How to Change Your Number on TikTok

Need to update the phone number on your TikTok account? You're in the right place. Switching your number is a quick process, but it's vital for keeping your account secure and accessible. This guide will walk you through exactly how to change or remove your phone number, explain why it’s a good idea to keep it updated, and show you what to do if you run into any trouble along the way.

Why Updating Your TikTok Phone Number is a Smart Move

You might think of the phone number linked to your TikTok as a set-it-and-forget-it detail, but it’s actually a core part of your account's health and security. Keeping it current isn’t just good housekeeping, it’s a strategic step in protecting the brand you're building. Here’s why it really matters:

• Account Security and Recovery: This is the most significant reason. Your phone number is your lifeline if you ever get locked out. Forgotten password? TikTok sends a reset code to your phone. Worried about someone trying to hack your account? Two-factor authentication (2FA) sends a unique code to your phone every time you log in from a new device, adding a powerful layer of protection. If the number on your account is old and disconnected, you lose access to both of these essential security features. Imagine being locked out right after a video goes viral - a simple updated number prevents that nightmare scenario.
• Identity Verification: Social platforms constantly fight against bots and spam accounts. Having a verified phone number helps signal to TikTok that you’re a real person, which can contribute to the overall trust and health of your account. It's a small checkmark in their system that helps establish credibility.
• Connecting with Your Network: TikTok's "Sync contacts" feature uses your phone number to help you discover people you already know on the platform. If your number is outdated, you might be missing out on connecting with friends, colleagues, or potential collaborators who have just joined the app.

Think of your linked phone number less as a piece of personal contact information and more as the master key to your TikTok account. It validates that you are who you say you are and gives you a reliable way to regain control if anything ever goes wrong. In a digital world where accounts are valuable brand assets, neglecting this small detail is a risk not worth taking.

A Quick Checklist Before You Change Your Number

Before you jump in, let’s make sure you have everything you need. The process is straightforward, but being prepared will make it go even smoother. Taking a minute to gather these items will prevent any frustrating interruptions.

Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

• Full Access to Your TikTok Account: This sounds obvious, but you must be able to log into your account to make any changes. If you can’t log in, you’ll need to go through the account recovery process first.
• Access to Your Verification Method: This is a big one. As a security measure, TikTok will ask you to verify your identity before letting you change your number. This usually means sending a verification code to either your old phone number OR the email address linked to your account. Make sure you can receive messages on at least one of these.
• Your New and Actively Working Phone: Have the device with your new number handy. TikTok will send a verification code to this new number to confirm that it’s yours and that you entered it correctly.

If you don't have access to your old phone number anymore, don't worry. As long as you have a recovery email associated with your TikTok profile, you'll still be able to complete the process. TikTok typically provides an option to send the verification code to your email instead. Just be prepared to access that inbox during the process.

How to Change Your Phone Number on TikTok: The Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to make the switch? The process is identical on both iOS (iPhone) and Android devices. Just follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have your new number linked in a few minutes.

Step 1: Open TikTok and Go to Your Profile

Launch the TikTok app on your phone. Once it’s open, look for the Profile icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen and tap on it. This will take you to your main profile page where you can see all your videos and account information.

Step 2: Access the Settings and Privacy Menu

On your profile page, look for the hamburger menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner. Tap it to open a menu with various options.

Step 3: Select "Settings and privacy"

From the menu that appears at the bottom of the screen, tap on "Settings and privacy."

Step 4: Navigate to Your Account Information

In the "Settings and privacy" menu, the very first option at the top will be "Account." This is where you manage everything from your password to your contact info. Tap on it.

Step 5: Tap "Account information"

Inside the "Account" section, you'll see a few options like "Phone number," "Email," and "Password." Tap on “Account information” to proceed.

Step 6: Select "Phone number"

You’ll now see your currently linked phone number displayed. Tap on it. Afterward, TikTok will give you two different choices, "Change phone" or "Unlink phone." For this guide, we'll focus on changing it, so tap "Change phone."

Step 7: Verify Your Identity

Before you can add a new number, TikTok needs to confirm it’s really you. A pop-up will ask you to prove your identity. The platform will typically send a 6-digit verification code to the phone number currently linked to your account. If you no longer have access to that number, look for an option that says something like, "Unable to use this verification method?". This will usually allow you to have the code sent to your linked email address instead. Once you receive the code, enter it in the app.

Step 8: Enter Your New Phone Number

Now it's time to add your new number. Carefully type in the new phone number you want to associate with your account and click "Send code."

