Let’s be honest, few things sting more than losing access to your TikTok account. You open the app, excited to scroll through your For You Page or upload a new video, only to find yourself locked out. Maybe you forgot your password, deleted your account by accident, or worse, got hacked.
Don’t panic! The good news is that TikTok account recovery is totally possible, and in most cases, you can get your account back within minutes (if you act fast). In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to recover your TikTok account step-by-step, whether it’s a forgotten password, a deleted account, or a hacked situation.
Table of Contents
What is TikTok Account Recovery?
TikTok account recovery simply means restoring access to your TikTok profile after losing it. This could happen for several reasons: forgotten login details, a hacked account, or even a mistakenly deleted profile.
TikTok offers multiple ways to recover your account, including:
- Using your phone number, email, or username
- Logging in with social accounts (like Google, Apple, or Facebook)
- Contacting TikTok Support for more serious issues
The right recovery method depends on how you lost access, and that’s what we’ll break down below.
Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Your TikTok Account
Whether you forgot your password or your account got hacked, these step-by-step methods will help you get your account back quickly.
Recover Your TikTok Account via Phone Number
If you linked your phone number to your TikTok account, this is the easiest way to recover it.
Here’s what to do:
- Open the TikTok app.
- Tap “Log in” at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “Use phone/email/username.”
- Tap the “Phone” tab.
- Enter your phone number and tap “Send code.”
- Enter the verification code you received via SMS.
That’s it! You should now be logged back into your TikTok account.
Always keep your phone number updated in TikTok’s settings. It’s your best lifeline if you ever lose access again.
Recover Your TikTok Account via Email
If you signed up with an email address instead of a phone number, no problem, recovery is just as simple.
Here’s how:
- Open TikTok and tap “Log in.”
- Choose “Use phone/email/username.”
- Tap the “Email/Username” tab.
- Tap “Forgot password?”
- Select “Email” to receive a password reset link.
- Open your inbox and click the TikTok password reset link.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set a new password, and boom, you’re back in business.
Check your spam folder if you don’t see the email within a few minutes.
Recover Your TikTok Account via Username
Forgot your email or phone number, but still remember your TikTok username? You can still get in.
Follow these steps:
- Tap “Log in.”
- Select “Use phone/email/username.”
- Choose “Username.”
- Enter your TikTok username and password.
If you forgot your password, select “Forgot password?” and choose to reset it using your linked email or phone number.
4. Recover TikTok Account Using Social Media Logins
Did you sign up with your Google, Facebook, Apple, or Twitter account? Then recovery might be just a tap away.
Try this:
- Open TikTok and tap “Log in.”
- Choose the social media platform you used to sign up.
- Enter your login credentials for that platform.
TikTok will automatically verify your account and log you back in.
What If Your TikTok Account Got Hacked?
Now, if you suspect that someone hacked your account, act immediately. Hackers often change recovery info like email or password, so the faster you react, the better your chances of recovery.
Here’s what to do if your TikTok account is hacked:
- Go to the TikTok login page.
- Tap “Forgot password?” and reset it using your email or phone number.
- Once logged in, change your password immediately.
- Review your linked devices under “Settings → Security.” Remove any unknown devices.
- Enable two-step verification for extra protection.
If you can’t log in at all because the hacker changed your info, go to TikTok’s Account Recovery Form: https://support.tiktok.com/en/account-and-privacy/account-recovery
Fill out the form with as much detail as possible, including your username, linked phone number/email, and when you lost access. TikTok’s support team will verify your identity and help you regain access.
5. Recover a Deleted TikTok Account
Deleted your TikTok account by mistake? Don’t worry, TikTok gives you a 30-day grace period to restore it.
Here’s how:
- Open TikTok and log in with your previous account credentials.
- You’ll see a message: “Your account is scheduled for deletion.”
- Tap “Cancel Deactivation” to recover your account instantly.
After 30 days, however, your account and all its data will be permanently deleted. So don’t wait too long!
Common TikTok Recovery Problems and How to Fix Them
Sometimes, recovery isn’t as straightforward as it should be. Let’s look at common issues users face, and their quick fixes.
“I didn’t receive a verification code.”
- Check your network connection.
- Wait a few minutes and tap “Resend code.”
- Ensure your SIM card is active.
- If using email, check spam or promotions folders.
- Still not working? Try another device or contact TikTok Support.
“My email/phone number is no longer linked.”
If your contact info changed or was removed by a hacker, the only option is to contact TikTok Support. You’ll need to verify your identity using details like:
- Previous login devices
- Linked usernames or profile links
- Proof of account ownership (screenshots, videos, etc.)
Visit TikTok’s help page and select “Report a problem” → “Account and Profile” → “Recover account.”
“I forgot my TikTok username.”
No worries, search your old videos or comments (if you’re logged in on another device). You can also ask a friend who follows you to check your username from their follower list.
Once you find it, follow the username recovery method above.
Tips to Prevent Losing Your TikTok Account Again
Recovering your account is one thing, keeping it safe is another. Here’s how to make sure you never face this headache again:
- Use a strong, unique password. Avoid using the same password on other sites.
- Enable two-step verification. Go to Settings → Security → 2-step verification.
- Link both your phone number and email. This doubles your recovery options.
- Keep your TikTok app updated. Updates often patch security vulnerabilities.
- Beware of phishing links or fake TikTok messages. TikTok will never DM you asking for login info.
- Avoid sharing your login credentials, even with friends.
By following these small but crucial steps, your TikTok account will stay safe and sound.
How to Contact TikTok Support for Account Recovery
If all else fails, contacting TikTok directly is your last resort.
You can reach them via:
- In-app report:
Go to Profile → Settings → Report a problem → Account and profile → Logging in. - Email:
Send a message to feedback@tiktok.com or support@tiktok.com. - Online form:
TikTok Account Recovery Form
When contacting support, make sure to include:
- Your username
- Registered email/phone number
- Details of when and how you lost access
- Screenshots (if available)
Be patient; responses can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, depending on your case.
TikTok Account Recovery When You Have No Email or Phone
This one’s tricky but not impossible.
If you lost access to both your registered email and phone number, go straight to TikTok Support and fill out the recovery form. You’ll need to prove that you are the rightful owner by providing:
- Old account screenshots
- Previous usernames
- Linked social media handles
- Approximate account creation date
TikTok’s team reviews each request manually and will email you with further steps once verified.
Final Thoughts
Losing your TikTok account can feel frustrating, especially if you’ve built followers, likes, and memories over time. But remember, account recovery is absolutely possible with the right steps and a bit of patience.
Whether it’s resetting your password, verifying your identity, or contacting TikTok Support, the key is to act fast. And once you’re back in, take a few minutes to secure your account, update your contact details, enable two-step verification, and keep your login info safe.
That way, your next TikTok crisis will only be deciding which sound to use, not how to get your account back.
