You can reinstall TikTok the same way you first downloaded it

If you deleted TikTok from your phone and want it back, the process is straightforward: go to your device's app store, search for TikTok, and tap the download button. Your phone will reinstall the app in minutes. You don't need to create a new account — if you remember your login details, you can sign back into your existing account and your saved videos, followers, and settings will still be there.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use an iPhone or Android phone, but both routes take about the same amount of time. The app itself is free, and you won't lose your account data just because you deleted the app from your device.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone, open the App Store, tap the search icon, type "TikTok", and tap the cloud icon with a down arrow to reinstall it.
  • On Android, open Google Play Store, search for "TikTok", and tap "Install" to download it again.
  • Your TikTok account remains active even after you delete the app, so you can sign back in with your username and password.
  • Reinstalling takes just a few minutes and requires an internet connection, but no payment or new account creation.

Reinstalling TikTok on iPhone

Open the App Store on your iPhone. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a magnifying glass). Type "TikTok" in the search box and tap the official TikTok app — it has the musical note logo and is made by TikTok Inc.

You'll see a cloud icon with a down arrow instead of a typical "Get" button. This appears because you've already downloaded the app before. Tap that cloud icon. Your phone may ask you to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Complete that step, and the app will begin reinstalling. Once the icon changes to "Open", the download is finished.

Reinstalling TikTok on Android

Open Google Play Store on your Android phone. Tap the search icon at the bottom and type "TikTok". Select the official app made by TikTok Inc. — it will have the musical note logo.

Tap the "Install" button. Your phone may ask for permission to access certain features like your camera or microphone — this is normal for TikTok. Tap "Install" again to confirm. The download will begin, and you'll see a progress bar. Once it finishes, the button will change to "Open".

Signing back into your existing account

Once TikTok finishes installing, tap "Open" to launch the app. You'll see a login screen with options to sign in with your phone number, email, or social media accounts. Choose whichever method you used to create your original account.

Enter your username and password, or follow the prompts if you're signing in through Facebook, Google, or another platform. If you've forgotten your password, tap "Forgot password?" and follow the recovery steps — TikTok will send a reset link to your email or phone number. Once you're signed in, your followers, liked videos, and saved drafts will all be there.

What happens to your account while the app is deleted

Deleting the TikTok app from your phone does not delete your account. Your profile, followers, and videos remain on TikTok's servers. Other users can still find your account and watch your videos during the time the app isn't on your phone — you just can't access it yourself.

If you want to permanently delete your account instead of just the app, that requires a separate action in your account settings. Simply reinstalling the app does not affect your account status in any way.

Troubleshooting if the download won't start

If you tap the download button and nothing happens, check your internet connection first. Switch to a different Wi-Fi network or use mobile data to see if that helps. If you're on Wi-Fi, try turning it off and back on.

If the download still won't start, restart your phone completely. This clears temporary files that sometimes block app installations. After restarting, open your app store again and try downloading TikTok once more. If you're still having trouble after these steps, check whether your phone has enough free storage space — most phones need at least 100 MB free to install new apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my followers and videos if I delete the TikTok app?

No. Deleting the app only removes it from your phone. Your account, followers, videos, and all your data stay on TikTok's servers. When you reinstall and sign back in, everything will be exactly as you left it.

Can I use the same account after reinstalling?

Yes. Sign in with the same username, email, or phone number you used before. You don't need to create a new account. If you remember your password, you can sign in immediately.

How long does it take to reinstall TikTok?

The download usually takes two to five minutes depending on your internet speed and phone. Once it's installed, signing back in takes less than a minute if you remember your password.

Do I need to pay to reinstall TikTok?

No. TikTok is free to download and use. There are no hidden charges for reinstalling it, even if you deleted it months ago.

What if I forgot my TikTok password?

When you reach the login screen, tap "Forgot password?" and enter your email or phone number. TikTok will send you a reset link. Click the link, create a new password, and you can sign back in.