TikTok has taken the world by storm by gaining a massive number of users over time. But sometimes, it is notoriously reluctant to let these users go, no matter how hard they try to delete their accounts. This is a surprisingly common problem, and most users just give up without actually deleting their TikTok account.
In this article, we’ll explore why TikTok makes account deletion tricky and provide a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.
Deactivate vs Delete TikTok
Before you delete, TikTok will offer you a chance to deactivate instead. Deactivating is temporary. It hides your profile and locks you out of the action, but you can reactivate it anytime by logging in within 30 days. On the other hand, deleting a TikTok account is permanent. It removes your account, content, followers, and associated data once and for all. Deactivation is ideal for short breaks, while deletion is for permanent account closure.
How to Delete Your TikTok Account Using a Mobile
The most straightforward way to delete your TikTok account is via a mobile app. To do this:
- Open the TikTok app and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
- Tap the three-line menu icon in the top right, then select “Settings and privacy.”
- Tap on “Account”.
- Look for “Deactivate or delete account” and select it.
- Choose “Delete account” when prompted.
- TikTok will ask you to confirm your identity. Enter your password.
- You’ll receive a verification code via SMS. Input this code in the app.
- After entering the code, tap “Next” or “Continue.”
- Read the information on the confirmation screen carefully.
- If you’re sure, tap “Delete account” at the bottom of the screen.
- A final warning pop-up will appear. Tap “Delete” to confirm your decision.
- Your TikTok account should now be deleted.
This process may vary slightly depending on your device and app version. If you encounter any issues, try updating the app or trying the next delete method.
How to Delete Your TikTok Account from a Computer
The next preferred way to delete your Instagram account is through your PC via a web browser. Here’s a step-by-step guide to deleting a TikTok account via computer/web browser:
- Open your preferred web browser and navigate to TikTok’s official website.
- Sign in to your TikTok account using your credentials.
- In the upper right corner, click on your profile picture or icon.
- From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”
- In the left sidebar, find and click on “Account.”
- Click on “Delete account.”
- A page will appear explaining the consequences of account deletion. Read this carefully.
- If you want to delete your account, click “Continue” or “Next.”
- You may be asked to re-enter your password for security purposes.
- After confirming your identity, click on “Delete Account” once more.
- A final confirmation pop-up will appear. Click “Confirm” or “Delete” to complete the process.
9 Common Reasons Why You Still Can’t Delete Your TikTok Account
If you’re still reading, there’s a good chance you’ve already tried both of the options above. If your account is still not getting deleted, there are a handful of reasons why this may be the case.
Delete Failed
Sometimes, TikTok simply returns a “delete failed” message without explanation. This frustrating error can occur due to various reasons, including server issues, account verification problems, and technical glitches.
Other reasons for this include:
- Linked third-party apps
- Flagged or restricted account
- Recent account activity (such as a change in username)
- Ongoing investigations for violations
TikTok Wants Your Phone Number
TikTok usually requires additional verification before deletion to ensure someone isn’t deleting on your behalf. Often, they ask for your phone number. If you’re reluctant to provide this information or the number doesn’t match their records, the deletion process can be blocked.
Unrecognized Email Address
Sometimes they request your email instead. If you’ve changed your email address or don’t remember which one you used to sign up, TikTok may not recognize your account, preventing deletion.
Larger Number of Followers
TikTok is less willing to let large accounts go. If you have a significant following, TikTok may implement extra verification steps to prevent unauthorized account deletions of popular creators.
Lost Access to Old Accounts.
If you’ve lost access to the email or phone number associated with your account, verifying ownership becomes challenging, making deletion difficult.
Device Issues
Sometimes, the problem lies with your device. Outdated apps, poor internet connection, or device-specific bugs can interfere with the deletion process.
Multiple Attempts from Different Devices
Trying to delete your account from multiple devices might trigger TikTok’s security measures. Suspecting malice, they may temporarily block deletion attempts.
TikTok App Error
TikTok can experience glitches. An app error from server-side problems might prevent you from accessing the deletion feature or completing the process.
10 Fixes to Delete Your TikTok Account When You Tried Everything
Method 1: Delete using a Web Browser/PC
If/When the mobile app is glitchy, try accessing TikTok through a web browser on your computer. The desktop version might offer a smoother deletion process.
Method 2: Remove Linked Contacts
Linked accounts or contacts can sometimes interfere with deletion. Go to your privacy settings and remove any linked accounts or contacts before attempting to delete them again.
Method 3: Manually Remove Your Followers
According to some Reddit users, it may be difficult to delete a TikTok account with plenty of followers. Therefore, try manually removing them. While time-consuming, this can sometimes bypass restrictions on high-follower accounts.
Method 4: Reinstall the App and Try Again
Uninstall the TikTok app, restart your device, and reinstall the latest version. This can resolve app-specific issues that might be preventing deletion.
Method 5: Verify Your Email Address
Ensure your email address is verified. Check your inbox for any pending verification emails from TikTok and complete the process.
Method 6: Try All Known Email Addresses to Login
If you’re unsure which email you used, try logging in with all possible email addresses you might have used when creating the account.
Method 7: Check Your Internet Connection
A bad internet connection can interfere with the deletion process. Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or reset your router to ensure a strong connection.
Method 8: Retry After Bugs are Fixed
If there’s a known bug, wait for TikTok to release an update. Check their official channels and social media accounts for announcements about fixes.
