It can be incredibly frustrating to find yourself suddenly locked out of TikTok. Login failures aren’t always just about a simple password typo; they can range from disconnected SNS accounts to more serious issues like account bans or hijacking.
In this article, we pinpoint the exact causes behind TikTok login errors and provide a step-by-step recovery guide for each situation. Use this manual to protect your content and followers and get back to browsing your feed.
Main Causes Why You Cannot Log In to TikTok
Login issues generally fall into three categories:
1. Credential and Input Issues (The Most Common Cause)
- Forgotten Password or Typos: You have forgotten your password or are making casing/character errors during entry.
- Unknown Registration Info: You cannot remember which email address, phone number, or username you used to sign up.
- Verification Code Not Arriving: SMS or email codes for 2FA are blocked by network issues or spam filters.
2. External Service Linkage Issues
- SNS Connection Glitch: There is a technical problem on the side of the linked service (e.g., LINE, Google, Apple ID, or X).
- Account Unlinked: You may have accidentally revoked TikTok’s access from within the settings of the linked SNS app.
3. Account Status and Restrictions
- Account Ban: Your account has been permanently suspended by TikTok for violating the Terms of Service.
- Account Hijacking: An unauthorized third party has changed your password and locked you out.
- Incorrect Date of Birth: Age restrictions triggered during startup can sometimes block login attempts.
Emergency Response: Steps to Restore Access
Follow these steps in order to recover your account:
Step 1: Reset Your Password
- Tap the “?” icon at the top right (or “Login Help”) on the login screen.
- Select “Forgot password?”
- Enter your registered phone number or email address, input the 6-digit verification code you receive, and set a new password.
Step 2: Try an Alternative Login Method
If you created your account using an SNS link (e.g., Apple or LINE), you cannot log in using the “Username + Password” method. Ensure you tap the exact same SNS icon you used when you first signed up.
Step 3: Request Account Recovery
If password resets and SNS links fail, use the official recovery tool:
- Tap the “?” icon on the login screen.
- Select “Recover your account” and search using your username.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, which may include submitting identity documents for TikTok’s review.
💡 Prevention: Habits to Avoid Future Login Issues
- Register Multiple Contact Methods: Ensure both a phone number and an email are linked. If one fails, you can use the other to recover.
- Manage Your Passwords: Use a unique password and save it securely in your smartphone’s “Password Manager” (Keychain, etc.).
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Go to Settings and privacy → Security and turn on 2FA to prevent hijacking.
- Link Backup SNS Accounts: Linking multiple social accounts makes it easier to log in if your primary SNS service experiences an outage.
By taking these precautions, you can ensure a stable login experience and be prepared for any future technical issues.
