How to secure your TikTok account in 2026?

Nicolas, Mar 17, 2026

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TikTok has over one billion active users and is attracting increasing attention from cybercriminals. Phishing via fake messages from the TikTok team, creator account theft, identity fraud: the threats are real and increasingly sophisticated in 2026. Here is how to effectively protect your account.

1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication is the first security barrier to put in place. It requires, in addition to your password, a second verification code each time you log in from a new device.

To enable it on TikTok:

• Go to Profile → Settings and privacy → Security and permissions → 2-step verification
• Enable at least two methods from: SMS, email, authenticator app
• An authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy…) is the safest method — SMS can be intercepted by a SIM swapping attack

Good to know: TikTok allows you to enable multiple verification methods simultaneously. Enable both email and an authenticator app to have a backup solution if you lose access to one of them.

2. Use a strong and unique password

A password reused from another compromised service is the most frequent cause of TikTok account hacking. Your password must:

• Contain at least 12 characters, ideally 16 or more
• Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers and special characters
• Never be reused on another service
• Be generated and stored in a password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password, Dashlane…)

3. Check devices connected to your account

TikTok records all devices from which your account has been used, with their approximate location based on the login IP address.

• Go to Settings and privacy → Security and permissions → Devices
• Review each listed device — check the country, device type and last activity date
• Remove any device you do not recognise

Good to know: TikTok displays the IP address and approximate location for each connected device. A connection from a foreign country or an unusual IP address is a clear signal of unauthorised access — change your password immediately and enable 2FA.

4. Secure the associated email address and phone number

Your TikTok account is directly linked to your email address and/or phone number. This information is used for account recovery — if compromised, your TikTok account is too.

• Enable two-factor authentication on your primary email address
• Check that the email and phone number registered in Settings → Manage account belong to you and are up to date
• If you find an email address or number you do not recognise, remove it immediately and change your password

5. Beware of phishing targeting TikTok creators

Phishing attempts targeting TikTok have increased significantly with the platform's monetisation. The most common forms in 2026:

• Fake emails from the TikTok team informing you of a policy violation or account suspension, with a link to a fake login page
• Fake DMs from accounts impersonating TikTok or agencies, offering partnerships and asking for your credentials
• Fake creator account verification forms asking for your password or 2FA code

TikTok never asks for your password or verification code by email or DM. Official communications come exclusively from @tiktok.com domains.

6. Revoke third-party app access

Some third-party apps — analytics tools, content management platforms, scheduling services — may be connected to your TikTok account via the API. A compromised app can serve as an entry point for an attacker.

• Go to Settings and privacy → Security and permissions → Authorised apps
• Revoke access for any app you no longer use or do not recognise
• Be wary of apps promising free views, followers or likes — they generally collect your credentials

7. Enable login alerts

TikTok sends notifications when a login occurs from a new device or unusual location. Make sure these alerts are enabled.

• Go to Settings and privacy → Security and permissions → Security alerts
• Enable notifications for logins from new devices
• Regularly check emails sent by TikTok regarding your account activity

TikTok security measures summary

Good to know: if your TikTok account is hacked and you no longer have access to your email or phone number, TikTok offers a recovery process through its help centre. Identity verification can take several days — all the more reason to secure your account beforehand rather than having to recover it after a hack.