Method 9: Ask Your Friends to Report Your Account
Having multiple users report your account might trigger TikTok to review and potentially remove it. This is useful when you no longer have access to an account, or there’s a possible hack. Use this cautiously, as it may lead to a flagging of future accounts.
Method 10: Contact TikTok Support
If all else fails, reach out to TikTok’s customer support. Explain your situation in detail and request assistance with account deletion.
Remember, persistence is key. If one method doesn’t work, move on to the next until you succeed in deleting your account.
Other Alternatives to TikTok Account Deletion
If you’re not quite sure about deleting your account but want more privacy or less time on the app, there are alternatives that offer more flexibility than outright deletion. These allow you to step back from TikTok while keeping your options open for the future.
Make Your Account Private
If you’re not ready to entirely delete your account but want to limit your visibility on the platform, making your account private is a good option. Here’s what it does:
- Only approved followers can see your content
- Your videos won’t appear on the For You page or in search results
- New users must request to follow you
To do this,
- Go to your profile
- Tap the three-line menu icon
- Select “Settings and privacy”
- Tap “Privacy”
- Toggle on “Private account”
Deactivate Your Account
Deactivation is a middle ground between keeping your account active and deleting it permanently. When you deactivate your TikTok account:
- Your profile, videos, and comments become hidden from other users
- You can reactivate your account by logging back in within 30 days.
- Your account and data are preserved, unlike with deletion. Your username cannot be taken over
To deactivate your account:
- Go to your profile
- Tap the three-line menu icon
- Select “Settings and privacy”
- Tap “Account”
- Choose “Deactivate or delete account”
- Select “Deactivate account”
Things You Should Do Before Deleting Your TikTok Account
Before deleting, make sure you’ve done everything that may prevent deletion. Remember, deleting your account is permanent and irreversible. You’ll want to be sure that you’ve preserved anything you want to keep and that there are no ongoing commitments.
Save Your Videos
Before deleting your account, make sure to save any videos you want to keep. Here’s how:
1. Open the TikTok app and go to your profile
2. Tap the video you want to save
3. Tap the share icon (usually an arrow or three dots)
4. Select “Save video”
5. The video will be saved to your device’s gallery
To save all your videos at once:
1. Go to your profile
2. Tap the three-line menu icon
3. Select “Settings and privacy”
4. Tap “Account”
5. Choose “Download your data”
6. Select the data you want to download (including videos)
7. Tap “Request data file” and wait for TikTok to process your request
Delete All Your Video Content
If you’ve saved your videos but are concerned about privacy, you might want to delete them before closing your account. You can delete them one by one.
To delete a video:
1. Go to your profile
2. Tap “Videos” to see all your posts
3. Tap “Select” at the top right
4. Choose a video
5. Tap “Delete” at the bottom
6. Confirm deletion
7. Repeat the process for all your videos
Spend Any Rewards You Have Left
If you’ve accumulated any TikTok coins or rewards, you may want to spend them. These coins are non-refundable and can’t be transferred once your account is deleted. You can easily and quickly use them to send gifts to creators before deleting your account.
Cancel Ad Spends (If Any)
If you’ve been running ads on TikTok, you should cancel them to avoid continuous payment. Before deleting, make sure to download any ad performance reports you might need for future reference.
1. Log into your TikTok Ads Manager
2. Go to the “Campaign” tab
3. Select all active campaigns
4. Click “Stop” to pause all ad spending
5. Go to “Assets” > “Payment”
6. Remove any linked payment methods
Conclusion
Whether you’re concerned about privacy, trying to cut down on screen time, or just ready to move on from the endless scrolling, TikTok will try to make deleting your account difficult. But armed with the right information and a healthy amount of persistence, it’s entirely achievable. Remember to try as many methods as possible and to remove all barriers to deletion. And if you’re unsure about permanent deletion or it proves too challenging, consider making your account private or temporarily deactivating it. Ultimately, you have control over your digital presence – it just might take a bit of effort to exercise it.
FAQs
Q1. Why is TikTok not allowing me to delete my account?
TikTok may prevent account deletion due to various reasons, such as verification issues, large follower counts, linked accounts, or app glitches. The platform might also require additional security steps. If you’re facing difficulties, try different methods or contact TikTok support for assistance.
Q2. How do I delete my TikTok account?
To delete your TikTok account, go to Settings and Privacy, tap Account, then “Delete account.” Follow the prompts, confirm your choice, and enter your password. If issues arise, try using a web browser, removing linked accounts, or reinstalling the app before attempting again.
Q3. Does TikTok delete old accounts?
TikTok doesn’t automatically delete inactive accounts. However, they may remove accounts that violate community guidelines or those reported as spam. Contact TikTok support if you have an old account you can’t access. To ensure deletion, you must manually request it through the app or website.
Q4. How do I delete my forgotten TikTok account?
To delete a forgotten TikTok account, first try to recover it by using the “Forgot password” option. If successful, proceed with deletion. If you can’t regain access, contact TikTok support with any information about the account. They may require verification to prove ownership before assisting with deletion.
Q5. Is TikTok deleting accounts under 13?
TikTok has policies to remove users’ accounts under 13 to comply with COPPA and other child privacy laws. If they identify an underage account, they’ll delete it. However, this process isn’t always perfect. If you know of an underage account, you can report it to TikTok for review and potential removal.
