How To Delete Or Deactivate Your TikTok Account (2026)
Gretchen Oestreicher
26 January 2026 
Thinking about taking a break from TikTok or leaving the app for good? You’re not the only one. In 2026, more users are asking what really happens when you deactivate or delete your account. TikTok gives you two different options, and they work in very different ways.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through both step by step, show you how to recover your account if you change your mind, and even cover ways some users manage to delete TikTok without agreeing to the new Terms of Service By the end, you’ll know exactly which option fits your situation and how to take control of your account safely.
Deactivate vs. Delete TikTok: What’s The Difference?
Before you tap anything, this is the part that matters most.
- Deactivating your TikTok account puts it on pause. Your profile disappears, but your data stays safe so you can come back anytime.
- Deleting your TikTok account starts a 30-day countdown. After that, your account and data are gone for good.
If you’re unsure, deactivating is the safer first move.
How To Deactivate Your TikTok Account
Deactivation is best if you want time away without closing the door forever.
To deactivate your TikTok account:
- Open the TikTok app and tap Profile at the bottom
- Tap the Menu ☰ button at the top
- Tap Settings and privacy
- Tap Account, then Deactivate or delete account
- Choose Deactivate account and follow the instructions
What Happens When You Deactivate TikTok
- You won’t be able to access your account, but TikTok keeps your data so you can recover it later
- Your profile and videos disappear from public view
- Direct messages you sent may still be visible to other people
- Duets or Stitches linked to your videos may still appear on other accounts
Think of it like putting your account in storage. It’s still yours. It’s just offline.
How To Reactivate Your TikTok Account
Coming back is simple.
- Log in with the same email, phone number, or login method you used before
- Tap Reactivate
That’s it. Your account comes back as it was.
How To Delete Your TikTok Account
If you’re sure you’re done, here’s how deletion works in 2026.
To delete your TikTok account:
- Open the TikTok app and tap Profile
- Tap the Menu ☰ button
- Go to Settings and privacy
- Tap Account, then Deactivate or delete account
- Choose Delete account and follow the steps
TikTok may ask you to confirm your identity with a code sent to your phone or email.
What Happens After You Delete TikTok
Here’s the part many people miss.
- TikTok does not erase your account immediately
- You have 30 days to change your mind
- During those 30 days, your account is still recoverable
- After 30 days, TikTok deletes your account permanently
Once that window closes, there’s no way to get your videos, messages, or data back.
Tip: If you think you might want your content later, download your videos before deleting your account.
Can You Recover A Deleted TikTok Account?
Yes, but only within the first 30 days.
- Log in using your original credentials
- Confirm that you want to restore the account
After 30 days, TikTok permanently removes the account and its data.
If you’re on the fence, deactivation is usually the better choice.
Download Your TikTok Videos Before Deleting
If you’ve posted content you want to keep:
- Download individual videos from your profile
- Or request your TikTok data from Settings and privacy
Creators, freelancers, and small brands often do this before deleting so they can reuse content elsewhere later.
Why Some Users Are Deleting TikTok In 2026
In early 2026, TikTok announced a new U.S.-based ownership structure designed to keep the app available while adding stricter data and security safeguards.
Since then, some users have chosen to delete their accounts rather than continue using the platform.
Whether you stay, pause, or leave entirely, the important thing is knowing your options and how the process works.
What Changed In TikTok’s Terms Of Service And Privacy Policy
The updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy explain how TikTok handles user data under the new structure.
Some users noticed language around:
- Location data and device information
- Content people share in videos, comments, messages, or surveys
- How certain types of personal information may be processed
This kind of wording is common in app policies and is often written to meet regional privacy laws. In most cases, it refers to information users choose to share while using the platform.
Location settings are still managed in the app, and for many users, location tracking remains turned off by default.
Instagrammer @aplussocials provides additional context for UGC and content creators:
About The “Airplane Mode” Deletion Workaround
Because the updated Terms of Service appear before you can continue using the app, some users have looked for ways to delete TikTok without agreeing to the terms and conditions first.
You may have seen people sharing a workaround online to delete TikTok without immediately accepting the updated terms during the deletion process.
The general idea shared by users looks like this:
- Turn on airplane mode
- Open TikTok and go to Settings > Account
- Briefly reconnect to load the page, then disconnect again
- Proceed with deleting the account
- Complete verification once reconnected
Some users report switching verification from phone number to email if codes are delayed.
A few important notes:
- This method is not officially supported by TikTok
- It doesn’t bypass TikTok’s 30-day deletion period
- Results vary depending on device and app version
Final Things To Know Before You Delete Your TikTok Account
A quick recap before you decide:
- Deactivating your account is reversible, so you can come back whenever you’re ready
- Deleting your account is permanent after 30 days
- Messages and shared content may still live on other people’s accounts
- If you want to keep your videos, download them first
There’s no right or wrong choice, just what works for you right now. If you want some space without losing your account, deactivation is a safe pause. If you’re ready to move on, deletion is permanent, but you still have 30 days to change your mind. Either way, downloading your videos first is a smart move and knowing the steps helps you leave or take a breather.
