Why You Might Want to Access an Old TikTok Account
There are several reasons why you may want to access an old TikTok account that you no longer use or have access to (1):
Nostalgia – TikTok is a platform where people share personal videos and moments from their lives. If you were once active on TikTok, you likely have old videos and memories you want to revisit. Accessing an old account allows you to take a trip down memory lane and reminisce.
Retrieve contacts/messages – TikTok has messaging features that allow you to communicate with other users. If you don’t have backups of these messages elsewhere, accessing an old account may be the only way to retrieve conversations you want to keep.
Reactivate the account – You may have taken a break from TikTok but now want to start using it again with your original profile and followers. Getting back into an old account allows you to pick up right where you left off.
The nostalgia of looking back on old videos and memories is often a key motivator for people wanting to access TikTok accounts they’ve stepped away from (2). Being able to view those old posts helps reconnect people to different times in their lives.
Can You Still Log In to an Old TikTok Account?
Just because you haven’t used your old TikTok account in a while does not mean it has been automatically deleted. TikTok and other social platforms typically keep inactive accounts open for extended periods of time before considering deletion.
According to sources, Instagram keeps inactive accounts open for at least 90 days before considering them for deletion [1]. Facebook can take up to 90 days to fully delete an inactive account and associated data [2].
The bottom line is that unless you specifically requested to delete your old TikTok account, it is likely still active and you can access it. As long as you remember your password or can go through the password reset process, you should be able to log back into your old TikTok account without issue.
Resetting Your Password to Log In
If you can’t remember your TikTok password, you can reset it using the “Forgot password” option. When you tap “Log in” on the TikTok app or website, select “Forgot password” and enter the email address or phone number associated with your account. TikTok will send a password reset link to that email or phone number.
To fully reset your password, you need access to the email or phone number on file for two-factor authentication. TikTok will send a 6-digit confirmation code to verify your identity before allowing you to create a new password. If you no longer have access to the email or phone number on your old TikTok account, you may not be able to reset your password.
For step-by-step instructions, refer to TikTok’s guide on resetting your password: https://support.tiktok.com/en/log-in-troubleshoot/log-in/reset-password
Dealing with Two-Factor Authentication
If you had two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled on your old TikTok account, that can complicate accessing it again if you no longer have access to the authentication method. For example, if you used a phone number for 2FA that is no longer in service, the SMS code cannot be sent.
Fortunately, TikTok allows you to generate backup codes when you set up 2FA that can be used to bypass the main authentication method if needed. As long as you still have one of those backup codes, you can enter it instead of the SMS or authenticator app code to get into your account. If you don’t have any backup codes left, you will need to go through TikTok’s account recovery process to regain access.
Here are some tips for dealing with 2FA when trying to access an old TikTok account:
- Try using backup codes if you have them before attempting to reset or remove 2FA.
- Be ready to verify your identity through ID upload or other options during account recovery.
- Removing 2FA may be required if you’ve lost access to both the main 2FA method and backup codes.
While an extra hassle, 2FA is an important security measure to protect TikTok accounts from unauthorized access. With some patience and the right account recovery steps, it is possible to regain entry even with 2FA enabled.
I Can’t Get Back Into My Old Account
If you’ve tried resetting your password and going through the account recovery process but still can’t access your old TikTok account, you’ll need to contact TikTok support directly for further help.
To prove you are the rightful owner of the account, you’ll need to provide information like the original email or phone number used to create the account, usernames of friends/followers, approximate date the account was created, devices used to access it, etc. TikTok support will use this info to verify your identity and ownership of the account in question.
The process of regaining access to an old account through TikTok support can take some time. According to TikTok’s policies, it may take up to 30 days to recover an account after submitting a request. However, providing as many accurate details as possible can help speed up the process.
If you are unable to recover your old account after working with TikTok support, you may need to accept that the account is permanently inaccessible. As frustrating as this is, starting fresh with a new account may be the only option going forward.
Sources:
https://help.tiktok.com/en/account-and-profile/managing-your-account/how-to-retrieve-your-account
Getting Your Old Videos Back
If you still want to access your old videos after losing access to your account, there are a couple options:
You can download your data from TikTok to get a backup of your old videos. As per TikTok’s support site, you can request to download your data even without access to your account. This will allow you to get a copy of your videos to store locally (TikTok Support).
Another option is to repost your old videos to a new TikTok account. There are third party apps and services that allow you to download TikTok videos by username, even if the account is not public. You can use these to download your old videos, then reupload them to a new account so the videos are not lost. This preserves your old creative work while still giving you access (Reddit).
Overall, even if you can’t access your old account, you can take steps to regain access to your old videos through TikTok’s data download or third party download services.
Should You Delete or Keep an Old TikTok Account?
Deciding whether to delete or keep an old TikTok account depends on your priorities. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Keep for Memories/Records
Keeping an old TikTok account can allow you to look back on memories and see a record of your past posts. If you have videos or content you want to keep for nostalgia or just for your own records, it may make sense to keep the account intact.
Deleting the account means losing access to your old content. So if you care about retaining that content, keeping the old account could be beneficial.
Delete for Privacy/Security
On the other hand, deleting an old TikTok account helps protect your privacy and security. Old social media accounts can contain personal information that you may no longer want available publicly.
Deleting the account removes the risk of anything on that account being accessed or seen by others going forward. It gives you a fresh start if you no longer want your past content out there.
Overall there are good reasons for keeping or deleting an old TikTok account. Consider what matters most to you in terms of retaining your memories/records versus enhanced privacy/security.
How to Permanently Delete a TikTok Account
If you no longer want to keep your old TikTok account, you can permanently delete it through the app or website. Here are the steps:
1. Open the TikTok app on your mobile device or visit tiktok.com on a desktop browser. Log in to the account you want to delete.
2. Tap on your profile icon and go to the settings menu. On desktop, click on the 3-dot menu icon and choose “Manage account”.
3. Scroll down and tap “Delete account”. On desktop, this option will be under “Privacy and safety”.
4. Select a reason for deleting your account from the dropdown menu.
5. Tap “Next” and re-enter your password when prompted.
6. Check your email inbox for a verification message from TikTok and click on the link provided.
7. Tap “Delete” on the popup confirmation window.
Once you complete the process, your account and all associated data will be permanently removed. The username will also become available for reuse.
Closing Thoughts
In summary, the key steps to accessing an old TikTok account include resetting your password if you still have access, dealing with two-factor authentication if enabled, trying account recovery options if you can’t get back in, retrieving your old videos through TikTok if possible, and deciding whether to delete or keep the old account.
It’s important to maintain good account security practices like having a strong password, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping track of what accounts you have signed up for. Review your accounts periodically and delete any old or unused accounts to protect your privacy and security online.
References/Further Reading
For more help accessing an old TikTok account, check out these resources from TikTok and online forums:
Log in troubleshooting – TikTok’s help center provides tips for resetting your password, recovering your account, and troubleshooting other login issues.
Reddit – Regain access to old account – This Reddit thread discusses strategies for accessing an old TikTok account, including contacting TikTok support.
Quora – Recover old account without password – Answers on Quora provide tips for proving account ownership to TikTok without your password.
Focusing on official TikTok help resources and discussions on reputable forums can provide the best information on regaining access to an old TikTok account.
