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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

How To Delete TikTok Account Without Password (2025)

Hendrik Human Updated on 27th January 2025 Fact-checked by Matthew Amos Cybersecurity Researcher
Important. On 19 January 2025, TikTok was temporarily banned in the USA, and 170 million users and 7 million small businesses lost access. The company hopes President Trump will prevent the ban — China-based owner (ByteDance) has 90 days to sell its US operations. However, since it failed to do so previously, the chances are slim that this will happen. Luckily, using a VPN provides reliable access to TikTok, so you can easily unblock the app in the US.

Can I delete my TikTok account without a password, email, or phone number? If TikTok support can verify your ownership, it's possible. However, with the potential 2025 TikTok ban in the US, it’s a good idea to keep your login information updated to prevent any issues.

Deleting your TikTok account will erase all your data and uploaded content after 30 days, so it’s important to back up anything valuable beforehand. In this guide, I’ll show you how to delete your account on any device, even without access to your login details. Plus, I'll show you how to recover your account within the 30-day grace period if you change your mind; for example, should ByteDance sell 50% of its company to the US, preventing the ban.

How Can I Delete My TikTok Account?

  1. Go to your TikTok profile settings. In your account, tap the Profile icon on the bottom right of your screen. Click on the 3-line icon and select Settings and privacy.
  2. Tap Delete account in the Manage account section. Consider backing up all your account data and videos before proceeding.
  3. Confirm account deletion. Enter your password and verify the deletion via a code sent to your email or phone number. Then, wait 30 days for the account to be deleted permanently (your profile and posts won’t be visible during these 30 days).

Pro Tip: Use a VPN to Safely Access TikTok

TikTok is blocked in some countries. If you’re traveling somewhere the app or site isn’t available, you can use a VPN to securely access TikTok in the US and anywhere else and delete your account.

A VPN sends your traffic through its private server network, encrypting your data and assigning you a new IP address. This protects your privacy as no one can see your real location or what you’re doing online. Even if you don’t want to delete TikTok, I recommend using a VPN, as the social media app is known for its aggressive data collection and selling information to third parties.

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Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

How To Permanently Delete Your TikTok Account on Android and iOS (iPhone & iPad)

Can TikTok track me if I delete the app? If you delete TikTok from your device, it cannot track you in real time though the app because it’s no longer installed on your device. However, TikTok may use cookies or trackers on websites or apps where their services are embedded (e.g., "TikTok Pixel" on websites or TikTok login buttons). If you interact with these, TikTok can still track some of your activity online, even without the app.

If you have your account details or signed in with a third-party provider, the steps below are the easiest way to delete your TikTok account. According to Backlinko, there were 733 million TikTok downloads across App Stores and Google Play in 20231. Just take the device on which you usually use TikTok and launch the app.

If you’re somewhere where you can’t access TikTok due to restrictions, use a TikTok VPN to connect to a server in a country where TikTok is allowed first. This will change your IP to one of the allowed countries, helping to bypass restrictions so you can manage your account.

Once you’re signed into the TikTok app, follow these steps to delete your account:

  1. Tap the Profile icon on the bottom right of your TikTok app on iOS or Android.
  2. Then, tap the 3-line icon (the “Hamburger button”) > Settings and privacy.
    Screenshots of the TikTok app interface with the steps to go to the If TikTok is blocked due to a ban, you'll need to contact support to delete the app
  3. Choose Account from the menu, select Deactivate or delete account, and tap Delete account permanently.
    Screenshots of the TikTok app menu interface with the steps to go to You can choose to only temporarily deactivate the account from here, too
  4. You can skip this step or select a reason why you’re deleting your account and tap Continue.
    Pro tip. At this stage, it’s a good idea to back-up your TikTok account data before proceeding (TikTok will offer you this option before you proceed). You might also want to manually download your video uploads. Any data that isn’t backed up will be permanently deleted after 30 days.
  5. On the Download your TikTok data page, accept the disclaimer and tap Continue. You’ll then need to provide your password or sign in again with a third-party account. Tap Continue once you’ve read TikTok’s disclaimer.
    Screenshots of the TikTok account deletion menu disclaimersYou cannot download your data within the 30-day deletion window
  6. You might need to verify the deletion via your email address, an SMS code (if you registered with your phone number), or another social media account (if you’ve signed up via Google, Apple, or Facebook).
    Screenshots of the TikTok account deletion menu disclaimersTikTok will automatically resend a new code every 60 seconds
  7. Finally, tap the Delete account button and confirm your decision. This will start the process of deleting your account and log you out of the app on all devices.

