How to Delete TikTok Account (Mobile & Desktop)

Last Updated on April 23, 2026 by Himanshu Rawat

Are you planning to leave TikTok for good? Whether you’re stepping back for privacy reasons, taking a break from social media, or simply not using the app anymore, deleting your account is easy.

This guide will show you the steps for mobile and desktop, explain what happens to your data, and help you prepare so you don’t lose anything important.

Note: If managing interactions is your main concern, you can explore our step-by-step guide on how to block someone on TikTok before deciding to delete your account.

Things to Know Before Deleting Your TikTok Account

Before you tap that final confirm button, there are three key things to keep in mind:

Permanent after 30 days: Once the 30-day grace period ends, your profile, videos, messages, followers, and drafts will be permanently deleted. You cannot undo this.

  • 30-day grace period: TikTok disables your account immediately but gives you 30 days to reconsider. You can log back in anytime to restore everything.
  • Back up your data first: Go to Settings & Privacy → Data and Privacy to request a download of your videos, messages, and account information before you delete.
  • Drafts aren’t included in downloads: TikTok drafts are stored locally on your device. Save or post them manually before deleting.

How to Delete Your TikTok Account on Mobile (iPhone & Android)

Follow these steps to permanently delete your TikTok account using an Android or iPhone:

1. Go to Your Profile

Open the TikTok app on your device and tap the Profile icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This takes you to your personal account page.

2. Open Settings

In your profile, tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner. From the menu that appears, select Settings and privacy to access your account controls.

3. Access Account Settings

Tap on Account

In the Settings menu, tap on Account. This section contains all the options related to managing your account, including security and deletion.

4. Choose the Delete Option

tap Deactivate or delete account

Scroll down and tap Deactivate or delete account.

select Delete account permanently

Then select Delete account permanently to begin the deletion process.

Note: Depending on TikTok’s latest updates, the desktop may redirect you to the mobile app for final deletion steps. 

5. Follow the Prompts

TikTok will guide you through a few steps before deletion:

  • You may be asked to select a reason for leaving (this is optional).
  • You’ll have the option to request a download of your data (such as videos and account information).
  • Carefully review the details provided, then tap Continue to proceed.

6. Verify Your Identity

For security reasons, TikTok will ask you to verify your identity. You can do this by entering your password or confirming a code sent via SMS or email.

7. Confirm Deletion

Finally, tap Delete account on the confirmation screen to complete the process.

How to Delete Your TikTok Account on Desktop

You can also delete your TikTok account using a web browser. Follow these steps:

1. Log In

Go to tiktok.com in your browser and sign in to your account using your username, email, or linked login method.

2. Open Profile Settings

Once signed in, click on your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen. From the dropdown menu, select Settings to access your account options.

3. Find the Delete Option

In the Settings page, go to the Account section. Look for options like Manage account or Delete account.

(Note: Depending on updates, TikTok may redirect you to the mobile app for final deletion steps.)

4. Confirm Deletion

  • Click on Delete account and follow the on-screen instructions:
  • Review important information about account deletion.
  • Optionally request a download of your data.
  • Complete identity verification via password, email, or SMS.
  • Finally, confirm your request to proceed with deletion.

What Happens Next?

Your account will be deactivated immediately, which means your profile and content will no longer be visible to others. TikTok usually keeps your data for a grace period (around 30 days). During this time, you can log back in to reactivate your account if you change your mind. After this waiting period, your account and all associated data will be permanently deleted.

How to Deactivate Your TikTok Account (Temporary Option)

If you’re not ready to permanently delete your TikTok account, deactivating it is a good choice. It temporarily hides your profile and content from other users while keeping your data safe, so you can easily return whenever you want. The steps below apply to both iPhone and Android devices in 2026.

1. Open TikTok and Go to Your Profile

Launch the TikTok app on your phone. Once it opens, tap the profile icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen to access your account.

2. Open Settings and Privacy

On your profile page, tap the three-line menu icon in the top-right corner. From the menu that appears, select Settings and privacy.

3. Go to Account Settings

In the Settings menu, tap on Account. This section contains options related to managing your account.

4. Select Deactivate or Delete Account

Scroll through the Account section until you find Deactivate or delete account. Tap on it to continue.

5. Choose Deactivate Account

Tap Deactivate Account

You’ll see options for both deactivation and deletion. Make sure to select Deactivate account (not Delete account) to temporarily disable your profile.

6. Confirm Deactivation

TikTok will show a message explaining what happens when you deactivate your account: your profile will be hidden from other users, but your data will be kept safe for future reactivation.

Tap Deactivate and follow the prompts to confirm your decision. You may need to enter your password or verify your identity using a code sent to your registered email or phone number.

Once confirmed, your account will be immediately deactivated, and you’ll be logged out of the app.

How to Reactivate Your TikTok Account

Changed your mind after deactivating or within 30 days of a deletion request?

Reactivating is simple:

1. Log Back Into TikTok

Open the TikTok app and sign in using your username and password (or your linked login method).

2. Automatic Reactivation

As soon as you log in, TikTok will automatically reactivate your account. Your profile, videos, followers, messages, and other data will be restored just as you left them.

3. Keep the Time Limit in Mind

You can reactivate your account within the temporary deactivation period, which is usually up to 30 days.

If you don’t log back in during this time, TikTok may permanently delete your account, and your data might not be recoverable.

Delete vs Deactivate: What’s the Difference?

Before deciding to remove your TikTok account, it’s important to understand the difference between deactivating and permanently deleting it. While both options make your profile unavailable, the results are very different.

FeatureDeactivateDelete Permanently
Profile visibilityHiddenHidden
Data preservedYesDeleted after 30 days
ReversibleAnytimeWithin 30 days only
Followers retainedYesLost after 30 days
Videos retainedYesLost after 30 days
Available on desktopApp onlyApp & browser
Best forTaking a breakLeaving permanently

What Happens After You Delete Your Account?

Once you confirm the deletion of your TikTok account, the process doesn’t happen all at once; it occurs in stages.

  • Your profile disappears immediately
    As soon as you initiate deletion, your account becomes inactive and is no longer visible to other users. Your username, videos, and profile page won’t appear in search results.
  • Your content is hidden from the platform
    All your videos, comments, and likes are temporarily removed from public view during the 30-day grace period.
  • 30-day reactivation window
    TikTok gives you 30 days to change your mind. If you log back in during this time, your account will be fully restored with all your content and data intact.
  • Permanent deletion after 30 days
    If you don’t log in within the grace period, TikTok permanently deletes your account. Your data is then removed from their servers according to their privacy policy. After this, recovery is not possible.

Tips Before Leaving TikTok

Before deleting your account, it’s smart to secure anything you might need later. Here are some important steps:

  • Download your data
    Request a copy of your TikTok data, including videos, messages, and profile information. This ensures you have a backup of your content.
  • Save drafts manually
    TikTok drafts are stored locally on your device and are not included in data downloads. Make sure to save or post them before deleting your account.
  • Unlink third-party apps
    If your TikTok is connected to other apps or services (like Instagram, Facebook, or login tools), disconnect them to avoid future access issues.
  • Inform your followers (if applicable)
    If you run a business or creator account, let your audience know in advance. Share where they can follow you next or how to stay in touch.

Taking these steps ensures you don’t lose valuable content or connections when you leave the platform.

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Final Thoughts

Deleting your TikTok account is a straightforward process, but it’s not something to rush into. Once the 30-day grace period ends, your account and all associated data are gone for good. If you’re unsure, deactivating your account first is a safer option. It gives you time to decide without losing anything.

Before making the final move, take a few minutes to back up your data.

Frequently Asked Questions