TikTok tiktok.com How to make your TikTok account private
In the TikTok app, tap Profile, then the Menu button, then Settings and privacy, then Privacy, and turn on Private account. After that only people you approve can watch your videos, but your nickname, username and profile photo stay visible to everyone.
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- tiktok.com
- Type
- Privacy settings
- Last updated
Step by step
- 1
Open your profile
Tap Profile at the bottom of the TikTok app.
- 2
Open the Menu
Tap the Menu button (three lines) at the top of your profile.
- 3
Go to Settings and privacy
Tap Settings and privacy, then tap Privacy.
- 4
Turn on Private account
Switch Private account on. You can turn it off the same way.
- 5
Check what's still public
Even when private, your nickname, username and profile photo stay visible to anyone on or off TikTok. Don't put your full name, city or other details in them.
Watch out for
- Private means only people you approve can watch your videos, LIVE videos, bio and likes, and see your followers and following lists.
- Others can't Duet, Stitch, create stickers with or download your posts once you're private.
- Menu labels move between app versions. If you don't see Settings and privacy, look for Privacy and Safety in the settings list.
- Your nickname, username and profile photo are always visible, so they are the part to keep clean.
Other ways to do it
- 1
Limit single posts instead
TikTok lets you limit who can see an individual post separately from your account setting.
What stays out there
Going private limits who can watch your videos from now on. It doesn't recall anything that was public before: videos people already saved or downloaded, and anything search engines or scrapers picked up while your profile was open. Your username and photo stay public, and people-search sites can use them to tie a profile to your real name.
Serus finds where your details are listed and removes them, and keeps watching for them to come back.
Frequently asked
Can I switch my TikTok account back to public?
Yes. Turn the Private account setting off in the same place.
Can people still see my profile if it's private?
They can see your nickname, username and profile photo. Only approved followers can watch your videos.
Can people download my videos from a private account?
TikTok says others can't download your posts or Duet and Stitch them when your account is private.
Do I need to approve followers myself?
Yes. On a private account you approve who can follow you.
Sources
Related guide Guide: How to Delete Yourself from the Internet Something changed? If these steps no longer match what you see, tell us and we'll re-check it.