How To Permanently Delete Your TikTok Account via Web Browser & Computer

It’s easy to delete your account via the TikTok website if you know your login details. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Visit TikTok In your web browser, and log in to your account.
  2. Select Profile from the menu on the left of the page and click the settings (gear) icon.
    Screenshot of the TikTok website profile interface with the settings optionsIt takes less than 5 minutes to delete your TikTok account this way
  3. Select Delete under the Account control header in the Manage account section.
    Screenshot of TikTok website interface with the Delete option in the Manage account settingsDon't worry; there are still multiple steps of confirmation after this
  4. Click Continue after reading the terms of deletion, then enter the verification code and click Delete account.
    Screenshot of TikTok website interface with the final verification step before deleting your accountTikTok will ask for final confirmation in a popup after verification
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish deleting your TikTok account. Your account will be permanently removed after 30 days.
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How To Permanently Delete TikTok Without Access to Your Account

Losing access to your TikTok account can happen for various reasons — forgotten passwords, outdated email addresses, or phone numbers no longer in use. TikTok itself has also changed its login processes over the years. If you’re unable to log in but still want to permanently delete your account, here’s what you can do:

How To Delete TikTok Without a Password

  1. Open the TikTok app, click the Profile icon at the bottom of the screen, and then hit the Login button.
  2. Tap the Use phone/email/username login option at the top of the list and choose the Phone or Email/Username tab.
  3. Tap Forgot password on the next page, and select whether you want to reset it via your Phone number or Email.
    Screenshot of TikTok app interface with the Log in procedure for missing account detailsYou need to know either your phone number, email, or username
  4. Enter the verification code, after providing TikTok with your contact details.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password and log in to your TikTok account. From there, follow the guide above on deleting your TikTok account.
    Screenshot of TikTok app password reset procedure with the verification step and password requirementsMake sure you check the correct contact for the code

How To Delete TikTok Without a Phone Number or Email Address

If you lost access to the phone number or email address associated with your account, you can either:

  • Option 1. Log in via a different social media account (Google, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram) if you’ve linked one to your TikTok account in the past.
  • Option 2. Contact TikTok support by filling out an online form. If you use the app, you can also submit a ticket through the TikTok Helpdesk by clicking the “?” icon in the top-right corner of the Log in page. Choose General account inquiry as the topic and briefly explain how you lost access to your TikTok password, phone number, and/or email. Be prepared to prove that you’re the account owner.
Pro tip. If you’re a parent who’s worried about your child’s safety and privacy on TikTok, check out this complete guide to TikTok for parents.

Bonus: How to Deactivate a TikTok Account Temporarily

TikTok account deactivation makes your profile and content invisible to other users. You don’t risk losing your data in the same 30-day timeframe as you do with permanent deletion, and you can reactivate your account whenever you’re ready.

This is the best option if you merely need a break from the app for an indefinite time.

  1. On your Android or iOS app, navigate to Settings and privacy and click Account.
  2. Select Deactivate or delete account and tap Deactivate account in the next window.
    Screenshots of the TikTok app account deactivation procesThe Deactivate account option is only available on mobile apps
  3. To confirm, click Deactivate and enter the verification code. Follow the other on-screen instructions to finish.
    Screenshots of the TikTok account deletion menu disclaimersTikTok will automatically resend a new code every 60 seconds
  4. You’ll be logged out of the app. But, you can log back in to restore full access to your account at any time via the app or web browser.

