TikTok verification code not received: what to try
In short
- Check the country code and how the number is written, restart your phone, then ask for one new code.
- A phone number can only be linked to one TikTok account, so a number already on another account won’t work.
- Add an email to the account as a backup: changing the number later needs both the old and the new one to work.
When TikTok’s code doesn’t arrive, the cause is usually the number as entered, or a number TikTok won’t link to another account.
Check the country code and the number
TikTok’s help centre says to choose the right country code first. If the code still doesn’t come, it suggests entering the number with its leading 0 and without the country code. Copying and pasting the number avoids typos.
Restart, then ask once more
TikTok suggests restarting your phone and requesting a new code. Ask once, then wait a minute or two: asking again and again can cancel the earlier code. Our timings show most codes arrive within a minute or two.
One number, one TikTok account
TikTok links each phone number to one account, so you can’t use a number that’s already on another TikTok account. Use a different number, or change the number on the other account first. TikTok also says that to change the number on an account, both the old and the new number need to be active.
Using a one-time number
If you’d rather not link your own number, a one-time number works for the sign-up code. Ours start at $1, and if no code arrives within 20 minutes the money goes back to your balance, so you can try another. Because changing the number later needs codes to both numbers, add an email to the account as soon as you’re in. Get a number for TikTok.
Common questions
Can I use one phone number on two TikTok accounts?
No. TikTok links a phone number to one account, so a number already on another TikTok account won’t work. Use a different number, or move the other account to another number first.
What if I lose access to the number on my TikTok account?
TikTok recommends adding an email as a backup way in. If you’re locked out, TikTok can reset your sign-in method once it has verified your identity, which it says can take up to 30 days.
Why is TikTok’s code taking so long?
Most codes arrive within a minute or two. If yours hasn’t after a few minutes, check the country code and the number, restart your phone, and ask for one new code.