How to Get Into My TikTok Account

That stomach-dropping moment when you can't get into your TikTok account is frustrating, but you're probably not out of options. Whether you’ve forgotten your password, suspect your account has been compromised, or something else is going on, there are clear paths to recovery. This guide will walk you through every step to reclaim your access and secure your profile for the future.

Can’t Log In? Start with the Basics: Resetting Your Password

More often than not, a simple password reset is all it takes to get you back in. People manage dozens of passwords across different platforms, so it’s easy for one to slip your mind. TikTok offers a straightforward way to reset it as long as you have access to the phone number or email address linked to your account.

How to Reset Your TikTok Password

Follow these steps from the TikTok app’s login screen:

1. Open the TikTok app and go to the Log in page.
2. Tap on "Use phone / email / username".
3. On the next screen, select the Email / Username tab.
4. Tap the "Forgot password?" link.
5. You’ll be asked to choose a recovery method: Phone number or Email.

Using Your Phone Number:

• Select Phone number.
• Enter the phone number associated with your account. Make sure to choose the correct country code.
• TikTok will send a 6-digit verification code to your phone via SMS.
• Enter that code into the app.
• Once verified, you’ll be prompted to create a new, strong password. Your new password needs to be 8-20 characters long and include an assortment of letters, numbers, and special characters.

Using Your Email Address:

• Select Email.
• Enter the email address linked to your TikTok account.
• TikTok will send a 6-digit verification code to your email inbox. (Don't forget to check your spam or promotions folder if you don't see it!)
• Enter the code in the app.
• Create your new password, following the security guidelines.

Once you’ve set a new password, you should be able to log in immediately. It’s always a good idea to store this new password somewhere safe, like in a password manager.

Forgot Your Username or Contact Info? Here’s What to Do

What if the problem isn’t your password, but you've forgotten the exact email, phone number, or username you used to sign up? This is a common hurdle, especially if you created the account a long time ago. Luckily, there are a few workarounds.

Try Using a Linked Social Media Account

Many users link other social profiles to their TikTok account during setup for easier logins. If you did this, you can bypass the standard email/password process entirely.

On the main login screen, look for the options like:

• Continue with Facebook
• Continue with Apple
• Continue with Google
• Continue with Twitter

If you remember connecting any of these, just tap the relevant one and follow the authentication prompts. This is often the fastest way back into your account if you used social sign-on.

How to Find Your Username

If you can't use a linked account and don't remember your username, you'll need to do a little detective work:

• Ask a Friend: The simplest method is to ask a friend who follows you on TikTok to go to your profile and tell you what your @handle is.
• Check Other Socials: Did you ever share a TikTok video on another platform like Instagram Stories, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter)? If so, the link or video likely contains your username.
• Search Your Own Name: Try searching your real name or the name of your business on TikTok. If your account is public and your display name includes it, you might find it this way.

Once you have your username, you can go back to the "Forgot password?" process and try to recover the account using a phone number or email you think might be associated with it.

Suspect a Hacker? How to Report a Compromised Account

If the password reset process isn't working - perhaps the associated email or phone number has been changed without your permission - you might be dealing with a compromised account. This is a serious problem that requires a different approach.

Warning Signs of a Hacked TikTok Account

• Your password, phone number, or email suddenly changes without your doing.
• Your username, bio, or profile picture is different.
• Videos have been posted or deleted from your account that you didn't touch.
• Messages have been sent from your account that you didn't write.
• You get a notification from TikTok about suspicious activity.

If you notice any of these signs, you need to act fast and report it to TikTok Support directly.

Steps to Report a Hacked Account

Since you can't log in, you'll need to use TikTok's feedback form.

1. From the TikTok login screen, tap the question mark icon (?) in the top right corner to open the Help Center.
2. Under "Topics," select "Account and profile."
3. Go to "Login."
4. Find and select a topic like "Hacked account" or a similar problem.
5. Read through the initial suggestions. If they don't help, scroll to the bottom and select "No" where it asks "Is your problem resolved?" This will open a feedback form.
6. In the feedback form, clearly and calmly explain your situation. State that you believe your account has been hacked and you no longer have access to it.

To have the best chance of recovering your account, provide as much detail as possible to prove you're the rightful owner. Include:

• Your TikTok username (@handle).
• The date you created the account (approximate if you can't remember exactly).
• The original email address and/or phone number you used to sign up.
• The locations (city, state) from which you usually log in.
• The last date you had access to your account.
• Any other linked accounts (Instagram, etc.).

TikTok’s support team will investigate and contact you via the email address you provide in the form. This process can take some time, so be patient and check your email regularly for a response.

Account Banned or Suspended? Understanding the Appeal Process

Sometimes, the login issue has nothing to do with your credentials. Your account might have been banned or suspended for violating TikTok’s Community Guidelines. If this is the case, you will typically receive a notification banner explaining the situation when you attempt to log in.

If you believe the ban was a mistake, you can and should appeal the decision.

How to Appeal a TikTok Ban

1. When you see the ban notification in the app, it should include an option to "Appeal." Tap it.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to submit your appeal.
3. In your appeal, clearly explain why you believe your content or account did not violate the Community Guidelines. Stay professional and polite.
4. If you have evidence to support your case, mention it. Reference the specific guideline you think was misinterpreted and explain how your content aligns with it.

After you submit your appeal, TikTok will review it and reinstate your account if they find it was suspended in error. Make sure to check the app periodically for updates on your appeal status.

Secure Your Account for the Future: Proactive Steps to Take Now

Once you’ve successfully regained access to your TikTok, the last thing you want is to go through this again. As a marketer or creator, your social media accounts are valuable assets. Protecting them is an indispensable part of managing your brand's presence. Here are a few simple but effective steps to lock down your account.

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security. When enabled, you'll need both your password and a verification code from your phone to log in from a new device. To set it up, go to Settings and privacy > Security > 2-step verification.
2. Keep Your Recovery Information Updated: A lot of lock-outs happen because people forget they signed up with an old phone number or a college email address they no longer have access to. Regularly check that the phone number and email in your account settings are current.
3. Use a Strong, Unique Password: Avoid using common words, birthdays, or the same password you use for other services. A combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols is always best.
4. Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Never click on suspicious links or provide your login information to third-party sites promising followers or views. TikTok will never ask for your password outside of the official app or website.

Final Thoughts

Getting locked out of your TikTok account is a temporary roadblock, not the end of the line. Whether it comes down to a forgotten password, a hacker, or an unfair ban, focusing on the correct recovery method - from a simple reset to a detailed support ticket - is your best route to getting your profile back.

Managing a growing social presence means juggling endless moving parts, where secure access is just one piece of the puzzle. From our experience building brands on social media, we know that the real chaos comes from constantly switching between platforms for every little task. That's precisely why we built Postbase - to create a simple, modern hub for all of it. Our platform gives you one visual calendar for planning, reliable scheduling that’s designed for short-form video, and a unified inbox for all your comments and DMs, so you can focus on creating great content instead of constantly putting out fires.