How To Stay Safe While Using or Deleting TikTok

With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding TikTok in the US, it’s more important than ever that you use the platform safely. You don’t want to leave sensitive information exposed with the risk of losing access to TikTok. Whether you're deleting your account due to the potential ban or out of privacy concerns, here are some steps to keep your personal information safe:

  • Download your data first. Before deleting your account, request a copy of your TikTok data via the app. Retaining this ensures you have a record of your digital footprint and know what data TikTok has.
  • Use secure networks. Avoid using public WiFi while accessing TikTok, especially when doing sensitive tasks like deleting your account. Public networks are vulnerable to interception by hackers.
  • Double-check linked accounts. TikTok often links to other platforms like Instagram or YouTube. Disconnect these accounts from your TikTok profile to ensure your other accounts remain secure after deletion.
  • Beware of phishing attempts. Amid the ban, there may pop up new scams targeting TikTok users with fake deletion links. Only manage your account through TikTok’s official app or website.
  • Update your credentials: If you can still access your account but no longer plan to use it, update your password to something secure before deletion. This makes it harder for someone to reactivate and take control of your account.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). TikTok supports various types of 2FA, including SMS, email, and third-party authenticator apps.
  • Use a VPN. A VPN can help you unblock TikTok from anywhere. It will also hide your real IP and encrypt your traffic, which helps safeguard your privacy and data, especially on public networks.
Vendor Logo of ExpressVPN
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DEAL: Save 61% + 30-day money-back guarantee
Editor's Choice for Security
Our Score: 10.0
High-level encryption keeps you safe online
Verified to not collect or share data

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

How To Back Up Account Data From a TikTok Account in Bulk

TikTok allows you to bulk download all your posts, activity, and messages (not including your actual TikTok videos). If you’d like to permanently close your TikTok account, but you don’t want to lose your account data, I’d highly recommend doing the following before the deletion process completes:

  1. Navigate to your TikTok account' Settings via the web browser or Settings and privacy via the mobile app.
  2. Select Download your data in the Privacy tab. This data can include your profile information (like your username, display picture, and biography) and other details like your contact information, posts and comments history, and your settings preferences.
    Screenshot of the TikTok Privacy Data settings in the website interfaceYou can request a data backup after choosing to delete your TikTok account (within 30 days)
  3. Select the format in which you want to get your data (TXT or JSON) and click Request data. The process can take up to 4 days.
    Screenshot of the Download TikTok data pageTXT is a human-readable plain text file and JSON is a machine-readable format
  4. You can download a ZIP archive holding your data from the Download data tab once it’s ready

Note. TikTok will also give you the option to initiate a data request before deleting your account.

How to Manually Download TikTok Videos

When you back up your data, TikTok doesn’t include any videos you’ve uploaded. It only saves information such as your profile data, app settings, and activity. All your actual posts are deleted within 30 days of deleting your account (though any videos that have been stitched or duetted by other creators will remain available on the app).

Here’s how to manually back up your videos instead:

  1. Download via browser. Right-click on a TikTok video in your browser and select Download video. Choose a name and location, and click Save. You can also download several videos in bulk via online websites like TOKdownloads or SnapTik.
  2. Download via Android/iOS. Tap the Share icon on the right of the video and select Save Video. The file will appear in your device’s image gallery.
    Screenshot of a video on TikTok with the right click dropdown menu to download a videoManual downloads are possible via browsers (PC, Mac) and on the Android app

How To Delete TikTok Posts, Videos, Comments, and Likes

If you’re not ready to delete your TikTok account entirely but still want to reduce your digital footprint, you can selectively remove content you’ve shared or interacted with on the platform. This reduces your exposure, especially if there is a ban, without losing access to your account. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Delete TikTok videos. Open the TikTok app and go to your Profile by tapping the bottom-right icon. Then, locate the video you want to delete and tap on it. Tap the three dots (...) in the bottom-right corner of the video, and select Delete from the menu.
  • Remove comments. Find the video where you left the comment and tap the speech bubble icon to open the comment section. Locate your comment, long press on it, and select Delete from the pop-up menu.
  • Delete TikTok likes. Go to your Profile and tap the heart icon to see videos you’ve liked. Open a liked video, then tap the heart icon again to unlike it.
  • Delete comments on videos you uploaded. Go to Profile and open the video with the comment you want to delete. Tap the speech bubble icon to view all comments, and long-press the comment you wish to delete. Select Delete from the options.
  • Adjust your privacy settings. If you’re not ready to delete content but want to limit visibility, you can set individual videos to private. Go to the video, tap the three dots (...), and select Privacy Settings. Change the visibility to Only Me.

How To Recover a Deleted TikTok Account

Whether you’ve deleted or deactivated your account, you can reactivate it easily by following the same steps. To restore a deleted or deactivated TikTok account, simply log in and tap on Reactivate to restore full functionality and data.

Screenshot the  You should immediately regain full access to TikTok content and your account

Just note that, while deactivated accounts can be restored at any time, you only have 30 days to recover a deleted TikTok account before all your data is wiped permanently.

Still Can’t Delete Your TikTok Account? Try This:

If you’re encountering issues deleting your TikTok account beyond forgetting your password, email, or phone number, several other common problems or bugs might be causing the issue. Here’s a troubleshooting guide to help you identify and resolve these problems:

  • TikTok account suspension. If your account has been suspended or restricted by TikTok for violating community guidelines, you may be unable to access or delete it directly. In this case, you’ll need to appeal to lift the suspension first or contact TikTok support to resolve the issue.
  • Unverified account. If you’ve never verified your email or phone number on TikTok, the platform might block account deletion until verification is completed. Check your settings and confirm any pending email or SMS verifications (check your spam folder).
  • Active subscriptions or payments. Users who have active TikTok Coins or ongoing subscription plans (like TikTok LIVE gifts) may need to cancel these before deleting their account. Unsettled payments can also interfere with the account deletion process.
  • Technical glitches or bugs. Occasional app bugs can prevent you from accessing the account deletion feature. Make sure you have the latest version of TikTok installed or try clearing the app’s cache via your device settings.
  • Regional restrictions. Due to existing bans as well as ongoing TikTok discussions in the U.S., access to the app may be limited in some areas. This could impact your ability to delete the account through the app or website.
  • Third-party logins. If you created your TikTok account using third-party logins like Google, Facebook, or Apple, ensure these accounts are active and not disabled.

If none of these steps resolve your issue, reach out to TikTok’s Support Team via their feedback form or social media support channels for further assistance.

Best VPNs for TikTok in 2025

  1. ExpressVPN — 3,000 High-speed servers in 105 countries that automatically hide your VPN traffic, allowing you to quickly bypass TikTok bans while ensuring smooth video streaming and uploads.
  2. CyberGhost — Strong encryption and privacy features, including the ability to block malicious links, to securely access TikTok.
  3. Private Internet Access — One of the largest server networks worldwide, making it possible to unblock TikTok from the US.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs on Deleting Your TikTok Account

Should I remove TikTok? Is it bad for my privacy?

Privacy is a big concern amongst TikTok users. An estimated 2.05 billion people use TikTok worldwide2, but it’s often criticized for collecting too much user data, sharing information with third parties, and requesting excessive device permissions. If you’re unsure of whether TikTok is safe to use, it can be a good idea to delete TikTok.

Many governments also recommend deleting TikTok accounts from work devices for security purposes. That’s because TikTok’s owner — ByteDance — is a Chinese company with alleged ties to the Beijing government. The US is threatening to ban TikTok as a national security concern for similar reasons. If you don’t delete your account before the ban takes place, it could leave your content in online limbo, without the ability to control it.

