Reinstalling TikTok is straightforward on both iPhone and Android

If you deleted TikTok from your phone and want it back, you can download it again from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) in about two minutes. The process is the same as downloading any other app. Your account and saved videos remain on TikTok's servers, so you'll log back in to the same profile you had before.

The main thing to know: reinstalling the app does not restore videos you created and then deleted from TikTok itself. If you posted a video and later removed it from your account, that video is gone. But if you simply deleted the app without deleting individual videos, those videos stay on your account and you'll see them again once you log back in.

Key Takeaways

  • Download TikTok again from the App Store on iPhone or Google Play Store on Android, then sign in with your existing username and password.
  • Your account, followers, and posted videos are saved on TikTok's servers and will reappear when you log back in.
  • Videos you deleted from your account before uninstalling the app cannot be recovered through reinstalling.
  • If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot password" option on the login screen to reset it before reinstalling.

Steps to reinstall TikTok on iPhone

Open the App Store and tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen. Type "TikTok" in the search box. When the TikTok app appears, tap the cloud icon with a downward arrow (or the "Get" button if you've never installed it before). You may need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.

Once the app finishes downloading and installing, the button will change to "Open." Tap it to launch TikTok. On the login screen, enter your username (or the phone number or email you used to create your account) and your password, then tap "Log in." If you don't remember your password, tap "Forgot password?" and follow the steps to reset it using your email or phone number.

Steps to reinstall TikTok on Android

Open Google Play Store and tap the search icon at the bottom. Type "TikTok" and select the official TikTok app from ByteDance. Tap "Install" to download and install the app automatically. Android will notify you when installation is complete.

Open the app and tap "Log in" on the welcome screen. Enter your username, phone number, or email address along with your password. If you need to reset your password, tap "Forgot password?" and enter the email or phone number associated with your account. TikTok will send you a reset link or code to complete the process.

What happens to your account when you reinstall

Your TikTok account exists on TikTok's servers independent of the app on your phone. Deleting the app does not delete your account. When you reinstall and log in, you return to the exact same profile: your follower count, the videos you posted, your liked videos, your drafts, and your settings all remain unchanged.

The only content that does not come back is content you actively deleted before uninstalling the app. If you posted a video and then removed it from your account, that deletion is permanent. Reinstalling the app will not recover it. Similarly, if you cleared your drafts or removed videos from your liked list, those actions are permanent.

If you forgot your login information

If you don't remember your password, tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen. TikTok will ask you to enter the email address or phone number linked to your account. You'll receive a password reset link via email or a code via text message. Follow the instructions in that message to create a new password.

If you don't remember which email or phone number you used to create your account, try the ones you think are most likely. If none of them work, you can contact TikTok's support through the app or website, though response times vary. Having access to the email address or phone number associated with your account makes the process much faster.

Downloading videos before reinstalling (if that's your goal)

If you deleted TikTok because you wanted to save your videos before losing access to them, you can still download them. Log into your TikTok account on a web browser at tiktok.com, go to your profile, and open each video you want to save. Tap the three dots in the bottom right corner of the video and select "Download." The video will save to your phone's camera roll or downloads folder.

You can also use third-party download tools, though these are less reliable and may violate TikTok's terms of service. The official download method through TikTok itself is the safest option. If you've already deleted the app and don't remember your password, reset it first using the steps above, then download your videos before reinstalling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my followers and likes come back when I reinstall TikTok?

Yes. Your follower count, the videos you posted, and all the likes those videos received remain on your account. When you log back in, everything appears exactly as it was before you deleted the app.

Can I recover videos I deleted from my account?

No. If you posted a video and then removed it from your account before uninstalling the app, that video is permanently deleted. Reinstalling the app will not bring it back. TikTok does not have a trash or recovery folder for deleted videos.

What if I don't remember my username?

You can log in using the email address or phone number you used to create your account instead of your username. If you don't remember either of those, check your email for messages from TikTok or look through your phone's account settings to see what email or number you registered with.

Does reinstalling TikTok delete my drafts?

No. Your drafts are saved to your account on TikTok's servers. When you log back in after reinstalling, your unpublished videos will still be there in your drafts folder.

Can I reinstall TikTok if it's not available in my country?

If TikTok is not available in your country's app store, you cannot download it through the official App Store or Google Play Store. You would need to use a VPN or change your app store region, though doing so may violate TikTok's terms of service or local laws.