TikTok Account Hacked or Can’t Log In? Recover It and Lock It Down

Does this match what you see?

• Your password or phone number changed without you.
• Your username or nickname changed.
• Videos were posted or deleted without your permission.
• Messages you didn’t write were sent from your account.

iPhone & iPadAndroidComputer (browser)

Based on TikTok Help pages supplied by the site owner. Most steps are for the TikTok app; web login steps are included.

Why this happens: the possible causes

Signs TikTok lists, and why passwords get stolen.

• A reused or leaked passwordCheck this first

  TikTok says passwords can be leaked through reuse across sites, data breaches at other services, phishing, malware, weak passwords or insecure networks.

• No second login stepCheck this first

  TikTok says with 2-step verification on, someone with your password still needs access to your phone or email.

How to fix it, step by step

Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.

Logging in on a computer or phone browser

• Computer: TikTok says click Login in the upper right corner, choose a login method, then enter your account details or continue with that method.
• Phone browser: tap Me, then Sign up, then Log in at the bottom, choose a login method and continue.

Our note: only log in at tiktok.com itself. Pages that copy TikTok’s login screen are a common way accounts get stolen.

“Unrecognized device” when resetting your password

TikTok says this is a security feature: it appears when 2-step verification is on and you try to reset your password from a new or untrusted device. It stops other people resetting your password, even if they have your email or phone.

• Option 1: reset your password from a device you’ve logged in to TikTok on before.
• Option 2: if you can’t use any of those devices, request account recovery: on the login screen, tap Forgot password? > Recover account, and follow the steps to verify your identity. TikTok says you may be asked for your registered email, phone number or previous passwords, and its Support team will review the request.

Saved logins on other or shared devices

TikTok says it saves your login information by default, stored in your iCloud or Google account, so any device signed in to the same iCloud or Google account can log in to TikTok without your password. If you delete or reinstall the app, you’re logged back in to the last account you used.

• Turn it off: Settings and privacy > Security & permissions > Save login info, or untick Save login info to log in automatically next time when you log in.
• Remove your account from a device: on the login panel, Android: Manage accounts > Delete > Remove; iPhone: Delete > Remove. TikTok says this deletes the saved login from your iCloud or Google account and all linked devices.

Our note: if someone else uses a phone or tablet signed in to your iCloud or Google account, turn off saved login or remove your account from that device.

TikTok says your password was exposed

TikTok says it compares lists of stolen and published email addresses and passwords with TikTok accounts. If it finds a match, it emails you and shows an in-app notice the next time you log in, asking you to change your password immediately. TikTok also suggests setting up a passkey instead of a password.

Our note: TikTok may also email you, but don’t follow links in emails or messages to “secure your account”. Open the TikTok app directly and change your password there.

Lock your account down

TikTok’s Security checkup (Settings and privacy > Security & permissions > Security checkup) lets you link and verify your phone and email, turn on 2-step verification, manage trusted devices, check recent security activity and add a passkey.

• Two contact methods: TikTok recommends linking both a phone number and an email (Settings and privacy > Account > Account Information), so you have a backup if one is compromised.
• 2-step verification: Settings and privacy > Security & permissions > 2-step verification. TikTok says to choose at least two methods: phone, email, an authenticator app, or password. Then tap Turn on.
• Passkey: Settings and privacy > Account > Passkey > Set up. TikTok says passkeys use your device’s Face ID, passcode, Touch Unlock or PIN, are more secure than passwords, and TikTok can’t access your biometric data. You need Android 9.0 or later with a screen lock, or iOS 16 / iPadOS 16 / macOS Ventura or later with iCloud Keychain and two-factor authentication on your Apple ID. To log in on another device, choose the other-device option on the login screen and scan the QR code.
• Remove a passkey: TikTok says you delete it in your device settings, where the passkey is stored (iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, or another manager such as 1Password). After that you won’t see a passkey option at login unless you create a new one. Turning off iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager stops the passkey working but doesn’t delete it.
• Strong password: TikTok suggests 12 to 15 characters with mixed letters, numbers and symbols, a different password for each account, and no personal details like your birthday.
• Trusted devices: TikTok says it asks for your password and a one-time code on unrecognized devices, and you can choose to remember a trusted device.

How to know it worked

• You’re back in, only your devices are listed, and 2-step verification is on.

Still not working? Your next steps

1. Account banned rather than hacked? See TikTok account banned.
2. App not loading? See TikTok not working.

Frequently asked questions