TikTok is a wildly popular social media app that allows users to create and share short videos. When signing up for a new TikTok account, users are required to provide a phone number for verification purposes. This can be problematic for those who want to maintain privacy or create multiple accounts. There are several reasons why someone may want to use TikTok without linking their personal mobile number:
- To keep their primary phone number private and avoid spam calls/texts
- To create a business or branded account separate from their personal one
- To make multiple accounts for different types of content or audiences
- To maintain anonymity and control over their online presence
- Because they don’t have a mobile phone or consistent number to use
While TikTok does require a phone number to sign up, there are some creative workarounds and methods users have found to get an account without using their primary personal number.
Use a Google Voice Number
Google Voice is a free calling and messaging app provided by Google. With Google Voice, you can get a free phone number that works for calling, texting, and verification purposes.
To set up a Google Voice number:
- Go to voice.google.com and click “Get started.”
- Follow the steps to create a new Google account if you don’t already have one.
- Confirm your real phone number.
- Choose your free Google Voice number from available options.
- Verify ownership of your number via a text or call.
Once set up, your Google Voice number works like a real phone number for verification purposes, including creating a TikTok account without needing your personal number.
The Google Voice number is linked to your actual phone, so you can receive texts and calls as usual. This makes it a convenient alternative for TikTok sign-up.
Use a Virtual Phone Number Service
One option is to sign up for a virtual phone number service like Hushed or Burner. These services provide you with a real US phone number that can receive SMS text messages without being tied to a mobile device.
To get started, visit the website of a virtual phone number provider and sign up for an account. You’ll need to provide some basic information like your name and email address. After signing up, you can purchase a virtual phone number, often starting around $2-$4 per month. The process to get your new number only takes a few minutes.
Once you have your virtual number, you can use it when creating a new TikTok account. When TikTok sends a verification code, it will be texted to your virtual number. You simply open the virtual phone app to retrieve the code and enter it into TikTok to complete signup.
The downside is that virtual phone numbers can sometimes be detected and rejected by TikTok. There also may be limitations in receiving or sending messages from a virtual number. Check the virtual phone service’s features and restrictions before signing up.
Use a Friend or Family Member’s Number
If you don’t have access to your own phone number, you can ask a friend or family member if you can use their number to verify a new TikTok account. This can be a quick and easy way to get up and running on TikTok if you trust the person. Just be sure to communicate that you only need their number temporarily for verification purposes.
Once you’ve created your TikTok account using their number, you can change the phone number associated with your account in the app’s settings. This prevents the other person from ever accessing your account since their number will no longer be tied to it.
However, it’s worth noting that by using someone else’s number, even temporarily, you do risk them potentially getting access to your new TikTok account. So only go this route if you completely trust the friend or family member. And be sure to change the number off the account as soon as you can for privacy and security.
Try Creating an Account on Desktop
One way to try and create a TikTok account without a phone number is to use the TikTok desktop website at www.tiktok.com (1). The desktop website may allow you to create an account with just an email address and password, without requiring a phone number during signup.
To try this method:
- Go to www.tiktok.com in your desktop web browser
- Click “Sign up now” and choose “Use email/username”
- Enter your email address and create a password
- The site may allow you to create the account without adding a phone number
The limitation with this method is that the TikTok desktop experience is restricted compared to mobile. You won’t be able to upload videos, comment, or fully engage with content. But it may allow you to at least browse videos and follow creators without a phone number tied to your account.
Use a Text Verification App
If you don’t want to use your real phone number, you can get a free phone number through a text verification app like TextNow or TextPlus. These apps provide real phone numbers that you can use to verify accounts like TikTok.
To use a text verification app:
- Download the app, either TextNow or TextPlus from the app store.
- Create an account and go through the signup process.
- The app will provide you with a real phone number that works for receiving texts and calls.
- Use this number when TikTok prompts you for a phone number during signup.
You’ll be able to receive the verification code through the text verification app and complete the TikTok signup.
One thing to be aware of is that these apps may collect data about you for advertising purposes. Make sure to check the privacy policy and understand how your data is being used.
Consider Just Using Your Phone Number
Although many people wish to use a secondary phone number for privacy reasons, the simplest option is to just use your real phone number when creating a TikTok account. TikTok does collect certain data based on your phone number, such as names, contacts, and other identifiers, as outlined in their privacy policy.
However, TikTok allows users to control their privacy settings and limit data sharing. You can make your account private so only approved followers see your content. You can also turn off personalized ads and restrict your account so it’s not discoverable by phone number or email address. Check TikTok’s data privacy controls to tailor your settings.
While no social media platform offers complete anonymity, you can use your actual phone number for TikTok while taking steps to protect your privacy and control data collection. Just be sure to adjust the account and privacy settings to your comfort level.
Make an Account with Parental Controls
Parents can make a TikTok account for their child using the parent’s phone number and enable parental control features. This gives parents oversight and the ability to manage their child’s TikTok experience.
To set up parental controls, parents can go to their account settings and turn on “Family Safety Mode.” This allows parents to control things like who can comment on their child’s videos, restrict content, and limit screen time.
According to TikTok’s safety center, Family Pairing links a parent’s TikTok account to their teen’s account. Once linked, parents can:
- Control the teen’s privacy settings
- Restrict content that may not be appropriate for them
- Limit screen time
- Restrict who can send messages or comment on their content
Making an account with parental controls gives parents visibility into their child’s TikTok experience and allows them to create a safer, more controlled environment.
Use TikTok Without an Account
You can actually use some features of TikTok without creating an account or logging in. TikTok now allows users to browse content as a guest.
When you go to TikTok.com without being logged in, you will have access to the For You feed, trending videos, hashtags, and sounds. You can watch, like, and share videos without an account. However, you won’t be able to post comments, follow creators, or upload your own videos.
The main limitations of using TikTok without an account are not being able to customize your feed or build a network of creators you follow. You also have less control over your privacy and data collection. TikTok collects data from all users to personalize content recommendations, but logged-out browsing gives you more anonymity.
Overall, browsing TikTok as a guest gives you access to plenty of content, but registering for an account unlocks more features. If you’re concerned about privacy, being logged out limits how much of your data is collected.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored various methods that allow you to create a TikTok account without using your personal phone number. Each approach has its own pros and cons. Using a Google Voice or virtual phone number keeps your real number private, but requires setting up an additional phone line. Using a family member’s number is easy but gives them access to your account. Creating a desktop account avoids providing any phone number, but has limited functionality compared to the mobile app.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to take steps to protect your privacy and data. Set a strong password, use two-factor authentication, check your security settings, and be cautious about sharing personal information on your account or in your videos.
Ultimately, while having a TikTok account without a registered phone number is possible, you’ll lose out on some features like direct messaging. The choice comes down to your personal privacy preferences and how you plan to use TikTok. With the right precautions, you can still enjoy TikTok’s entertainment and creative opportunities even without tying your account to your mobile device.
