You can delete TikTok in two ways: temporarily deactivate it for 30 days, or permanently delete it after that waiting period
TikTok requires a 30-day waiting period before permanent deletion. During those 30 days, your account is deactivated — your profile, videos, and followers disappear from the app, but TikTok keeps your data. If you log back in during this window, your account reactivates and the deletion cancels. After 30 days pass without logging in, TikTok permanently removes your account and all associated data from their servers.
The process is the same whether you use the mobile app or a web browser. You do not need to delete videos individually first, and you do not need to contact TikTok support — the option is built into your account settings.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account immediately but keeps it recoverable for 30 days if you log back in.
- Permanent deletion only happens after the 30-day deactivation period ends without you logging in.
- You can deactivate from Settings and Privacy on mobile, or Account in web settings.
- TikTok deletes all your videos, comments, likes, and follower data once the 30 days expire.
- If you change your mind during the 30 days, simply log in to restore your account.
How to deactivate your account on the TikTok mobile app
Open TikTok and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Account. Scroll to the bottom and tap Delete Account.
TikTok will ask you to confirm your choice and may show you a message about the 30-day waiting period. Tap Delete Account again to confirm. Your account is now deactivated and no longer visible to other users. Your videos, profile, and follower list disappear immediately.
How to deactivate your account on the TikTok website
Go to TikTok.com and log in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings and Privacy. Click Account, then scroll down and click Delete Account. TikTok will ask you to enter your password to confirm. After you enter it, click Delete Account again.
The process is identical to the mobile app — your account deactivates right away, and the 30-day countdown begins. You can log back in at any point during those 30 days to cancel the deletion.
What happens during the 30-day waiting period
Your profile, videos, comments, and messages are hidden from everyone, including yourself. You cannot log in or post. Other users cannot find your account or see your content. TikTok keeps your data on their servers in case you change your mind.
If you log in even once during the 30 days, your account reactivates fully and the deletion is cancelled. Your videos, followers, and all other data return to normal. You will need to start the deletion process over if you want to delete again.
What happens after 30 days
Once 30 days pass without you logging in, TikTok permanently removes your account from their servers. Your videos, profile, messages, and all associated data are deleted and cannot be recovered. Other users' videos that featured you or tagged you will remain, but your account will no longer be linked to them.
TikTok may keep some data for legal or safety reasons, but your account itself and the content you posted are gone. There is no way to restore your account after this point.
Reasons to deactivate instead of permanently delete
Deactivation gives you a month to change your mind without losing anything. If you are taking a break from social media but might return, deactivation is safer than permanent deletion. You can also use the 30 days to download your videos or screenshots before they are gone for good.
Some people deactivate when they are angry or overwhelmed, then reactivate after cooling off. Permanent deletion is only necessary if you are certain you will never want your account back.
How to download your videos before deleting
TikTok lets you request a copy of your data, including your videos. Go to Settings and Privacy, tap Account, then tap Download Your Data. TikTok will prepare a file with all your videos and account information and send it to your email within a few days. Download this file before you start the deletion process, since you cannot access it after your account is gone.
Alternatively, you can screen-record or screenshot individual videos before deactivating. This is faster if you only want to save a few videos, but downloading your data is the most complete option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my TikTok account immediately without waiting 30 days?
No. TikTok requires a 30-day waiting period after deactivation before permanent deletion. You can deactivate right now, but the account stays on TikTok's servers for 30 days. If you log in during that time, the deletion stops and your account comes back.
What if I log in during the 30-day period?
Your account reactivates immediately and the deletion is cancelled. Everything returns to normal — your videos, followers, and messages come back. If you want to delete again, you have to start the process over.
Will my videos still appear in other people's feeds after I delete?
No. Once your account is permanently deleted, your videos are removed from TikTok entirely. Videos that other users created featuring you or tagging you will remain, but they will no longer link to your account.
Can I use the same email or phone number to create a new TikTok account after deleting?
Yes, but only after the 30-day period ends and your account is fully deleted. During the 30-day waiting period, TikTok locks that email or phone number. After permanent deletion is complete, you can sign up again with the same contact information.
Does TikTok keep any of my data after I delete?
TikTok may retain some data for legal, safety, or backup purposes, but your account and the content you posted are removed. They will not use your deleted videos or profile information for new recommendations or advertising after deletion is complete.