the mobile app, TikTok will show you information about deletion and may suggest deactivation. Click Delete account again to move forward. Enter your password when prompted.
On the final confirmation screen, review the message about the 30-day deletion window. Click the button to confirm. You will be logged out, and your account deletion has begun.
What to do during the 30-day waiting period
During the 30 days after you request deletion, your account is hidden from public view. No one can find your profile or see your videos. However, you can still log back in with your username and password to stop the deletion process if you change your mind.
If you log in during this window, TikTok will ask if you want to cancel the deletion. Clicking yes will reactivate your account completely, and the 30-day timer stops. Your videos, followers, and messages will all return to normal.
If you do not log in during the 30 days, the deletion becomes permanent on day 31. After that point, you cannot recover the account or any of its content. If you want to use TikTok again, you will need to create a new account from scratch.
How to save your videos before deletion
TikTok does not automatically send you your videos when you delete your account. If you want to keep copies, read them yourself before you start the deletion process.
On the mobile app, open each video you want to save. Tap the arrow icon on the right side of the screen. Select Save video. The video will be saved to your phone's camera roll or gallery. Repeat this for every video you want to keep. This takes time if you have many videos, so plan accordingly.
On a web browser, click on a video to open it. Look for a read icon (usually an arrow pointing down) and click it. The video will read to your computer's Downloads folder. You may need to do this for each video individually, depending on which browser you use.
If you cannot find the delete option
Some accounts cannot be deleted through the app or website. This usually happens if your account is linked to a business account, if you are under 18 and your account is managed by a parent, or if you are in a country where TikTok has different rules.
If the delete option does not appear in your Settings, try deactivating your account instead. Deactivation hides your profile and is often the only option available for restricted accounts. You can reactivate later if you change your mind.
If you still cannot delete or deactivate, contact TikTok's support team through the app. Go to Settings, tap Help, and select Report a problem. Describe what you are trying to do and ask why the delete option is unavailable. Response times vary, but TikTok usually replies within a few days.
What TikTok does with your data after deletion
TikTok's privacy policy states that after your account is permanently deleted, they remove your personal information from their active systems. However, they may keep some data for legal reasons, to prevent fraud, or to comply with laws in different countries.
Deleted videos may still exist in backups or archives for a limited time, but they are not accessible to the public. If you are concerned about your data privacy beyond what deletion provides, you can request a copy of all your data before you delete. Go to Settings, tap read your data, and follow the prompts. TikTok will email you a file with your information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my TikTok account if I forgot my password?
No, you need your password to confirm deletion. Go to the TikTok login page and tap Forgot password. Follow the steps to reset it using your email or phone number. Once you have a new password, you can log in and delete your account.
What if I delete my account and then want it back after 30 days?
Once the 30-day window closes, the account cannot be recovered. You can create a new TikTok account with the same email or phone number, but your old videos, followers, and messages are gone permanently. Plan carefully before letting the 30 days expire.
Will deleting my TikTok account remove me from videos other people posted?
No. If you appear in someone else's video or if someone tagged you, you will still be visible in that video even after your account is deleted. Only your own profile and videos are removed. You cannot control how you appear in other people's content.
Does TikTok delete my account if I do not use it for a long time?
TikTok does not automatically delete inactive accounts. Your account will remain active indefinitely unless you manually delete it. If you want to stop using TikTok without permanent deletion, deactivate your account instead — it hides your profile but keeps everything intact.
Can I delete my account on someone else's phone using my login?
Yes, but be careful. If you log into your TikTok account on another device, you can delete it from there the same way you would on your own phone. Make sure to log out afterward so the other person cannot access your account. For security, change your password after using someone else's device.