TikTok account hacked: how to get it back

In short

What should I do if my TikTok account was hacked?

If you can still log in, change your password: TikTok then logs the account out on all other devices. If you're locked out, reset the password from a device you've used before. If you no longer have any of those, tap Forgot password? on the login screen, then Recover account, and follow the steps; TikTok's support team reviews the request.

Signs your account was taken over

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

If you can still log in

1Change your password: Profile, Menu ☰, Settings and privacy, Account, Password. TikTok then logs you out on all other devices.
2Link your phone number: Settings and privacy, Account, Account information, Phone number.
3Remove devices you don't recognize: Settings and privacy, Security and permissions, Manage devices.

If you're locked out

TikTok shows an “unrecognized device” message when two-step verification is on and you try to reset the password from a new device. It stops others from resetting your password even if they have your email or phone number.

1On a device you've used to log in to TikTok before, tap Forgot password? on the login screen and reset by phone number or email.
2If you no longer have any of those devices, tap Forgot password?, then Recover account.
3Follow the instructions to verify your identity. You may be asked for the email, phone number or previous passwords on the account. TikTok's support team reviews the request and gets back to you.

If you signed up with another app

If you joined TikTok with another social media account, TikTok says you need to reset the password on that platform, so secure that account first. Our guides for Instagram and Google can help.

What doesn't help

Paying someone who says they can “unlock” TikTok accounts: recovery goes through TikTok's own form and your own account details
Sending your password or a login code to anyone who contacts you

Frequently asked questions

What does “unrecognized device” mean?

It means two-step verification is on and you're trying to reset from a device that hasn't been used to log in before. Use a device you've logged in with, or request account recovery.

How long does TikTok take to answer a recovery request?

TikTok says its support team reviews the request and gets back to you shortly. It doesn't give a fixed time.

My account was banned, not hacked.

That's a different process: see our guide to TikTok bans.

Official sources

The platforms' own help and policy pages. We are not affiliated with them.