If you want to browse TikTok videos without signing up for an account, it is possible to do so on an iPhone. TikTok allows anyone to watch public videos without an account. Here are the steps to watch TikTok without an account using the iPhone app or mobile browser.
Watching TikTok Without an Account Using the App
The easiest way to browse TikTok without an account on iPhone is to download the TikTok app from the App Store. Here’s how:
- Download and install the TikTok app on your iPhone from the App Store.
- Open the TikTok app. You will see the home feed which shows trending videos.
- Scroll down to browse through videos. You can “like” videos by tapping the heart icon.
- Tap on any video to watch it. You can scroll up to see more videos from that creator.
- To discover more videos, tap the search icon at the bottom and search for videos, creators, sounds and hashtags.
With the TikTok app, you have access to all public videos. Without an account, you won’t be able to post comments, follow creators, or upload your own videos. But you can easily browse entertaining videos as a guest.
Watching TikTok on Mobile Browser
You can also watch TikTok videos in your mobile browser without an account. Here’s how:
- Open Safari or your preferred mobile browser on your iPhone.
- Go to TikTok.com.
- The web version of TikTok will open. Scroll down to browse the Home feed.
- Tap on any video to watch it. You can scroll up to see more videos from that creator.
- To search for videos, tap the magnifying glass icon and enter keywords or hashtags.
The TikTok website provides the same public video feed as the app. You won’t need to create an account to watch videos. However, browser controls are limited compared to the app. You can’t like videos or access your Following feed without an account.
Creating a TikTok Account
While watching TikTok without an account is easy, having an account unlocks additional features. Here are some benefits of creating a TikTok account on your iPhone:
- Follow creators to see their latest videos in your Following feed.
- Like videos to support creators and train the recommendation algorithm.
- Comment on videos to engage with creators and the community.
- Upload your own videos to join the millions creating on TikTok.
- Use effects and filters to enhance your videos.
- Go live to broadcast to your followers in real time.
- Use TikTok messaging to communicate with friends and creators.
Creating an account only takes a few minutes. Here are the steps:
- Open the TikTok app and tap the profile icon in the lower right.
- Tap “Sign up” and enter your email, phone number, password, and date of birth.
- TikTok will send a verification code to your phone number. Enter it and tap “Next”.
- Customize your profile by adding a profile photo, bio, and username.
- Tap “All set” to finish setting up your account.
Once you have an account, tap the + icon to record your first TikTok video. Make sure to follow topics and creators you’re interested in to populate your Following feed.
Adjusting Privacy Settings
TikTok automatically makes new accounts public so anyone can see your profile and videos. Here’s how to make your TikTok account private on an iPhone:
- Tap the profile icon in the bottom right and go to your profile page.
- Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
- Tap “Settings and privacy” then “Privacy and safety”.
- Toggle “Private account” on.
With a private account, only users you approve can follow you and watch your videos. Other privacy settings to consider adjusting include:
- Comments – Disable comments from everyone, only people you follow back, or people mentioned in the video.
- Duets/Stitches – Disable the ability for others to duet or stitch your videos.
- Liked videos – Make your liked videos private so only you can see them.
- Suggest your account – Prevent TikTok from suggesting your account to others.
Enabling these options prevents strangers from interacting with your account and videos without approval. You can always tweak them later as your account grows.
Parental Controls
For parents giving phones to teens, TikTok has robust parental controls like screen time limits and restricted mode. Here’s how to set them up:
- Open Settings on your iPhone and go to “Screen Time”.
- Tap “Continue”, then “This is My [Child’s] iPhone”.
- Select your child’s name or create a new profile.
- Tap “App Limits” and add TikTok. Set a daily time limit.
- Under “Content & Privacy Restrictions” enable “Content Restrictions”.
- Block or limit access to “Social Networking”. This enables restricted mode in TikTok.
With these controls, you can limit how much time your teen spends on TikTok and filter out inappropriate content. Make sure to discuss online safety tips with them as well.
Tips for Browsing TikTok Anonymously
If you want to keep your TikTok browsing untraceable, here are some options:
- Use a browser in secret mode and don’t log into any accounts.
- Avoid liking, commenting, or interacting with videos.
- Browse hashtags and sounds instead of your Following feed.
- Tap “Not Interested” on videos to avoid influencing your recommendations.
- Be cautious signing in with Apple, Google, Facebook, etc. which links your identity.
- Clear your browser history and TikTok data regularly.
Avoiding an account altogether is the best way to remain anonymous. But even logged out, TikTok may use device identifiers to personalize your feed. Using private browsing minimizes tracking across sessions.
Conclusion
Watching TikTok without an account is easy on both iPhone devices and mobile browsers. Simply use the app or visit TikTok.com to view public videos as a guest. While an account unlocks more features, browsing anonymously provides more privacy. Enable restrictions and parental controls if creating an account for a young user. With these tips, you can enjoy TikTok’s viral videos without compromising identity or safety.