How to recover your TikTok account

If you’ve been locked out of your TikTok account, or want to recover a deactivated account, we’ve got everything you need to know about the simple process of recovering your account.

TikTok is undoubtedly one of the biggest entertainment apps in the world, with over 2 billion users getting their creative fix in 2024.

While the platform might be a revelation for quick bursts of fun, unfortunately, you may find yourself needing to recover your TikTok account.

Thankfully, getting back into your account is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it.

How to recover your TikTok account

There might be a few reasons why your account is inaccessible, from being banned to forgetting your password. However, recovering your TikTok account isn’t a daunting process, and can be completed in a few easy steps.

Just follow these steps:

1. Open TikTok on your phone
2. Tap the profile icon, and it will take you to the ‘log in’ screen
3. Tap the ‘already have an account?’ option
4. Tap ‘use phone/email/username’ next
   • If you signed up using an email or alternative method, you’ll need to tap that next
5. Using the ‘email/username’ option, tap ‘forgot password?’
6. Tap either ‘phone’ or ‘email’ to request a password reset link
7. Once you’ve received your verification code, enter this within the app
8. Reset your password and you’re back in!

How to recover a deactivated TikTok account

If you deactivated your TikTok account and had a change of heart, you can recover your account within 30 days. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open the TikTok app on your phone
2. Tap the profile icon, and it will take you to the ‘log in’ screen
3. Tap the ‘already have an account?’ option
4. Tap ‘use phone/email/username’ next
   1. If you signed up using an email or alternative method, you’ll need to tap that next
5. The “reactivate” option will appear now

What if I can’t use my email or phone number?

Sometimes unexpected difficulties can arise when it comes to getting your TikTok account back. If you’re experiencing any issues, or can’t use your email or phone number, you can use the official TikTok form to send off a request.

Bear in mind that it can take some time to get a response, but you’ll be back up and running in no time.

Is my TikTok account permanently deleted?

Accounts that repeatedly violate Community Guidelines will be permanently removed from TikTok. If your account has been banned, you’ll see a notification banner when you next open the app, informing you of the account change.

If you believe your account was banned in error, you can submit an appeal to TikTok to contest the decision.

Can I get a banned TikTok account back?

As mentioned earlier, if you think your content or account has been removed by mistake, you can appeal the decision through the TikTok app. If your appeal is approved, your content or account will be reinstated, unless you’ve already deleted it.

If you want to learn more about how to use TikTok, you can check out our other guides, including how to Stitch on TikTok and how to go live on TikTok.