You can delete or temporarily deactivate your TikTok account directly in the TikTok app by going to Profile → Menu → Settings and privacy → Account → Deactivate or delete account. TikTok lets you choose between temporarily deactivating the account or deleting it completely.
If you only want a break from TikTok, deactivating your account is usually the better option.
How to delete your TikTok account
To delete your TikTok account:
- Open TikTok.
- Tap Profile at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the Menu button in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings and privacy.
- Tap Account.
- Select Deactivate or delete account.
- Choose the option to delete your account and follow the instructions on screen.
TikTok currently places both options in the same account menu, so make sure you select deletion if you want to permanently remove the account.
How to deactivate your TikTok account
If you do not want to permanently delete your account, you can deactivate it instead.
TikTok describes deactivation as putting your account on temporary hold. You can reactivate it later when you are ready to use TikTok again.
The steps are almost identical:
- Go to Profile.
- Tap Menu.
- Open Settings and privacy.
- Tap Account.
- Select Deactivate or delete account.
- Choose Deactivate account.
This is the option I would choose if you are simply taking a break and are not completely sure you want to leave TikTok.
What is the difference between deleting and deactivating TikTok?
Deactivating your TikTok account is temporary. You can come back and reactivate it later.
Deleting your account is intended for people who want to permanently remove it.
If you think there is even a small chance you will want your account again, deactivate it instead of deleting it.
Can you reactivate a deactivated TikTok account?
Yes.
TikTok says a deactivated account can be reactivated when you are ready to return.
That makes deactivation useful if you want to stop using TikTok for a while without immediately committing to deleting the account.
Should you delete or deactivate TikTok?
Deactivate your TikTok account if you simply want a break or are unsure whether you want to leave permanently.
Delete it if you know you no longer want the account.
If you are only trying to stop people from seeing your content, you may not need to do either. TikTok also allows you to switch between a public and private account, which may be enough if privacy is your main concern.
Want to get better results on TikTok?
If you are not deleting TikTok and instead want to improve your content, I also have a free TikTok ebook with practical tips on content, hooks, engagement and creating videos people actually want to watch.
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