Nowadays, it’s essential to be mindful of the personal information we share and the data that platforms collect. TikTok, the immensely popular short-form video app, is no exception. As users, we often overlook the extent to which our data is gathered and used for various purposes, including personalized advertising and content recommendations. It’s not science fiction; it’s a reality that many Silicon Valley executives are well aware of, as they choose not to allow their own children on platforms like TikTok.
In this How To guide, we’ll show you the steps you can take to regain control over your privacy and limit the extent to which TikTok collects and uses your data. By adjusting your privacy settings on TikTok, you can protect your personal information, ensure your security, and enjoy a safer and more private experience on the platform.
These measures will help you take back control of the data you share, protect your online identity, and reduce the platform’s ability to influence your actions and preferences. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about your TikTok usage and keep your digital life more private and secure.
Adjust TikTok Privacy Settings
Disable Sharing Your Contacts with TikTok:
- Launch the TikTok app.
- Go to your profile (bottom right), then tap the three-line menu (top right corner).
- Tap Settings and Privacy > Privacy > Sync Contacts and Facebook Friends.
- Turn the toggles off to gray to block access to your contacts and Facebook Friends.
Turn Off Ad Targeting:
- Launch the TikTok app.
- Go to your profile (bottom right), then tap the three-line menu (top right corner).
- Tap Settings and Privacy.
- Scroll down to Ads and click that row.
- Under Your Ads Settings, toggle Using Off-TikTok activity for ad targeting to gray.
Keep Your Profile Anonymous:
- Launch the TikTok app.
- Go to your profile (bottom right), then tap the three-line menu (top right corner).
- Tap Settings and Privacy > Privacy > toggle on Private Account to the on position (blue).
- Toggle off Activity Status.
Limit How People Can Find You:
- Launch TikTok.
- Go to your profile (bottom right), then tap the three-line menu (top right corner).
- Tap Settings and Privacy > Privacy > Suggest Your Account to Others.
- Turn off all four options.
Hide What You ‘Like’:
- Launch TikTok.
- Go to your profile (bottom right), then tap the three-line menu (top right corner).
- Tap Settings and Privacy > Privacy > tap Following List in the Interactions list and set it to Only Me.
Download What TikTok Knows About You:
- Launch TikTok.
- Go to your profile (bottom right), then tap the three-line menu (top right corner).
- Tap Settings and Privacy > Account > Download Your Data.
It usually takes a few days to receive the link to your TikTok data for download. Keep an eye out for the TikTok link containing your data report, as it will expire after four days.
By following these steps, you can significantly enhance your privacy and security while using TikTok. Don’t hesitate to request your data from TikTok to gain a better understanding of what the platform has recorded about your online activity. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions about your TikTok usage.
