Choose permanent deletion or a different action
Deactivation temporarily hides the account while retaining data for a possible return. Permanent deletion is a different choice. If you only want to remove a video, change its audience or stop a particular use of data, review that specific control before closing the account.
Check your username and the sign-in method. A phone can contain several TikTok accounts, and a Google or Apple sign-in may open a different one from the account you had in mind.
Before you start
Follow the TikTok download guide for records you want to keep. Make sure the download is complete and usable. Save any original video files you need separately, rather than assuming an account-data report contains playable copies of everything.
You may continue without an export. Review any creator tools, shop activity, balances, purchases or business access that needs separate attention. Keep a working contact and any evidence you need for a current dispute before starting a permanent action.
On a phone
- Open TikTok and select Profile. Check the username.
- Open the menu and Settings and privacy.
- Open Account (some versions say Manage account) and find Deactivate or delete account.
- Choose the permanent-deletion option, then read the export, consequence and identity-verification screens.
- Confirm only after the selected account is correct. Save the confirmation and any cancellation date shown.
If the labels differ, open TikTok's official deletion help and use the instructions presented for your account. Do not select temporary deactivation when you intend to request permanent closure.
On a computer
Open the official TikTok help route and sign in only on TikTok's own site if required. Review the account and any export files on the computer, then complete the documented in-app process on your phone if the web account does not offer the same closure controls.
A browser session or a SEED plan cannot substitute for TikTok's required ownership check. Do not give another service the verification code to finish it for you.
Remove selected content instead
Open the relevant video or other account item and inspect its available controls. Changing who can see a video is different from deletion. Review downloads, reused content such as Duets or Stitches, and copies held by other people separately.
For a privacy request about data outside the visible content controls, identify the exact category and use TikTok's privacy/help route. Avoid sending unrelated private videos or messages when an account reference and description are enough.
What happens next
Follow the timing and reopening/cancellation instructions in your own confirmation. Do not use a general internet countdown as proof that processing is complete. Before signing back in during a pending closure, check whether doing so can reactivate or cancel it.
Some messages or reused content may remain visible to other people, and legally required records can have separate retention. A hidden profile alone does not prove every copy has been removed.
If something goes wrong
Use TikTok's Report a problem route for missing controls, account access or verification issues. Keep the original request reference. For a partial or refused privacy request, ask what was retained and why, then use the relevant rights follow-up route.
Keep a record
Save the username, action, confirmation and displayed deadline. Record deactivation, deletion requested, and deletion reported as different stages.