TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms, attracting millions of users worldwide. The app offers an endless stream of short videos that entertain, educate, and engage people of all ages. However, like many social platforms, TikTok enforces strict policies regarding user age to protect children and comply with legal requirements. If you’ve entered the wrong birthdate while signing up for TikTok or want to change your age for any reason, there are some important things you need to know.
In this detailed guide, we will cover everything about age restrictions on TikTok, how you can change your age, and what to do if you’re underage.
TikTok’s Age Restrictions: Why Are They in Place?
TikTok has strict age policies, and users under 13 are prohibited from creating accounts. This restriction is in place due to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which is a U.S. law that protects the privacy of children under 13 years old by regulating how websites collect personal data. If you’re younger than 13, you simply cannot use TikTok. Accounts created by users under 13 are deleted by TikTok upon discovery.
Furthermore, TikTok includes age-based restrictions for several reasons. One significant reason is that TikTok’s viral content, while entertaining for adults, can be inappropriate for children. Another reason is to prevent young people from engaging with potentially harmful content and older users.
Can You Change Your Age on TikTok?
Once your birthdate is entered during the creation of a TikTok account, it is locked in, and there is no way to manually change it within the app settings. TikTok enforces this policy to avoid users circumventing the age restrictions. This ensures that young users do not accidentally or intentionally enter false birthdates to access restricted features.
However, if you have entered the wrong age by mistake or want to update it, you can contact TikTok’s support team for help. They may ask for documentation to verify your real birthdate.
How to Change Your Age on TikTok
If you mistakenly entered the wrong date change your birthday on tiktok, you’ll need to go through TikTok’s support team to request a correction. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to change your age on TikTok:
- Open the TikTok App: Start by launching the app on your smartphone.
- Go to Your Profile: Tap the profile icon located at the bottom right corner of your screen.
- Access Settings: Tap the three horizontal lines at the top right corner of your profile page.
- Navigate to ‘Settings and Privacy’: From the menu, scroll down to find and select “Settings and Privacy.”
- Report a Problem: Under the “Support” section, tap on “Report a Problem.”
- Choose ‘Account and Profile’: From the options provided, select “Account and Profile.”
- Editing Profile: Under “Editing Profile,” choose “Other.”
- Request Further Assistance: Select “Need more help?” to get access to a feedback form.
- Submit a Request: In the form, write a clear message explaining that you mistakenly entered the wrong date of birth and want it corrected.
- Attach Documentation: TikTok may ask for a government-issued ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) to verify your correct birthdate. Attach this to the request if prompted.
Once TikTok receives your request and verifies your information, they will make the necessary changes. You’ll receive a confirmation message via the email linked to your account.
Why Can’t I Change My Birthday on TikTok?
TikTok prevents users from changing their birthdate to safeguard the younger audience from features meant for adults. For instance, users under 16 are automatically assigned private accounts, while those under 18 are restricted from sending virtual gifts or going live.
This restriction is also in place to ensure that users don’t bypass age-based content regulations and access features that aren’t appropriate for their age group, such as direct messaging or earning virtual coins. TikTok uses these age limits to comply with global regulations and provide a safer environment for younger users.
If you’ve entered an incorrect date of birth due to rushing through the sign-up process, you may face restrictions despite being of age. Unfortunately, users in this situation cannot change your birthday on tiktok directly in the app.
Do You Need to Create a New TikTok Account?
If TikTok’s support team doesn’t update your birthdate or you fail to get a response, creating a new account may be your only option. However, this means starting from scratch and losing your existing followers and content.
Here’s how you can manage the process if you decide to create a new TikTok account:
- Download Your Content: Before deleting your old account, download your TikTok videos to your device.
- Delete Your Old Account: Go to the settings in your old account, and select the option to delete your account.
- Create a New Account: Set up a new TikTok profile with the correct birthdate this time.
- Re-upload Your Videos: Upload the videos you saved to your new profile.
- Notify Your Followers: You can include your new username in the bio of your old account before deleting it, letting your followers know where to find you.
While creating a new account is an extra step, it may be the best way to regain full access to TikTok’s features, especially if the support team does not respond to your age correction request.
What to Do If You Are Underage on TikTok
If you’re under the age of 13 and want to use TikTok, the safest way is to have a parent or guardian help manage your account. TikTok’s rules are strict for a reason—to protect younger users from inappropriate content or online predators. A shared account can allow you to safely enjoy TikTok while remaining compliant with the platform’s guidelines.
Steps for Using a Shared Account:
- Parental Supervision: Let your parent or guardian manage the account and monitor your activities on the platform.
- Collaborate on Content: You can still upload and interact with content, but with guidance from an adult to ensure your safety.
- Avoid Rule Violations: By having a shared account, you ensure that you’re not violating TikTok’s rules about age restrictions.
Using a shared profile is a good solution for young users who want to explore TikTok without violating any guidelines.
Conclusion
Changing your age on TikTok isn’t as simple as editing your profile settings. TikTok’s policies are designed to protect younger users and ensure compliance with legal requirements like COPPA. If you’ve entered the wrong date of birth, the only way to change it is by contacting TikTok support and providing documentation. If your request isn’t processed, creating a new account may be the best option.
For underage users, setting up a joint account with a parent or guardian is the safest way to enjoy TikTok while staying within the platform’s rules. Following TikTok’s age restrictions and privacy guidelines ensures a safer experience for all users, especially younger ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Can’t I Change My TikTok Birthday?
In 2021, TikTok introduced new privacy measures that prevent users from changing their birthdates once entered. This policy is designed to protect younger users and restrict access to certain features. To change your birthday, you must contact TikTok support and provide valid identification.
How Do I Remove the Age Restriction on TikTok?
To remove age restrictions, go to “Settings and Privacy” in the TikTok app, scroll down to “Digital Wellbeing,” and then select “Restricted Mode.” You’ll be asked to enter a password to turn off restricted mode and remove any age-based content filters.
What Is the Minimum Age to Download TikTok?
TikTok can be downloaded by anyone with a smartphone and internet access. However, full access to the app’s features is limited by age. If you’re under 13, TikTok provides access to a more limited experience with enhanced privacy protections.
How Old Must I Be to Send and Receive Gifts on TikTok?
You must be at least 18 years old to send or receive gifts on TikTok. This policy was introduced to protect teenagers from potential scams and financial exploitation. Some users include P.O. box addresses in their profiles to receive physical gifts, but this can carry its own risks.
Why Can’t I Go Live on TikTok?
To go live on TikTok, users must have at least 1,000 followers and be at least 16 years old. If you’ve met these criteria but still can’t go live, there may be an issue with your account settings or age verification.
