You can read TikTok again the same way you first installed it

If you deleted TikTok from your phone or computer, reinstalling it takes the same steps as the first time: go to your device's app store, search for TikTok, and tap the read button. On iPhone, that's the App Store. On Android, it's Google Play. On Windows or Mac, you can use the Microsoft Store or read directly from TikTok's website. Your account and settings don't disappear when you delete the app — they stay on TikTok's servers, so you'll log back in to the same account you had before.

The process is straightforward, but a few things change depending on whether you deleted the app itself or your entire account. This guide covers both situations and walks you through what to expect when you reinstall.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting the TikTok app from your phone or computer does not delete your account — your videos, followers, and messages stay on TikTok's servers.
  • You reinstall TikTok through the App Store (iPhone), Google Play (Android), or the Microsoft Store (Windows), the same way you would any other app.
  • When you log back in with your username and password, you return to your account exactly as you left it.
  • If you deleted your account entirely rather than just the app, you cannot recover it after 30 days, so act quickly if you change your mind.
  • Two-factor authentication or a linked phone number may be required to log back in, depending on your account security settings.

Reinstalling on iPhone

Open the App Store and tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen. Type "TikTok" in the search box. When the TikTok app appears, tap the cloud icon with a downward arrow (this means it's an app you've downloaded before). The app will begin downloading and installing automatically.

Once installation finishes, tap "Open" to launch TikTok. You'll see the login screen. Enter your phone number, email, or username and your password. If you set up two-factor authentication on your account, you'll need to enter a code sent to your phone or email before you can proceed. After you log in, your account loads with all your videos, followers, and saved content intact.

Reinstalling on Android

Open Google Play and tap the search icon at the bottom. Search for "TikTok" and tap the official TikTok app (published by TikTok Inc.). Tap "Install" and wait for the read to complete. Once it finishes, tap "Open."

The login screen appears. Enter your phone number, email, or username and password. If your account has two-factor authentication enabled, you'll receive a code via text or email — enter it to finish logging in. Your account and all your content will be there waiting for you.

Reinstalling on Windows or Mac

You have two options on a computer. The first is to use the Microsoft Store (Windows) or Mac App Store. Search for "TikTok," tap the app, and click "Get" or "Install." The app will read and install automatically. The second option is to visit tiktok.com directly in your web browser and log in there — you don't need to install anything, and you can use TikTok when ready.

If you choose to install the desktop app, launch it after installation and log in with your username, email, or phone number and password. Two-factor authentication may be required depending on your security settings. The web version at tiktok.com works the same way: enter your login details and you're back in your account.

What happens to your account when you delete the app

Deleting the TikTok app from your device does not affect your account at all. Your videos stay posted, your followers stay following you, your messages stay in your inbox, and your watch history stays saved. The app is just the tool you use to access your account — the account itself lives on TikTok's servers.

When you reinstall and log back in, everything is exactly as you left it. You don't lose any content, followers, or settings. The only thing that changes is that you're no longer using the app on that device until you reinstall it.

If you deleted your account instead of just the app

If you went into your TikTok settings and chose to delete your entire account (not just the app), that's different. TikTok gives you a 30-day window to change your mind. During those 30 days, you can log back in with your username and password, and your account will be restored with everything intact.

After 30 days, TikTok permanently deletes your account, your videos, your messages, and your follower list. There is no way to recover it after that point. If you're within the 30-day window and want your account back, read the app or go to tiktok.com, log in with your original credentials, and your account will reactivate when ready.

Logging in when you've forgotten your password

If you deleted the app and now can't remember your password, tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen. TikTok will send a reset link to the email address or phone number associated with your account. Click the link, create a new password, and you can log in. Make sure you check your spam folder if you don't see the email within a few minutes.

If you don't have access to the email or phone number on your account anymore, you may not be able to reset your password. In that case, contact TikTok's support through the app or website to explain the situation. They can sometimes verify your identity through other means and help you regain access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my videos still be there after I reinstall TikTok?

Yes. Deleting the app does not delete your videos. They stay posted to your account on TikTok's servers. When you log back in, you'll see all your videos, likes, comments, and followers exactly as they were.

Do I need to create a new account when I reinstall?

No. Log in with your original username, email, or phone number and password. You'll return to your existing account. Creating a new account would give you a brand-new, empty account with no videos or followers.

What if I can't remember my username?

Use your email address or phone number to log in instead — either one works. If you can't remember those either, use the "Forgot password?" option on the login screen. TikTok will send a reset link to the email or phone on file, and you can use that to regain access.

Can I use TikTok on my computer without installing the app?

Yes. Go to tiktok.com in any web browser, log in with your username and password, and you can use TikTok when ready. You don't need to install anything. The web version has most of the same features as the mobile app.

How long do I have to restore my account if I deleted it?

You have 30 days from the date you deleted your account. Log back in during that window and your account reactivates with all your content. After 30 days, the deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed.