TikTok, one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, has millions of active users worldwide. Like most social networks, TikTok enforces age restrictions to ensure a safe environment for its users. These restrictions, however, can sometimes become problematic when an incorrect birthdate is entered during account setup. This article explores how to change your age on TikTok if you made a mistake and dives into the platform’s policies for users under 16.
Does TikTok Allow You to Change Your Age?
TikTok does not allow users to change their birthdates directly through the app once they’ve created their account. This policy is part of the platform’s ongoing effort to protect younger users. As of 2021, TikTok tightened its privacy and security measures, including the inability to alter the birthdate manually. If the wrong age is set on your TikTok profile, you must contact the app’s customer support to rectify it.
Key Takeaway: You cannot manually change your age on TikTok, but you can request help from customer service.
Why Is Age Important on TikTok?
Age verification on TikTok is essential for two primary reasons:
- Content Restriction: TikTok’s content is filtered based on the user’s age. For users under 13, the platform offers a “kid-friendly” experience, limiting access to inappropriate or adult-themed videos.
- User Safety: The platform imposes stricter privacy settings on users under 16. Profiles of users aged 13-16 are automatically set to private, limiting the interactions they can have with strangers.
In certain cases, users may mistakenly enter an age below 13, which can restrict their account access to a limited set of features. Changing this can be vital for older users who need unrestricted access.
How to Change Your Age on TikTok: Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide on how to request a change of age on your TikTok profile:
1. Open the TikTok App and Go to Your Profile
First, launch the TikTok app on your device and navigate to your profile. You can do this by tapping the icon in the bottom right corner of the home screen.
2. Access the Settings and Privacy Menu
In your profile, click on the three-bar icon located at the top right corner of the screen. This will open the settings menu.
3. Scroll to “Report a Problem”
Under the settings, scroll down to the “Settings and Privacy” section. Look for the option labeled “Report a Problem” and select it.
4. Choose “Account and Profile”
Once in the “Report a Problem” section, click on “Account and Profile”.
5. Click on “Editing Profile”
Under the “Account and Profile” option, tap “Editing Profile”.
6. Select “Other” and “Need More Help”
Scroll down and select “Other” from the list. After that, tap “Need More Help” to describe your issue to TikTok’s customer service.
7. Submit a Request to Change Your Age
In the description box, explain that you need to correct your birthdate due to an error during the account setup process. Be clear and concise. Once you’ve filled out the form, click “Report”.
8. Wait for a Response from TikTok Support
TikTok support will review your request. The process typically takes a few hours, but it can extend to a few days depending on the volume of requests they handle. Once they approve your request, they will update your age accordingly.
Verifying Your Age
To complete the age correction process, TikTok will likely ask you to submit proof of your age. The most common documents required include:
- Passport
- Government-issued ID
These are the only identification types TikTok officially accepts for age verification. In some cases, they may allow a school ID or other forms of proof, but it’s advisable to contact TikTok’s support for clarification if necessary.
What If You Don’t Have a Valid ID?
Minors without government IDs can obtain a state ID from their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This step may take a bit of time, but it’s a necessary step if you’re intent on changing your age on TikTok.
Key Takeaway: Government-issued IDs are mandatory to change your birthdate on TikTok.
What Happens If TikTok Deletes Your Account Due to Age?
TikTok has strict guidelines regarding user age. If TikTok determines that an account holder is under 13, the company reserves the right to delete the profile. If your profile is removed due to age, you can still take some steps to retrieve your content and appeal the decision.
How to Recover Your Profile
- Visit TikTok’s website or open the app and go to the “Report a Problem” section.
- Fill out a complaint form, attaching your government-issued ID proving you are over the required age of 13.
While TikTok might not reinstate the profile, it will send you an email with the videos attached, which can be downloaded for future use.
Key Takeaway: TikTok can delete accounts for users under 13, but you can recover your videos.
What If TikTok Doesn’t Respond?
If TikTok takes longer than expected to respond to your request, try submitting another complaint. Always ensure that your proof of age is valid and clearly legible. Additionally, TikTok’s customer service can sometimes be overwhelmed, so patience is key.
Inactive Profiles and Deletions
After 30 days of inactivity, TikTok often deletes profiles, especially those flagged for having incorrect age settings. Users who’ve had their accounts deactivated for age reasons might not see their profiles restored, even after correcting the birthdate.
Key Takeaway: Inactive and wrongly aged profiles are often deleted after 30 days.
Conclusion
Correcting your age on TikTok is not as straightforward as changing settings on other platforms, but it’s possible with the right steps. By contacting TikTok support and submitting the required verification documents, you can adjust your birthdate if a mistake was made during registration. Always ensure that your age is correct when creating an account to avoid potential problems with content restrictions or account deletions.
If you encounter any issues during this process, the key is patience. TikTok’s policies are designed to protect younger users and ensure a safe environment for all, but this can result in limitations if your age is incorrectly set. Following the steps outlined in this article will help you navigate the process efficiently.
FAQs About Changing Your Age on TikTok
How Do I Change My Age on TikTok?
To change your age on TikTok, contact customer service through the app’s “Report a Problem” section. You must provide proof of age, such as a passport or government ID.
Why Is My TikTok Age Restricted?
TikTok places age restrictions to protect younger users. If your age is under 18, some content may be restricted to ensure that you do not encounter inappropriate or adult content.
Why Can’t I Watch Age-Restricted Content?
Age-restricted content requires viewers to turn off the “Restricted Mode” under “Settings and Privacy”. Ensure no family pairing or other settings are limiting your access.
Can I Remove the Age Restriction on TikTok?
Yes, by turning off “Restricted Mode” in the “Digital Wellbeing” section. This option can be accessed under “Settings and Privacy”.
Can I Change My Birthday on TikTok?
No, you cannot directly change your birthdate on TikTok once it’s set. If the birthdate is incorrect, you need to contact TikTok’s support to request a change.
Why Is My TikTok Age Protected?
TikTok implements protections to shield younger users from harmful or inappropriate content. If you are over 18 but still seeing age-restricted warnings, ensure you’ve disabled restricted mode in your settings.
