How to Turn On Messages on TikTok

Trying to open up your direct messages on TikTok but hitting a brick wall? You’re definitely not alone. Whether you’re a creator looking to connect with your community or a brand aiming to handle customer service, getting your DMs set up correctly is a must. This guide will walk you through exactly how to turn on messages on TikTok, explain the privacy settings you need to know, and show you why DMs are such a powerful tool for growth.

Why Can't I Turn On Messages on TikTok? First, Let's Check the Rules

Before jumping into the settings, it's important to understand why the message option might not be available or visible to you. TikTok has specific safety protocols in place, primarily based on age, that dictate who can use the direct messaging feature. Getting a handle on these rules will solve most common messaging issues right away.

The Age Restriction: The Biggest Factor

The number one reason users can't access DMs is TikTok’s age policy. To send or receive direct messages, you must be at least 16 years old. This is a non-negotiable safety feature implemented by the platform. If your account's birthdate indicates you are under 16, the direct message feature will be automatically disabled, and you won’t see the options in your settings to change it.

Default Settings for Teens (Ages 16-17)

To further protect younger users, TikTok sets stricter default privacy settings for accounts belonging to 16 and 17-year-olds. When a user in this age range first creates an account, their DMs are automatically set to "No one". While they can change this setting, they have fewer options than users over 18. This is an intentional design choice to prevent unsolicited contact from strangers.

Account Type and Follower Status

Even if you meet the age requirements, your ability to message someone often depends on whether you follow each other. The default setting for many accounts is to only allow DMs from "Followers you follow back" (mutual followers). This is the platform’s way of filtering out potential spam and ensuring that conversations happen between consented parties.

How to Turn On Messages on TikTok: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're 16 or older and ready to enable your direct messages, the process is simple and takes just a few taps. Following these steps will take you directly to the DM privacy controls where you can customize who is able to contact you.

1. Open TikTok and Go to Your Profile: Tap the Profile icon in the bottom-right corner of the main screen.
2. Access the Settings Menu: Tap the three horizontal lines (often called the hamburger menu) in the top-right corner of your profile page.
3. Select "Settings and privacy": A menu will pop up from the bottom of the screen. Tap on Settings and privacy.
4. Go to "Privacy": In the Settings menu, find and tap on the Privacy option, which usually has a lock icon next to it.
5. Find "Direct messages": Scroll down the Privacy page until you find the "Interactions" section. Tap on Direct messages.
6. Choose Who Can Message You: You'll now be on the main Direct messages screen. Tap the top option, again labeled Direct messages, to see a list of who you can allow to message you.

Inside this final menu, you'll see several options that let you control exactly who can slide into your DMs. Let's break down what each of them means.

Who Can DM You? Choosing the Right Privacy Setting for Your Needs

TikTok is all about giving you control over your experience. The direct message settings are a perfect example, offering several tiers of privacy so you can find a balance that feels right. The options you see may vary slightly depending on your age and region, but these are the most common settings you’ll encounter.

Everyone

This is the most open setting available. If you select "Everyone," anyone on TikTok can send you a direct message. However, messages from people you don't follow back will land in a separate "Message requests" inbox for you to review, accept, or delete.

• Best for: Creators, public figures, and businesses who want to be highly accessible and encourage communication from potential collaborators, customers, or fans.
• Heads-up: This setting can open the door to a higher volume of spam or unwanted messages, so be prepared to manage your message requests folder actively.

Suggested Friends

This option strikes a balance between being open and maintaining some privacy. "Suggested Friends" typically includes people from your synced phone contacts or Facebook friends, as well as people you may know through mutual connections. It expands your reach beyond your immediate followers without opening the floodgates to everyone on the platform.

• Best for: People who want to reconnect with acquaintances or expand their network a bit more broadly without getting a DM from a total stranger.

Followers you follow back (Mutual Followers)

This is one of the most popular and secure settings. When you choose this option, only the people you follow who also follow you back can send you a message. It effectively creates a "friends-only" environment for your inbox. For most personal accounts, this is the recommended setting.

• Best for: The average user who primarily wants to chat with friends, family, and creators they have a mutual connection with. It drastically cuts down on spam.

No one

Just as it sounds, this setting completely turns off your direct messages. No one will be able to send you a DM, and the message icon may not even appear on your profile to others.

• Best for: Users who want a completely private experience, prefer to interact only through public comments, or need to take a break from private conversations. Remember, for users aged 16-17, this is the default setting.

Beyond DMs: How to Manage Message Requests on TikTok

If your settings allow messages from people besides mutual followers, you'll inevitably get "Message Requests." This is TikTok's way of filtering messages from strangers, giving you the power to screen them before they clutter your main inbox.

To find your message requests:

1. Navigate to your Inbox from the main TikTok screen.
2. At the top of your message list, you should see a bar labeled Message requests. Tap on it.
3. Here, you'll see a list of all pending messages. You can tap on a message to read it without sending a "read" receipt to the sender.
4. From there, you can choose to Accept the message, which moves it to your main inbox, or Delete it. You can also tap "Block" to prevent that user from contacting you again.

This request system is a helpful buffer, allowing brands and creators to stay accessible while still maintaining control over who makes it into their primary inbox.

Why Managing Your TikTok DMs Matters for Growth

For brands and creators, direct messages aren't just for casual chats - they're a powerful avenue for building your business and community directly on the platform. Turning on your DMs and managing them effectively can unlock serious growth opportunities.

Building Community and Brand Loyalty

DMs offer a private space to have one-on-one conversations that build genuine relationships. When a follower DMs you a question about a video and you respond with a helpful, personal answer, you're not just answering a question - you're creating a memorable experience. That person is far more likely to become a loyal advocate for your brand.

Customer Service and Support

Customers now expect to be able to reach businesses on the platforms where they spend their time. Your TikTok DMs are a front line for customer support. Answering questions about products, handling issues gracefully, and providing guidance can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one. Ignoring these messages can have the opposite effect.

Lead Generation and Collaborations

Your DMs are where the business happens. Brands frequently reach out to creators via DM to propose partnerships. Likewise, creators use DMs to network with each other and pitch collaborations. Keeping your DMs open (and checking them regularly) ensures you don't miss out on these valuable opportunities.

Gathering Feedback and User-Generated Content (UGC)

Want honest feedback on your new product or content idea? Ask people to DM you. Want to reshare an awesome video a customer made using your product? Send them a quick DM asking for permission. This direct line of communication is invaluable for gathering insights and content that can fuel your marketing strategy.

Final Thoughts

Activating and customizing your TikTok DMs is a simple but powerful step toward managing your presence on the platform. By understanding the built-in rules and choosing the right privacy settings, you can open a direct line of communication with your audience, fostering deeper connections and creating new opportunities for growth.

As your account grows, keeping up with DMs and comments across all your social platforms can become a real challenge. That's why at Postbase, we built a unified inbox designed to bring all those conversations together. Instead of jumping between TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, you can manage all your messages and comments from one clean dashboard, making it easier than ever to engage with your community and never miss an important conversation.