Step 9: Verify Your New Number

TikTok will immediately send another 6-digit code, this time to your new phone number. Grab that code from your text messages and enter it into the app.

And that’s it! You'll see a confirmation that your phone number has been successfully updated. Your new number is now officially linked for account recovery and security features.

Can You Just Remove Your Number Completely?

When you get to Step 6 in the process above, you’ll notice an “Unlink phone” option. This allows you to completely remove a phone number from your account without adding a new one. The process is very similar: you’ll still need to verify your identity via email or your old number, but after that, the number will simply be detached from your profile.

So, should you do it? It depends on your priorities.

• The Upside: Privacy. If you’re uncomfortable with having your phone number tied to your social media account, unlinking it is an effective way to protect that piece of information. It also prevents your profile from showing up as a suggestion to people who have your phone number in their contacts.
• The Downside: Weaker Security. Removing your number significantly weakens your account's security. Without it, you can't use 2FA via SMS, one of the most effective ways to protect against unauthorized access. Account recovery also becomes much harder. If you forget your password and don't have access to your email, you could be permanently locked out.

Our recommendation: We highly suggest keeping a phone number linked to your account for security reasons. If you decide to unlink it, double- and triple-check that you have a secure and accessible email address connected to your account. Without a phone number, your linked email becomes the only reliable way to recover your account.

Stuck? Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Even a simple process can have a few hiccups. If you get stuck trying to change your number, don't panic. Here are some of the most common problems and what you can do to solve them.

"I don't have access to my old phone number to get the code."

This is the most frequent issue people face. Thankfully, TikTok has a built-in solution. When it asks you to verify, look for a link that says something like “Use other verification methods” or "Need help?". Tapping this should give you the option to receive the verification code via the email address linked to your account instead. If you don't have a linked email, your only recourse is to contact TikTok support for assistance, which can be a much slower process.

"I’m not receiving the verification code."

It can be frustrating when you're waiting for a text that never seems to arrive. If the code isn't showing up, run through this quick checklist:

• Wait a minute or two. Sometimes networks can be slow.
• Double-check that you entered your new phone number correctly, including the country code. A single typo can send the code to the wrong number.
• Check your cell signal. If you're in an area with poor service, the message may be delayed.
• Look at your phone's blocked numbers list. Did you accidentally block messages from unknown senders?
• Restart your device. It’s a simple trick but it can often resolve network connectivity issues.
• Use the “Resend code” button in the app, but don't overdo it. Sending too many requests in a short period might temporarily lock you out.

"This number is already linked to another account."

A single phone number can only be linked to one TikTok account at a time. If you see this error, it means the number you're trying to add is still associated with another profile - maybe an old account you forgot about or an account that belongs to someone else who previously had that number. You have two options: either use a different phone number or try to gain access to the other account to unlink the number from there first.

Beyond the Basics: Keeping Your TikTok Brand Secure and Growing

Managing the technical details of your TikTok account, like your phone number and password, isn't just admin work. For creators, marketers, and businesses, it's about protecting a valuable asset. The time and energy you pour into creating compelling content, building a community, and honing your brand's voice on TikTok are investments. A simple security lapse could put all of that hard work at risk.

Once you’ve updated your phone number, consider taking a few more steps to fortify your account's security as part of your overall social strategy:

• Turn On 2-Factor Authentication (2FA): With your new number linked, this is the perfect time to activate 2FA in the "Security" section of your settings. This requires both your password and a code from your phone or email to log in from a new device, effectively shutting down most brute-force hacking attempts.
• Use a Strong, Unique Password: Avoid common passwords or using the same password across multiple platforms. A password manager can help you create and store complex, unique passwords for every account without having to memorize them all.
• Review Login Devices: Periodically check the "Manage devices" area in your security settings. This will show you every device currently logged into your account. If you see anything you don't recognize, you can remove it immediately and change your password.

Treating your TikTok security with the same importance as your content strategy is what separates amateurs from professionals. A secure account is a reliable foundation upon which you can continue to build your brand without interruption.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your contact information on TikTok up-to-date isn't just about small housekeeping, it's a fundamental part of securing your account and protecting your brand. By following these steps, you can quickly change your number, unlink it if needed, and confidently resolve any common issues that might pop up during the process.

As social media managers and marketers, we built Postbase because we know that every minute saved on account administrative tasks is another minute you can spend creating great content that connects with your audiences. We handle the headaches of scheduling, analytics, and responding to comments across all your platforms - including TikTok - so you can stay focused on your brand's growth and building your community, instead of working behind the scenes or jumping between platforms.