Will deleting TikTok erase my messages and comments?

Deleting your TikTok account also means you can no longer access your comments or messages. If you want to preserve your comments, drafts, and other information before deleting TikTok, you should back up your TikTok account data.

Alternatively, it’s possible to delete comments in bulk without deleting your account. Tap the Comments button on the side of a video, select the Filters button, and select up to 100 comments for deletion.

Unfortunately, messages can’t be unsent on TikTok. So deleting your account won’t delete your DMs from other users — you won’t be able to access these messages, but they will.

Does leaving TikTok delete all my videos?

Deleting your TikTok account erases all your videos after 30 days. That’s why it’s best to download all your TikTok videos manually before going ahead with the deletion. You can reactivate your account within the 30 days if you forget to save your content.

What happens after I delete my TikTok account?

TikTok account takes 30 days to delete completely. Your videos, comments, and profile are hidden from other users during this period. However, reactivating your account within 30 days will restore all of your content.

Can I delete my TikTok if my account is banned?

Not immediately. You can’t delete accounts that are suspended or have a pending appeal using the normal steps. Check the route cause of not being able to delete your account first. You’ll either need to restore full access to your account first, or contact support and ask them to do it on your behalf. But, you won’t be able to back up your data or delete any existing content.

Why is TikTok being banned in the US?

TikTok faces a ban in the US over national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership (ByteDance). Most officials at federal and state-level are already banned from using TikTok on government devices. There’s no guarantee that the ban won’t go ahead. So, it might be safest to delete your TikTok account before you lose access.

The Supreme Court recently upheld legislation requiring TikTok to divest from ByteDance or face a full ban. President-elect Trump temporarily delayed the ban, which went into effect on 19 January, pending negotiations for a US-based ownership structure. As of now, TikTok's future in the US hinges on meeting these divestment conditions, but TikTok has refused to comply before.

Will uninstalling TikTok delete my data and cache on my iPhone?

Yes, uninstalling the app will delete all related data on your iPhone. Unlike Android, you can’t delete the data or cache for individual apps in your phone settings. If you want a fresh install of TikTok, uninstall and reinstall it on your iPhone. This can help resolve some issues with your TikTok account.

Can TikTok Delete my account for being inactive?

TikTok’s T&Cs say that it may remove inactive accounts, but it hasn’t been known to do this widely. However, if you've been inactive for over 180 days, TikTok may reset your username to a randomized one. To avoid this, simply log into the app and engage with some content. If you plan to be inactive for a long time, it's advisable to back up your TikTok data.

TikTok will also remove accounts it suspects of being fake or minors under the age of 13 (in China). The platform removed almost 200 million accounts during Q1 2024 alone(Statista,2024)³.

Delete TikTok Accounts Safely

Should I delete TikTok? With TikTok facing a potential ban in the US, deleting your account might be necessary to safeguard your data. According to Statista, 21.6 million TikTok accounts were deleted in the first quarter of 20244. The process is irreversible after 30 days, so ensure you back-up your data and download any videos before proceeding.

If the US TikTok ban takes effect, you may also face restrictions on accessing your account. So, you’ll need to use measures like a VPN to unblock TikTok and delete your account if necessary. As uncertainty grows, protecting your online data has never been more critical.

References

  1. https://backlinko.com/tiktok-users/
  2. https://www.demandsage.com/tiktok-user-statistics/
  3. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1308893/tiktok-accounts-removed-by-reason/
  4. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1308893/tiktok-accounts-removed-by-reason/
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We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Hendrik is a writer at vpnMentor, specializing in VPN comparisons and user guides. With 5+ years of experience as a tech and cybersecurity writer, plus a background in corporate IT, he brings a variety of perspectives to test VPN services and analyze how they address the needs of different users.

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Comments (2)
14 May 2024

Hello, we would like to see more successful content like this. Bravo!

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