You can change the phone number linked to your TikTok account in Settings in about two minutes

TikTok stores a phone number with your account for password recovery and security purposes. If you've switched phone numbers, moved to a new carrier, or just want to update what's on file, you can change it yourself without contacting TikTok support. The process is the same whether you use iPhone or Android.

You'll need to know the password to your TikTok account, or have access to the email address connected to it. If you've forgotten your password and don't have access to the old phone number, you'll need to recover your account first through email before you can make this change.

Key Takeaways

  • Open TikTok, tap your profile icon, go to Settings and privacy, then Account, then Phone number to see what's currently on file.
  • You can change your phone number without deleting your account or losing your videos, followers, or account history.
  • TikTok will send a verification code to your new phone number to confirm the change is real.
  • If you no longer have access to your old phone number, you can remove it and add a new one instead of replacing it.
  • The change takes effect immediately once you verify the code, and your old phone number is no longer connected to your account.

Step-by-step: Changing your phone number

Step 1: Open TikTok and go to your profile. Tap the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. It looks like a person's head and shoulders.

Step 2: Open Settings and privacy. Tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) at the top right. Scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy."

Step 3: Go to Account. In Settings and privacy, tap "Account." You'll see options for phone number, email, and other account details.

Step 4: Tap Phone number. This shows the phone number currently linked to your account. If nothing is listed, you haven't set one yet and can add one here.

Step 5: Tap Edit or Change. The button text depends on whether you already have a number on file. If you do, you'll see "Change." If you don't, you'll see "Add."

Step 6: Enter your new phone number. Type the new number in the field that appears. Make sure you include the country code if you're outside the United States (for example, +44 for the UK).

Step 7: Tap Send code. TikTok will send a six-digit verification code to the new phone number you entered.

Step 8: Check your text messages and enter the code. Open the text message from TikTok on your new phone. It will contain a six-digit code. Enter this code in the app where it asks for verification.

Step 9: Tap Confirm. Once you've entered the code correctly, the change is complete. Your new phone number is now linked to your account.

What happens to your old phone number

When you change your phone number, TikTok removes the old one from your account entirely. You won't be able to use it to recover your password or receive security codes. This is actually safer — if someone gets hold of your old phone number, they can't use it to break into your account.

If you're worried about losing access to your account, make sure you also have your email address on file. You can always recover your account through email if you forget your password, even if you don't have a phone number linked anymore.

If you don't have access to your old phone number

If you've switched carriers, lost your phone, or simply don't have the old number anymore, you can still change it. Instead of replacing the number, you'll remove it first and then add a new one.

Go to Settings and privacy, then Account, then Phone number. Tap "Remove" or "Delete" to take off the old number. You don't need the old phone to do this — you just need to be logged into your TikTok account. After you remove it, follow the steps above to add your new phone number.

If you forgot your password and can't access your account

If you've forgotten your TikTok password and the old phone number is no longer yours, you'll need to recover your account through email first. On the TikTok login screen, tap "Forgot password?" and select "Use email" instead of "Use phone number." TikTok will send a recovery link to the email address on file.

Once you've recovered your account and logged back in, you can follow the steps above to change your phone number. If you don't remember the email address either, you'll need to contact TikTok support through the app — tap your profile, go to Settings and privacy, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Report a problem."

Why TikTok asks for a phone number

TikTok uses your phone number for two main reasons: to help you recover your account if you forget your password, and to verify that you're the real account owner when something unusual happens. If TikTok detects a login from a new location or device, it might ask you to confirm your identity using the phone number on file.

You're not required to add a phone number to use TikTok, but having one makes your account more secure. Without a phone number or email address, you could lose access to your account permanently if you forget your password.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is entering the wrong phone number. Double-check the number before you tap "Send code" — if you enter it wrong, the verification code will go to someone else's phone. You'll have to start over and enter the correct number.

Another mistake is waiting too long to enter the verification code. TikTok's codes expire after a few minutes. If you don't see the code in your text messages, tap "Resend code" in the app and a new one will be sent.

Don't close the TikTok app while you're in the middle of changing your number. If you switch to your text messages to read the code, use the split-screen feature on your phone (available on most newer iPhones and Android devices) so you can see both apps at once. This way you won't accidentally close TikTok and have to start the process over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my phone number delete my account or my videos?

No. Changing your phone number only updates the contact information TikTok has on file. Your account, videos, followers, and all your account history stay exactly the same. The change is invisible to everyone except you.

Can I use the same phone number for multiple TikTok accounts?

No. Each phone number can only be linked to one TikTok account. If you try to add a phone number that's already connected to another account, TikTok will tell you it's already in use. You'll need to remove it from the other account first, or use a different phone number.

What if I never set up a phone number on my account?

You can add one anytime by going to Settings and privacy, Account, then Phone number, and tapping "Add." It's not required, but it makes your account easier to recover if you forget your password. You can also recover your account through email if you have that on file instead.

How long does it take for the change to go through?

The change is instant once you enter the verification code correctly. Your new phone number is active immediately, and your old number is removed from your account right away.

Can I change my phone number on the TikTok website instead of the app?

Yes. Log into TikTok on a web browser, go to your profile, click Settings and privacy, then Account, then Phone number. The steps are the same as on the mobile app.