Why you might need to change your age on TikTok

TikTok uses your birthdate to control what content you see and what features you can use. If you entered the wrong year when you created your account — or if your account was set up by someone else with an incorrect date — you may be restricted from features like going live, sending direct messages, or seeing certain videos. Changing your age is straightforward, but TikTok limits how often you can make the change.

Your age also determines whether TikTok shows your account to other users and what privacy settings explore. Accounts marked as under 13 have stricter defaults. If your birthdate is wrong, you might be locked out of features you should have access to, or you might see content that does not match your actual age.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your birthdate in your TikTok account settings under "Personal Information," but TikTok only allows one change every 30 days.
  • If you entered a birthdate that makes you under 13, TikTok will restrict your account and you will need to change it to use most features.
  • The change takes effect when ready, but TikTok may ask you to verify your identity if the new age is significantly different from the old one.
  • If you cannot change your age because you hit the 30-day limit, you will need to wait until that period passes before trying again.

How to change your age in TikTok settings

Open TikTok and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. From your profile page, tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the top right. Scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy," then tap "Account." You will see "Personal information" listed — tap that option.

Tap "Birthdate" and you will see the date you currently have on file. TikTok will show you a date picker with three wheels: month, day, and year. Spin each wheel to set your correct birthdate, then tap "Save" or "Confirm." The change takes effect right away, and TikTok will send you a confirmation message.

If this is your first time changing your age and the new date makes you under 13, TikTok may ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID or by other means. Follow the prompts on screen. If you are changing your age to something significantly different from what was on file, TikTok may also ask for verification as a security measure.

What happens if you hit the 30-day change limit

TikTok allows you to change your birthdate once every 30 days. If you have already made a change recently and try to change it again, you will see a message telling you when you can make your next change. The countdown starts from the date of your last change, not from the calendar month.

If you made a mistake and need to change your age again before 30 days have passed, you will have to wait. There is no way to override this limit or contact TikTok to speed it up. Mark your calendar for when the 30 days are up so you know when you can make another change.

Why TikTok might ask you to verify your identity

When you change your age, especially if the new birthdate is very different from the old one, TikTok may ask you to prove your identity. This is a security measure to prevent someone else from changing your age without permission. TikTok may ask you to upload a photo of your ID, take a selfie, or answer security questions you set up when you created your account.

If TikTok asks for ID, make sure the name and birthdate on the ID match what you are entering. You do not need to show your full ID — TikTok usually only needs to see the part with your birthdate and name. If you do not have an ID handy, you can usually try again later or use an alternative verification method like a selfie.

What to do if you cannot access your birthdate settings

If you tap "Personal information" and do not see "Birthdate" as an option, your account may be restricted. This sometimes happens if TikTok flagged your account for unusual activity or if you are under 13 according to the current birthdate on file. Try logging out completely and logging back in, then check again.

If the option still does not appear, your account may need additional verification before you can change your age. TikTok will usually show you a message explaining what you need to do. Follow those instructions, which might include uploading ID or waiting for a review. If you are still stuck after 24 hours, you can contact TikTok support through the app by going to Settings and privacy > Help > Report a problem.

How your age affects your TikTok experience

Your age controls which features are available to you. If you are under 13, you cannot go live, send direct messages, or post videos that can be shared outside TikTok. You also cannot use certain filters or effects. Your account is also set to private by default, meaning only people you approve can follow you and see your videos.

If you are 13 or older, you unlock features like direct messaging, going live, and posting to your public feed. Your privacy settings default to allowing anyone to follow you, though you can change that in your privacy settings. Getting your birthdate correct makes sure you have access to the features that match your age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else change my age on TikTok?

Only you can change your age using your account password. If someone else has your password, they could change it, which is why you should use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication in your security settings. If you think someone changed your age without permission, change your password when ready and contact TikTok support.

What if I entered my age wrong when I created my account?

You can change it the same way described above — go to Settings and privacy > Account > Personal information > Birthdate. If the wrong age locked you out of features, changing it will restore those features right away. You may need to verify your identity the first time you make the change.

Does TikTok tell other users my exact birthdate?

No. TikTok only shows your age (like "16 years old") on your profile if you choose to make it visible. Your exact birthdate is private and only you and TikTok can see it. You can control whether your age shows on your profile in your privacy settings.

What if I am under 13 and cannot change my age?

TikTok restricts accounts marked as under 13 for safety reasons. If you are actually 13 or older, you can change your birthdate in your settings. If TikTok asks for verification, upload a photo of your ID showing your real birthdate. If you are genuinely under 13, TikTok's restrictions are in place by law and cannot be removed.