Deleted searches on TikTok refer to search terms or queries that a user has previously entered into the TikTok search bar, but have since been removed from the app’s search history. When a search is deleted on TikTok, it no longer appears in the user’s search history within the app.
There are a few key reasons why TikTok users may want to recover or view their deleted searches:
- To retrace their steps and rediscover videos or content they had previously found through a deleted search.
- Parents wanting to monitor the search history of their child’s TikTok account.
- To analyze search patterns and interests over time.
- General curiosity to view their full search history.
While deleted searches do not appear in the TikTok app itself, there are some methods users can try to recover or view these past searches, which we will explore in this article.
Viewing Search History
TikTok automatically saves a record of searches a user performs within the app. This allows users to easily revisit videos, sounds, hashtags, and creators they’ve searched for previously. To view your TikTok search history:
1. Open the TikTok app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner.
2. Select the three horizontal lines menu icon in the upper right corner.
3. Choose Settings and privacy from the menu.
4. Tap Content and activity.
5. Select Watch history. This will display your recent video watch history.
6. Tap See all to view your full watch history timeline. The searches you have performed will be included in this history.
This watch history page shows the videos, hashtags, sounds, creators, and other content you’ve searched for and interacted with while using TikTok. It provides a helpful way to look back on and rediscover content.
Finding Deleted Searches
When you delete a search on TikTok, it is removed from your search history and cannot be accessed directly through the app. According to Reddit users, deleted searches are no longer visible in your search history on the app or website (source). TikTok does this to protect user privacy and prevent searches from being exploited.
Once a search is deleted on TikTok, there is no built-in way to recover or find it again through the platform itself. The search term will not reappear in your search history within the TikTok app or website. This is because TikTok permanently removes deleted searches from their servers.
In summary, any search you delete on TikTok is gone for good as far as TikTok’s interface and data storage is concerned. The platform removes deleted searches to honor user privacy, so there is no official method to find or recover a deleted search within TikTok after removal.
Why TikTok Removes Searches
TikTok removes searches from a user’s search history for privacy reasons. According to TikTok’s privacy policy, the platform may collect certain information about users, including search terms and content viewed, to “personalize content” and provide relevant recommendations. However, this information is not retained indefinitely.
TikTok states that they “will delete or anonymize your information if your account has been inactive (i.e., no user-initiated activity) for an extended period of time.” This means that searches and watch history can disappear after a certain period of inactivity. TikTok likely does this to protect user privacy by not maintaining extensive records of their activity forever.
In addition, TikTok explains that “we also may retain certain information about you for purposes such as legal compliance, fraud detection and prevention, improving our products and services, and calculating taxes.” So removing searches after a period of time limits the amount of personal data retained and reduces privacy risks.
Using Device to Find Searches
One method to try finding deleted searches on TikTok is to check your browser history and cache on the device you used to access TikTok. When you search on TikTok, it records those searches in your browser history. Even if you delete your TikTok search history, your browser may still have a record of those searches.
On desktop browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, you can view your complete browsing history by opening your History tab. Go back through your history to the times you last remembered searching on TikTok. Any searches you did should still show up there unless you also cleared your full browser history. Browsers also keep cache files storing website data, so you may be able to recover deleted searches from cached TikTok pages.
On mobile browsers it’s a bit trickier, but you can try going into your browser settings and looking for options like “History” or “Cached Pages” to view if any old TikTok searches are still saved. Apps like Chrome and Safari have some ability to restore deleted mobile history and caches. You can also use your device’s built-in search tool to look for keywords related to your lost TikTok searches.
If you still have the TikTok app installed, check if the app has its own history or cache you can view. Depending on your device and OS, the TikTok app may provide options to see some amount of deleted search history. However, the TikTok app itself provides limited ability to recover removed searches.
Third-Party Apps
There are a few third-party apps that can help you recover deleted searches from TikTok. One option is Airdroid, which records all TikTok activity on your device including searches. With Airdroid you can view a history of searches made in the TikTok app. Another app to try is FoneMonitor, which also tracks TikTok usage on your phone or tablet. The premium version of FoneMonitor lets you access a detailed log of searches made within TikTok. So if TikTok has removed searches from your history, these third-party utilities may still have a record you can access.
Contacting TikTok
If you need to retrieve deleted searches from TikTok for legal reasons, you can directly contact TikTok to request the data. Law enforcement agencies and legal representatives can submit data requests through TikTok’s law enforcement request system. To start the process, you will need to provide verification of your identity and authority. Then TikTok will provide guidance on the specific information and documentation required for your request.
For individual users, the only way to directly request data from TikTok is to submit a data export request. This allows you to download a copy of the data TikTok has collected about you and your account. However, it typically does not include deleted search history. You can find instructions for requesting your TikTok data export here.
Keep in mind that even through official channels, TikTok may not be able or willing to provide deleted search history. The company regularly clears this type of user data from their systems. But it is still worth exploring as an option to attempt to recover lost searches.
Implications of Deleted Searches
When TikTok deletes your search history, it can raise some privacy concerns about how your personal information is being handled. According to TikTok’s Privacy Policy, the platform retains certain data even after it is deleted based on its “nature” and relevant legal requirements. This means that deleted searches may still be accessible to TikTok and in some cases law enforcement.
For example, a 2022 Forbes article revealed that deleted TikTok content can be retrieved by the FBI if requested. While the specifics of TikTok’s data retention policies are unclear, users should be aware that any searches entered on the platform may not be completely erased. This raises questions about how much control users really have over their personal information.
To help protect privacy, experts recommend being cautious about the types of searches conducted on TikTok. Avoid searching for sensitive topics you would not want tied back to you. Also, consider periodically clearing the TikTok app cache and data to remove search history stored locally on your device.
Tips to Avoid Losing Searches
One way to avoid losing track of searches on TikTok is to bookmark videos and hashtags that you want to revisit. When you tap the Share icon under a video, you’ll see options to “Add to Favorites” or “Share to Notes.” Using these features creates a record of videos you enjoyed watching so you can easily find them again later.
You can also tap on hashtags or sounds you like to save them to your “Favorites” section. This makes it easy to rediscover trending sounds, challenges, or topics you want to search for again. Go to your profile and tap the heart icon to access all your Favorited content.
Finally, consider jotting down unique hashtags, usernames, or video titles you want to search for again later. Saving a note on your phone or in another app can help you re-find that funny parody account or dance challenge you forgot to follow or bookmark within TikTok.
Conclusion
In summary, recovering deleted searches on TikTok can be challenging since the platform does not have a built-in feature to view search history. However, there are a few methods you can try such as checking your comment history, downloading your TikTok data, using third-party apps, or contacting TikTok support. Keep in mind that TikTok removes searches for privacy reasons and does not intend for users to easily access deleted searches.
If recovering past searches is important to you, consider taking precautions like frequently recording or screenshotting your searches. But the inability to find deleted searches may be for the best to protect privacy. Focus instead on new interests and searches moving forward. With wise and thoughtful use of TikTok, you can discover enriching content without getting lost reminiscing on searches of the past.