How to Delete Your TikTok Account

TikTok, the video-sharing social network, took the world by storm, then became shrouded in controversy. With over 800 million users worldwide, TikTok is a big hit with teenagers. And who could blame them? The platform has been a shortcut to fame for many people, and comedy and lip-syncing will probably never be uncool.

But while TikTok’s success lies in an algorithm that quickly learns what you like and shows you your favorite type of content, the platform is also a privacy nightmare.

Researchers have shown that the platform uses device fingerprinting to track user behavior, but parent company Bytedance explained this is used to identify malicious browser behavior.

If you’re ready to delete your TikTok account, you’re in the right place. Here’s our step-by-step guide.

How to delete your TikTok account

Maybe you had the app for a spin and decided it’s not for you. Or perhaps you’re concerned because some have accused it of being ‘spyware.’

Whatever the reason, if you want to delete your TikTok account, you should do it properly, not just delete the app of your phone. Just remember that once you delete your TikTok account, you no longer have access to your videos, and your account will no longer be visible.

Follow these steps to make sure you delete your TikTok account:

1. Open the TikTok app.
2. Tap the profile button in the bottom-right corner of the app.
3. Select the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
4. Tap Manage my account.
5. Delete the account at the bottom of the page.
6. Tap Delete Account again to confirm your decision.

At this point, you will only deactivate your account. After 30 days of deactivation, TikTok will permanently delete your account.

Taking a closer look at TikTok

TikTok is a mix between the Musical.ly and Douyin apps.

However, TikTok has been the subject of political dilemmas as well. The US government has opened a national security investigation after the purchase of Musical.ly, one of the concerns being how and where data is stored.

As of July 2020, the US government has been trying to ban TikTok, fearing that China is using it to spy on the American people. This is all fueled by ByteDance’s ties to the Chinese government.

After all, China does have a long history of operating surveillance programs.

But it’s not just America that has a bone to pick with TikTok.

India’s government has claimed that TikTok uses data illegally and collects information from people’s phones. After a violent border crash between India and China in June 2020, the app got banned in a geopolitical turn of events.

Pakistan also decided to ban TikTok over its immoral and indecent videos. However, Pakistan lifted the ban after ten days. TikTok has come to terms and assured Pakistan’s Telecommunication Authority (PTA) that videos will be moderated following the country’s norms and laws.

Regarding spying accusations, TikTok representatives told the press that the company stores data outside of China and doesn’t operate under Chinese jurisdiction.

Nowadays, it has become common practice to delete different social media accounts for privacy reasons or out of fear, since many have proven to misuse your personal data. Use CyberGhost VPN to protect your mobile devices, whether they’re iOS or Android.

If you are also considering to un-subscribe from other social media, you can find here our dedicated guides:

• • • How to delete your Facebook account
    • How to delete your Twitter account
    • How to delete your Instagram account
    • How to delete your Snapchat account
    • How to delete your Tinder account

Are you a TikTok user? Have you considered deleting your TikTok account over privacy concerns?

Let me know in the comments below.