Change your phone number in TikTok's account settings

To change the phone number linked to your TikTok account, open TikTok and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. From there, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the top right, then select Settings and privacy. Tap Account, then Phone number. You'll see your current number listed. Tap Change phone number or the edit icon next to it.

TikTok will send a verification code to your current phone number. Open the text message and enter that code into the app to confirm you own the account. Once verified, you can enter your new phone number. TikTok will then send a code to the new number — enter that code to complete the change. The whole process takes about five minutes.

If you no longer have access to your old phone number, you'll need to use a different recovery method. TikTok allows you to verify your identity using the email address connected to your account instead. When you reach the verification step, look for a link that says Can't receive SMS? or Verify with email, then follow those instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your phone number through Settings and privacy > Account > Phone number on any device where you're logged in.
  • TikTok sends a verification code to your current number first, so you must still have access to it unless you use email verification instead.
  • If you've lost access to your old phone number, use the email address tied to your account to verify your identity instead.
  • The change takes effect when ready after you enter the second verification code, and your old number is no longer linked to the account.
  • You do not need to change your password or log out of other devices when you update your phone number.

Why TikTok asks for a phone number

TikTok uses your phone number as a way to recover your account if you forget your password or get locked out. It's also used to verify that you're the real owner of the account, especially if TikTok detects unusual activity. The phone number is stored separately from your username and password, so changing it doesn't affect how you log in.

You can also use your phone number to find friends on TikTok — the app can search your contacts and show you people you know. If you don't want this feature, you can turn it off in Settings without removing your phone number from the account.

What happens to your old phone number

Once you complete the change, your old phone number is no longer connected to your TikTok account. Someone else can add that number to their own TikTok account without any conflict. TikTok doesn't keep a record of old phone numbers linked to your account, so there's no way to see the history of numbers you've used.

If you're switching to a new phone but keeping the same number, you don't need to change anything in TikTok — your account will work normally on the new device. The phone number is tied to your account, not to a specific phone.

Changing your number on a computer

You can also change your phone number on a desktop or laptop. Go to tiktok.com and log in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then click Settings and privacy. Click Account, then Phone number. The steps are identical to the mobile app — you'll receive a code on your current number, then enter a code sent to your new number.

The desktop version is sometimes easier if you're having trouble with the mobile app or if you want to see the full screen while entering codes. Either way, the change syncs across all devices when ready.

If you can't receive texts on your old number

If your old phone is lost, broken, or the number is no longer active, you have two options. First, try the email verification method mentioned earlier — tap Can't receive SMS? and TikTok will send a code to the email address on your account instead. This works as long as you still have access to that email.

If you don't have access to your email either, you'll need to contact TikTok's support team. Go to Settings > Help > Report a problem and describe your situation. Explain that you can't verify your identity through your phone number or email. TikTok support can sometimes help you regain access, but the process takes longer — usually several days. Have your username, the email on the account, and any other details about the account ready when you contact them.

Removing your phone number entirely

You don't have to keep a phone number on your TikTok account. In the Phone number settings, you can tap Remove or Delete instead of entering a new number. This disconnects the phone number from your account, though you'll lose the ability to recover your account using that method if you forget your password.

If you remove your phone number, make sure you have another recovery method set up — either an email address or a backup code. Without at least one recovery option, you could get permanently locked out of your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my password when I change my phone number?

No. Your phone number and password are separate security features. Changing one does not affect the other. You'll still log in with your username and password the same way you always have.

Will my friends know I changed my phone number?

No. Your phone number is private information that only you and TikTok can see. Your followers and friends won't be notified, and they can't view your phone number in your profile.

Can I use the same phone number on multiple TikTok accounts?

No. Each phone number can only be linked to one TikTok account at a time. If you try to add a number that's already in use, TikTok will tell you it's already connected to another account. You'll need to remove it from the old account first.

How long does it take for the change to go through?

The change is when ready once you enter the verification code from your new phone number. You don't need to wait for an email confirmation or restart the app. Your account is updated when ready.

What if I entered the wrong number by mistake?

If you entered an incorrect number and realized it before the verification code arrived, go back to the Phone number settings and tap Change phone number again. You can start over. If the code already arrived on the wrong number, you'll need to use email verification or contact TikTok support to fix it.