The question of what happens if I delete the TikTok app is quite common only among those who have had a fun run on the app, have a significant amount of data on it already, but would like time off the app, either permanently or temporarily.
They may feel the need to reduce social media content consumption or have another engagement that will occupy their time and mind.
There is no need to hide that TikTok is an addictive app – once you’re on, you just keep scrolling and scrolling.
For whatever reason you’re leaving the TikTok app, whether temporary or permanent, both the TikTok app and your account can be deleted.
So, What Happens When You Delete the TikTok App?
What happens if you delete the TikTok app and what happens if you delete the TikTok account are two different things people often use interchangeably, albeit incorrectly.
If you delete the TikTok app, the application is simply uninstalled and, thus, disappears from your device.
This means that you will not be able to access TikTok on that particular device unless you install the app or log in via a web browser. Simply put, your user data still exists, but you have chosen not to reaccess it via the app.
Other TikTok users can still view your content, videos, comments, and profile if you only deleted the TikTok app. This is entirely different from deleting a TikTok account.
If you delete the TikTok account, this means you have chosen to remove your user data from the server entirely.
In this case, the app may still be present on your phone, but you are just not a user of the app anymore; you cannot access it—the videos, the profile, and the data are all gone.
Anyone who searches for your account will not find it or be shown an empty page. Your comments may still be visible in other people’s videos. Still, if your account is clicked via the comment, it will show an empty page.
However, There Is a Catch
The developers of the TikTok app know that sometimes after deleting your account, you may want to come back and restore your account. For this reason, there is a 30-day deactivation period.
When you delete your TikTok account, it is merely deactivated for 30 days, which means it is no longer viewable to the general public.
If you do not reactivate your account in 30 days, your account and associated data will be permanently wiped.
Another interesting fact is that before you delete your TikTok account, the app will prompt you to download all of the account’s data in the form of a txt or json file. Interesting right?
How To Delete Your TikTok App
If you only want to delete the TikTok app, you just have to uninstall it from your device.
On an Android Device
Follow these steps:
- Locate the TikTok app on your phone.
- Press and hold the app icon for a few seconds or drag it in any direction until a new menu opens.
- Tap “Uninstall” from the menu or drag it to the “Uninstall” option at the top.
- A new box will appear, confirming your decision to delete the program. Click “OK” or “Uninstall” to proceed.
On an iPhone
Follow these steps:
- Locate the TikTok app on your iPhone.
- Long-press the app until it jiggles, and a cross icon appears in the upper-left corner.
- When a new window asks for confirmation, touch the “Delete App” option.
- The app will now be removed from your device.
How To Delete TikTok Account
If you want to delete the TikTok account, you can do this from the TikTok mobile app or web browser.
On the Mobile Device
Follow these steps:
- Open the TikTok app.
- Select the “Profile” tab in the bottom right corner.
- Tap the hamburger menu icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings and privacy.”
- Select “Account.”
- Tap on the “Deactivate or delete account” option at the bottom.
- Choose “Delete account permanently.”
- Follow all the confirmation steps, and your account will be deleted.
In a Web Browser
Follow these steps:
- Go to TikTok and log in.
- Hover your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen and click “Settings.”
- There’s a “Delete account” option from where you should click “Delete.”
- After this, follow all the confirmation and verification steps to delete your TikTok account.
Note that after this deletion, whether from the phone app or web browser, the 30 days during which you can change your mind will start.
How To Reactivate Your Account After You Delete It
Once your account is deleted, TikTok gives you 30 days to reconsider the deletion. After the 30 days wait, your account will be permanently deleted. The 30 days cannot be shortened, and you cannot override it.
However, if you have a rethink and you want to have your account back, you can retrieve it all by following these simple steps:
- Open TikTok on your PC or mobile device.
- Click on “Log in.”
- Sign in to your account.
- Once you input those, you will see a confirmation pop-up.
- Tap “Reactivate” to confirm that you want to reinstate your account to full function.
Summary
In summary, deleting your account is technically different from deleting the app from your phone.
If you delete the TikTok app, you can still access your account via a web browser.
In contrast, if you delete your TikTok account, your profile, videos, and information will be deactivated for 30 days, during which you can reactivate it.
After 30 days, your account will be permanently removed.
