In recent years, TikTok has exploded in popularity, especially among younger users. The social media app lets people create and share short videos, and it can be easy to get carried away posting silly or embarrassing content. As people grow up or their interests change, they may start feeling regret over some of their old TikTok posts. According to a recent report, TikTok is one of the apps people most commonly want to delete these days.
Many users wonder if it’s possible to delete their old TikTok account entirely, wiping the slate clean. TikTok does provide options to temporarily deactivate an account or permanently delete it. However, the process involves a few steps and isn’t always straightforward. There can also be lingering effects, even after an account is deleted.
This guide will provide an overview of how to delete a TikTok account, whether temporarily or permanently. It will cover the options available, what happens when an account is deleted, and key factors to consider before deleting a TikTok account.
Why You Might Want to Delete Your TikTok Account
There are several reasons why someone might want to delete their old TikTok account. One of the most common is because of embarrassing or cringe-worthy old content. Many people created TikTok accounts when they were younger and may have posted silly, immature, or unflattering videos that they no longer want associated with their name. As you get older, your interests and values can change significantly. Old content that felt fun at the time can become an embarrassing reminder of the past. Deleting your account allows you to separate from that previous version of yourself.
Another reason is due to privacy concerns. TikTok collects a huge amount of data about its users including location, interests, viewing history and more. This data can be used to target ads and recommendations. Some users feel uncomfortable with how much personal data TikTok stores and want more control over their privacy. Deleting your account is the only way to fully remove your personal data from TikTok’s systems.
Some people choose to delete their TikTok if they feel they are spending too much time in the app. TikTok’s algorithm is very effective at keeping you engaged, sometimes too effective for some users. Quitting TikTok altogether can be one way to reduce phone addiction and free up more time in your day.
Sources: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/three-reasons-to-delete-your-social-media-accounts
Can You Actually Delete a TikTok Account?
When you want to take a break from TikTok or leave the platform permanently, you have two options – deactivate your account or delete it entirely. Many users get these two options confused, but there are some important differences.
Deactivating your TikTok account is a temporary action that hides your profile and videos from other users. According to TikTok’s support page, deactivation “allows you to put it on a temporary hold.” While deactivated, you won’t be able to access your account, but all of your content will remain intact and can be reactivated at any time by logging back in.
Deleting your TikTok account is permanent – all of your videos, likes, comments, and other data associated with your account will be erased. According to MakeUseOf, “deletion is permanent and deactivation is just temporary.” Once an account is deleted, it cannot be retrieved.
So in summary, deactivating your account just hides it temporarily, while deletion erases it forever. If you think you may want to use TikTok again in the future, deactivating is the safer option. But if you want your account and information removed for good, deletion is the way to go.
How to Temporarily Deactivate Your TikTok Account
If you want to temporarily deactivate your TikTok account without completely deleting it, you can easily do so right from the app. Here are step-by-step instructions with screenshots:
Step 1: Open the TikTok app on your device and tap on your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
Step 2: From your profile screen, tap on the three dots menu icon in the upper right corner.
Step 3: Select “Settings and privacy” from the menu.
Step 4: Scroll down and tap on “Deactivate account”.
Step 5: Tap “Deactivate” again to confirm.
That’s it! Your TikTok account is now temporarily deactivated but not deleted. You can reactive it anytime by simply logging back into your account.
How to Permanently Delete Your TikTok Account
If you are certain you want to permanently delete your TikTok account, here are the steps to fully remove it from TikTok’s system:
- Open the TikTok app and go to your profile page.
- Tap the “Settings and Privacy” option.
- Select “Account” and then tap “Delete account”.
- Select “Delete account” again to confirm.
TikTok will now begin a 90 day countdown before your account is permanently removed. During this time your account will remain deactivated and inaccessible to you or anyone else.
After 90 days, your account along with associated data like videos, messages, etc. will be completely erased from TikTok’s servers. This deletion cannot be reversed.
