TikTok is a popular short-form video app with over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide. Like any social media platform, account security is important on TikTok to protect user privacy and personal information. One security feature that TikTok offers is login notifications, which alert you when your account is accessed from a new device. This article will provide an overview of how TikTok’s login notifications work, when you will and won’t get alerts, and other account security features to know.
Why Login Notifications Matter
Login notifications serve an important security purpose by informing users when their account is accessed from a new device or location. As noted in research from Markert (2022), login notifications allow users to monitor account activity and identify any unauthorized access attempts. Being notified of unfamiliar logins is crucial for account security, since it alerts users to take action if suspicious activity is detected.
Without login notifications, users would have no way of knowing if their account was compromised until damage was already done. According to Google, receiving alerts about unfamiliar login activity allows users to promptly secure their account, such as by changing passwords. Overall, login notifications are a vital account security measure that empowers users to protect their data and privacy.
TikTok’s Login Notification Settings
TikTok allows users to enable login notifications to be informed when their account is accessed from a new device. This feature can be found in the account settings.
To enable login notifications in the TikTok app:
- Tap on your profile icon in the bottom right.
- Tap on the menu icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings and privacy”.
- Tap “Manage account” and then “Login activity”.
- Toggle on “Login notifications” to enable alerts when your account is logged into from a new device.
You can also manage notification settings by tapping on “Push notifications” in the account settings. Ensure the toggle next to “Login notifications” is enabled to receive alerts for new logins.
With login notifications turned on, TikTok will send a push notification whenever your account is accessed from a new device. This allows you to monitor logins and watch out for any unauthorized access.
How TikTok Login Alerts Work
TikTok will send you a login alert notification whenever someone logs into your account from a new device or browser. This helps notify you if someone else accesses your account without your permission.
The login notification is sent via push notification to your mobile device if you have the TikTok app installed. You’ll see an alert pop up that says “New login to your account detected.” It will also specify the location and device that logged in.
You’ll also receive an email alert to the email associated with your TikTok account. The email will say there’s been a “New login on your account” and provide details like the login time, location, and device or browser used.
According to TikTok’s support page, you can enable or disable these new login notifications in your app settings under “Push Notification Settings.” Make sure “New Login Alert” is toggled on to receive notifications.
The login alerts are designed to notify you anytime a new device accesses your account, acting as an early warning system for suspicious activity. This allows you to take quick action to secure your account if an alert seems unauthorized.
When You Will/Won’t Get Notified
TikTok will send you a login notification in the following scenarios:
- Someone logs into your account from a new device you don’t recognize [1]
- Your account is accessed from a new location or IP address [2]
- You log out of your account on one device and log back in on another device [3]
You will not get a notification in these cases:
- You access your own account from a recognized device
- Someone logs in with your permission from a recognized device
- You log out and log back into the same device
Cross-Device Login Notifications
TikTok does send notifications when your account is logged into from a new device. This is an important security feature that alerts users if someone else is accessing their account without permission.
Specifically, if you log into your TikTok account on a new phone, tablet, or computer that you haven’t used to access it before, TikTok will send a notification to the device(s) where you normally use the app. This gives you the chance to check if it was really you logging in, or an unauthorized person.
The notification will say something like “New login to TikTok” and indicate the device model, like “Samsung SM-G975F”, that was used to log in. You can then tap on the notification to go into the app and take actions like changing your password if it was an unauthorized access.
This cross-device login notification feature is enabled by default, so you don’t have to turn it on. As long as you have notifications enabled for the TikTok app on your usual device(s), you will be alerted to new logins from other devices.[1]
However, keep in mind you will only get notified the first time a new device logs into your account. If you regularly use multiple devices to access your TikTok account, the notification will only be sent the very first time each device logs in.
SMS Login Codes
TikTok has an extra layer of login security using SMS codes. When logging in from a new device, TikTok will send a 6-digit verification code via text message to your phone number associated with your account. You need to enter this code on the new device to complete the login process and gain access to your account. This prevents unauthorized logins even if someone has your password. According to TikTok’s help article, the SMS code is only sent when logging in from a new device. Some users have reported receiving random TikTok verification codes even though they don’t have an account. This could mean someone is trying to access an account with your number, or it’s a phishing scam. TikTok may use multiple phone numbers to send the codes as a security measure.
Other TikTok Security Features
In addition to login notifications and two-factor authentication, TikTok offers other security features to help keep accounts safe. Users can enable password protection for their videos, which requires someone to enter a password to view specific videos (source). TikTok also allows users to restrict certain words and phrases from appearing in comments on their videos. The restrict words feature lets users filter out unwanted comments and maintain a positive environment (source).
Users can also enable privacy settings like making an account private, restricting messages to followers only, and hiding like and video counts. These settings give users more control over their digital footprint and online privacy (source). TikTok provides a number of tools and customization options to help users shape the kind of experience and level of security they want on the platform.
How to Stay Secure
There are several steps TikTok users can take to enhance the security of their accounts:
- Enable two-factor authentication for added login security. You can set this up under “Privacy and Safety” settings. (Account safety | TikTok Help Center)
- Frequently change your password and avoid reusing passwords across sites. Use strong and complex passwords. (Keep your account secure)
- Be cautious of suspicious links promising free followers or gifts. These can compromise your account. (Account safety | TikTok Help Center)
- Pay attention to login notifications and review recent logins frequently under account settings. (Protect your account)
- Avoid accessing TikTok from public WiFi networks as these can be insecure. Use a VPN if possible. (Best practices and tools)
Following these tips can help users keep their TikTok accounts more secure from compromise or misuse.
Summary
In summary, TikTok does provide login notifications to alert you when your account is accessed from a new device. The notifications can be enabled in your account settings. You’ll get notified by email or push notification on mobile when there’s a new login. TikTok also has other security features like login codes by text to verify your identity.
The key points covered on TikTok login notifications and account security include:
- TikTok allows you to enable login notifications to be alerted of new logins.
- Notifications can be sent by email or mobile push alerts.
- You’ll be notified when logging in from a new device.
- TikTok also uses SMS codes as a two-factor login verification.
- Other security features like profile view history help you monitor account access.
- It’s important to enable notifications and use strong passwords to stay secure.
By turning on alerts and using login verification, you can help secure your TikTok account from unauthorized access.
