Verifying your age is important on TikTok because the platform has age restrictions and content filtering to help provide a safe environment, especially for younger users. TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old to create an account. Users under 18 have additional restrictions and protections in place, such as limits on screen time and restricted mode being enabled by default to limit exposure to inappropriate content.
TikTok needs users to accurately verify their age so these age-appropriate restrictions can be applied. Providing false age information violates TikTok’s terms of service and can lead to account suspension. Accurately verifying your age ensures you have access to age-appropriate content and features on TikTok.
Requirements for Age Verification
There are a few requirements you must meet in order to verify your age on TikTok:
- You must be at least 13 years old to create a TikTok account, as per the platform’s Terms of Service.
- You must provide a valid phone number or email address. TikTok will send a verification code to confirm your identity.
- If you don’t have a phone number or email, you can also verify your age by logging in with a social media account like Facebook or Snapchat.
TikTok requires age verification because safety and privacy are top priorities. The platform aims to cultivate an experience appropriate for users 13 and older.
Verify Using a Phone Number
One way to verify your age on TikTok is by adding a phone number to your account. Here are the steps to verify your age using a phone number:
1. Open the TikTok app and go to your profile page.
2. Tap “Edit Profile” and then tap “Add Phone Number.”
3. Enter your phone number and tap “Send Code.” TikTok will send a verification code to your phone.
4. Once you receive the code, enter it in the app and tap “Submit.”
5. TikTok will now verify your phone number. This also verifies your age, as phone numbers are linked to date of birth records.
Once you add and verify a phone number, TikTok will lift any age-related restrictions on your account. This allows full access to content and features. The app may periodically require re-verification of your phone number to confirm your age.
Verify Using an Email Address
TikTok allows users to verify their age by adding an email address to their account. Here are the steps to verify your age using an email:
1. Open the TikTok app and go to your profile page.
2. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the upper right corner and select “Manage account” from the menu.
3. Select “Edit profile”.
4. Tap “Add email address” and enter your email address. Make sure this is an email you can access.
5. Check your email inbox for a verification code sent from TikTok and enter it in the app when prompted.
6. TikTok will now verify your age using your email address. You may need to confirm your birthday as well.
Once you add and verify an email address, TikTok will use your email information to confirm you meet the minimum age requirement for the app. This allows you to access all features and removes any age-related restrictions on your account. The process usually only takes a few minutes to complete.
Verify Using a Social Media Account
Another option to verify your age on TikTok is by linking your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account. To do this:
- Go to your TikTok profile and tap the three dots in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings and privacy” then “Manage account” then “Facebook/Twitter/Instagram.”
- Tap “Link Account” and follow the prompts to log in to your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account.
- Once successfully linked, TikTok will be able to verify your age based on the birthdate you provided for that social media account.
Linking your other social media accounts allows TikTok to confirm you are who you say you are across platforms. This is one of the easiest ways to verify your age if your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account already has your accurate date of birth. Just make sure the birthdate is correct before linking the account to avoid any issues.
Some users prefer not to connect their social accounts to TikTok for privacy reasons. In that case, you’ll need to use another method to prove your age like providing a photo ID. Linking social media accounts is just the fastest and simplest option if you already use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Verifying for a Restricted Account
If you are under 16 years old, TikTok will place additional restrictions on your account to provide age-appropriate experiences. To verify your age for a restricted account, you will need to provide additional proof through one of the following options:
You can submit a copy of your official ID that shows your date of birth, such as a passport, driver’s license, or school ID card. Make sure to cover up any sensitive information like ID numbers before uploading the photo. TikTok will review the ID to confirm you are under 16.
You can also have a parent or legal guardian verify your age by submitting their official ID along with a signed consent form. The parent will need to provide their name, email, phone number, and relationship to the minor account user. Parents can find the consent form through the in-app appeals process.
Finally, you can verify through a video selfie. TikTok’s system will analyze the video to estimate your age based on your facial features. This method has a lower success rate than using an official ID.
Once TikTok reviews your age verification materials, they will determine if restrictions can be lifted. Some accounts may stay restricted if the age cannot be definitively confirmed. You can appeal again with different proof if your initial request is rejected.
Consequences of Falsifying Age
It’s important not to provide false information about your age when signing up for TikTok, as there can be serious consequences. TikTok has a strict policy against falsifying age, and accounts found to be in violation may be permanently banned from the platform.
If you sign up with an older age than you actually are, your account may be restricted from certain features. TikTok limits the content that younger users can access in order to comply with laws around child safety online. Providing an inaccurate older age means you could be exposed to content not suitable for your real age.
Additionally, all content you created – including videos, captions, hashtags, and LIVE replays – will be removed from TikTok if your account is banned for falsifying age. You will lose access to your account and all its data.
It’s not worth jeopardizing your account by providing inaccurate age information. Be honest about your real age when signing up. If your account is banned for being underage, appeal with valid ID proving your age rather than creating a new account with false information.
Parental Consent Requirement
TikTok’s Terms of Service state that if you are under the age of 13, you must obtain consent from your parent or legal guardian before creating an account and using the platform. This is to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
When a user indicates they are under 13 during sign up, TikTok will send a notification to the email or phone number provided asking for parental consent. The parent must click on the link in the notification email or text message to review TikTok’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. After reviewing the policies, the parent can consent by signing electronically. This will allow the under 13 user to create a TikTok account.
Without verified parental consent, TikTok will delete any accounts registered by children under 13. The platform’s Terms of Service state “In the event that you do not qualify, you do not have your parent’s or guardian’s consent, or you do not abide by any of the other terms specified in these Terms, TikTok reserves the right to terminate your account immediately and permanently.”
Appealing Age Verification
If you feel TikTok has incorrectly restricted your account due to age verification, you can submit an appeal to have your account reviewed. The appeal process allows you to provide proof of your age to regain full access to your account.
To begin the appeal process, go to the Appeals page in your account settings. You will need to provide either a photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport or government ID showing your date of birth, or have a parent or guardian verify your age on your behalf.
For photo ID verification, make sure the ID is valid, shows your full name and date of birth, and that your selfie with the ID clearly matches the photo on the ID. Per TikTok’s guidelines, users under 16 cannot verify their age directly and will need a parent or guardian to complete the process.
The review process may take a few days. If your appeal is approved, the age-related restrictions on your account will be lifted. However, if your appeal is rejected, you will need to wait until you reach the minimum age requirements to use TikTok.
For more help on appealing age verification, visit TikTok’s support page at https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/account-and-user-safety/minimum-age-appeals-on-tiktok
Conclusion
Verifying your age accurately on TikTok is crucial for maintaining both your safety and compliance with community guidelines. By properly confirming you meet the minimum age requirements, you ensure access to age-appropriate content. Providing false information about your age can lead to account restrictions, removals, or bans. TikTok’s age verification process helps enforce their rules for protecting minors and allowing parents to control their children’s experiences. Overall, honest age verification upholds your responsibility to the community as a user. It enables you to securely engage with content and creators on the platform as intended. While the verification steps may seem cumbersome, in the end they safeguard you and allow TikTok to function smoothly.