Here is a screenshot of the account deletion process on the TikTok app:
So in summary, permanently deleting your TikTok account takes 90 days but completely removes your presence and information from the platform.
What Happens When You Delete a TikTok Account
When you permanently delete your TikTok account, all of your account data and content will be removed from TikTok’s servers. This includes your profile information, followers/following counts, likes, comments, saved videos, and any videos you’ve posted. Essentially, your entire presence on TikTok will be erased.
Once your account is deleted, you will no longer be able to log in or access any part of your account. Your username will become available for anyone else to claim. TikTok states the account removal process is irreversible, so there is no way to later recover or reactivate a deleted account.
It’s important to keep in mind that if you have engaged with others on TikTok, they may still have copies or recordings of your videos even if your account is deleted. However, your profile and uploads will no longer be viewable on TikTok itself.
Will Deleted TikTok Accounts Impact Your Device or Other Accounts
Deleting your TikTok account will not have any impact on your device or other accounts you may have. TikTok data and activity is isolated within the TikTok app itself. Once your account is deleted, all of your TikTok data including videos, messages, comments, likes, etc. will be permanently erased from TikTok’s servers.
Importantly, deleting your TikTok account will not delete or affect anything else on your device. Your photos, contacts, text messages, and any other apps or accounts will remain intact. TikTok does not access or store data outside of its own app environment. You can safely delete your TikTok account without worrying it will disturb other accounts or information.
In summary, rest assured that deleting your TikTok account is a self-contained action that will only remove your presence and information from TikTok itself. Your device and other accounts you use will not be impacted in any way by deleting your TikTok account.
Reactivating a Deactivated TikTok Account
If you change your mind after deactivating your TikTok account, you may be able to reactivate it within 30 days of deactivation. Here’s how to reactivate a deactivated TikTok account:
1. Download the TikTok app and log in using your username and password for the deactivated account. This will prompt a reactivation screen.
2. Tap “Reactivate” to reactivate the account. You will need to verify your account information.
3. Once verified, your TikTok account will be fully restored as it was before deactivation. All your videos, likes, followers, and other data will still be intact.
According to TikTok’s support page https://support.tiktok.com/en/account-and-privacy/deleting-an-account/deactivate-your-account, you only have 30 days to reactivate an account before it is permanently deleted. If more than 30 days have passed since deactivating, the account cannot be restored.
What If You Want to Open a New TikTok Account Later
If you choose to permanently delete your TikTok account, you can still create a brand new account in the future if you change your mind. TikTok allows users to open new accounts after deleting old ones.
When setting up a new account, you can use the same email address or phone number that was associated with your previous account. TikTok does not restrict creating new accounts based on contact information used for deleted accounts.
However, you will not be able to reclaim your old username. Once an account is deleted, the username is released and becomes available for anyone else on TikTok to claim. You’ll have to come up with a new unique username for your new account.
Overall, TikTok gives you full flexibility to take a break, delete your account for any reason, and start fresh with a new account down the road. The platform does not impose limits on opening new accounts after deleting existing ones.
Sources:
https://www.quora.com/Can-I-delete-my-TikTok-account-and-make-a-new-one-with-the-same-email-address
Key Takeaways
Here are the main things you need to know:
- You can deactivate or permanently delete your TikTok account in your account settings app if you wish to remove it.
- Deactivating your account temporarily disables it and hides your profile, but all your data stays saved.
- Permanently deleting an account wipes all your data from TikTok servers and cannot be undone.
- Deleted TikTok accounts do not impact your device or other accounts, but you will lose followers, likes, comments, etc.
- You can reactivate a deactivated account anytime by logging back in, as long as it has not been over 30 days.
- Making a new TikTok account after deleting is certainly possible, just be sure it aligns with TikTok’s rules.
In summary, TikTok allows you to remove your old account if desired through either deactivation or permanent deletion in the app settings.