How To Delete a TikTok Account [3 Methods You Can Use Right Now]

As of 2023, TikTok had 1.677 billion monthly active users. That's 20.83% of the 4.8 billion internet users using the platform. The apps’ short-form videos are entertaining and addicting. In the US, Americans spend around 45.8 minutes on TikTok daily.

With the app causing mindless 'infinite' scrolling, many users want to escape this habit. You've come to the right place if you're one of them. This article explores:

• Reasons for deleting TikTok accounts
• How to delete a TikTok account
• Consequences and precautions of deleting a TikTok account

Let's get started!

3 Methods for Deleting a TikTok Account

Screen time has increased due to TikTok's rapid growth and COVID-19 lockdowns. Users also cite many other reasons for deleting their accounts, including:

• Addiction - Endless video clips can keep users on the app for hours, hurting productivity and real-life interactions. One Reddit user even said they unknowingly spent over 10 hours on TikTok.

• Privacy Worries - Some users who are uncomfortable giving personal data on the platform may opt out.
• New start - People who want a new online persona or a break from overwhelming content may delete their accounts.
• Taking a break - Some users who experienced negative experiences on the platform may want to take a step back from using the app. 

No matter the reason, you can quickly delete or deactivate your TikTok account using these three easy methods.

Method #1: How to Delete Your Account Through the TikTok App

TikTok is smartphone-focused with user-friendly features, making it easy to navigate. It supports vertical video shooting, making it convenient for users to post anywhere. This feature also made TikTok the most downloaded mobile app, with 460 million downloads.

Deleting your TikTok account is as simple as creating one. If you want to break free from the app, here's how:

Method #2: How to Delete Your TikTok Account Through the Web

The TikTok website is the fastest way to browse videos without an account or app. If you prefer to delete your account online, take these steps:

Method #3: How to Deactivate Your TikTok Account

Unlike other social media sites, you can use TikTok without an account.  You can access it via the web and app. If you don’t have a TikTok account but want to stop using it, you can uninstall the app from your phone. 

However, if you have an account, remember that uninstalling the application alone won't delete content if you have it uploaded. Moreover, your account remains visible to other users.

On the other hand, you can also deactivate your account. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Due to privacy concerns, TikTok has been a concern for many regulatory bodies. If you plan on deleting your account, here are some essential factors to consider.

What You Need to Know Before Deleting Your TikTok Account

Several government bodies have been eyeing the ban of TikTok because of privacy concerns due to its Chinese roots and China's refusal to sell TikTok. Because of this, some governments suspect that China is using TikTok to spy on other countries.

Since March 2023, TikTok's CEO, Shou Chew, has been testifying before the US Congress, insisting that the app is a private company. Despite that, many remain suspicious. ByteDance, TikTok's owner, is accused of aggressive data harvesting for surveillance, user exploitation, and propaganda.

New York, Ohio, New Jersey, Australia, Canada, and India were among the states and countries that partially banned TikTok (primarily for government officials and devices). Meanwhile, Montana has approved a bill for a total ban on the platform, effective in 2024.

Account deletion is the soundest way to avoid data harvesting and theft, ensuring you're not being spied on. 

Remember these points before deactivating or deleting your TikTok account:

• Permanent deletion. You only have 30 days to reactivate your account after deleting it. You will no longer be able to recover your data after that period.
• Erased Data. Account deletion includes losing videos, messages, and your profile.
• External Content. Videos with duets or stitches from other creators or users will stay accessible but won't link to your profile.

Suppose you want to delete your TikTok account without suffering the consequences. In that case, there's a life-saving tip for you: data backup.

• Backup Your Data

Without backing up your TikTok content, you risk losing all your videos if your phone crashes. If you deactivate the TikTok app, you will lose all your videos if you deactivate the TikTok app, or local laws will make it unavailable in your area.

Before you say goodbye to TikTok, consider the following steps:

Once you've backed up your data, you can delete your account using the methods above. While account deletion is permanent, TikTok provides a grace period in case users change their minds soon.

Reactivating Your Deleted TikTok Account

If you’ve deleted or deactivated your account, you can still access it if less than 30 days have passed. Learn how to reactivate a recently deleted account on TikTok below.

The Bottom Line

Because TikTok is so addicting, many people seek ways to manage their time and online presence. There are three ways: uninstall Tiktok, delete your account through the app, or use the web.

Quitting TikTok is simple, but there are consequences to remember. Backups protect your memories; you can recover your account if you change your mind in the next 30 days.

Remember that social media platforms will always require little information about you to process your account entirely. If this is a concern, especially on TikTok’s algorithm and privacy controls, it's best to consider the options above.