I don’t usually write about things like this, but I want to share my experience in case it helps someone else. Earlier this month, one of my TikTok accounts got hacked. It was stolen by someone who had access to my email. I couldn’t log in because he changed the linked email to his own. I also hadn’t added a phone number to the account.
To secure your TikTok or other social media accounts, link a phone number, keep your passwords updated, and enable two-factor authentication in the Settings and Privacy section of your profile.
So, how can you determine if your account has been compromised?
You may notice changes to your username, password, or phone number, or find that content has been deleted or posted without your permission. In the worst-case, you may lose access to your account.
I had never tried to recover a hacked or stolen TikTok account before, but I decided to use the TikTok support form. I’m glad to say it worked. Based on my experience, I can guide you through safe, legal steps to recover a hacked or stolen TikTok account.
First, this method will not work if the hacked account username has been changed. If the username has not been changed, follow these steps. You can usually find your TikTok username in the URL after @ – https://www.tiktok.com/@example…
To check accessibility, enter the username in the login section on your PC or mobile device. If the account is active, select the help icon (question mark).
Here’s the FAQ section; click ‘Recover Account’ to proceed.
Enter your hacked account’s username or e-mail address here…
Once there, select TikTok Support if you cannot access your account, then submit a ticket to request email support.
Next, you’ll see a form to complete regarding your account. And here’s a screenshot…
Here are the questions and explanations you need to complete the email support form:
- Topic: General inquiry
- Category: Hacked account
- Username: @example
- Sign-up date: Year and month
- Sign-Up Region: City and country
- Linked email or phone: Account registration email or phone number.
- Device used to log in: registration device or the device most often used.
- Linked accounts: Social media accounts linked to the hacked account (no need to fill out if you didn’t use any).
- Contact Email: The email you’re currently using.
- Additional details: Any other information related to the stolen account.
- Attachments: You can upload up to 10 images, such as screenshots or other files related to your hacked account.
You will receive a response at your contact email address within 1 to 2 days after submission. The message will come from SafetySupport@tiktok.com.
If you can still access your account, the email recommends securing it immediately. But it has been hacked. In that scenario, reply with the mentioned details to verify your account ownership:
- Suspicious activity date
- Username
- Sign-up date: month and year
- Registered/first login location: city and country
- First/previous login devices, such as phone or PC models (e.g., the Pixel 9 Pro).
- Email or phone number you used to set up (even if you no longer have access).
- Linked social account usernames and a screenshot of the logged profile page. No need if you didn’t use any.
I included additional details, including the browsers. A few hours later, I got an email confirming that I owned the account. They requested a phone number or email address to link the account.
I sent my current email. Then, after a couple of hours, my account was restored, and they emailed me stating, “We have successfully linked your email address to your TikTok account. You can now log in with your email address. Keep your account secure by following the steps.” It explains security measures to protect an account.
This is how I got back into my TikTok account after it was hacked. I hope this article helps if your account was hacked or you cannot access your linked email or phone.
Keep in mind, though, that this method might not work for every situation. I was lucky because the person who hacked my account didn’t change the username.
Things would have turned out differently if he had changed it. This is because it’s difficult to recover a hacked account without verification.
Hold your username, email, and phone number confidential to help secure your TikTok account and prevent unauthorized access.
For example, scammers may request your information to ‘check’ something, but they often use it to access your account or share it with others. Do not share your login QR code with anyone, as this could expose your credentials. And log out of all devices at least once a week. I think this guidance applies to all social platforms, not only TikTok.
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