TikTok has grown leaps and bounds since the app launched worldwide. But the platform has been accused of several privacy breaches in the last few years.
If the reports about TikTok’s data-handling practices concern you, you can request to download a copy of all the data it has collected. Here's how...
How to Download Your TikTok Data
You can request access to your TikTok data on the TikTok app regardless of what device you're using.
How to Request Your TikTok Data on Android
Below is a step-by-step guide to downloading your TikTok data on Android.
- Sign in to your TikTok account.
- Go to your profile.
- Tap the horizontal in the top right-hand corner to open settings.
- Tap Privacy.
- Choose Download your data.
- Pick the format you want to download the file in; TXT for an easy-to-read text file or JSON for a file you can import elsewhere.
You’ll have to wait a few days for TikTok to process your data. Once your file is ready, it will be available to download for up to four days. After that, you’ll have to make a new request.
How to Request Your TikTok Data on iOS
Requesting your TikTok data on iOS is a bit different from Android. Here’s how to do it:
- Open TikTok and head to the Profile tab.
- Press the three-line hamburger menu in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings and privacy.
- Tap Manage account under the Account heading.
- Select Download your data.
- Choose either a TXT file or a JSON file.
- Tap the Request Data button at the bottom.
What Does TikTok Include in the Data Download?
TikTok includes a lot of information in the data download. Here’s what you can expect to see in the report:
- Your profile info: All your profile information, including your username, profile photo, bio, email address, and phone number.
- Your activity: Includes all videos, comment history, chat history, likes, and more.
- Your app settings: Includes your privacy, notification, and language settings.
Based on this and other data gathering, you should consider whether TikTok is dangerous to your privacy and security.
Is Your Privacy at Risk on TikTok?
The TikTok app is fun to use. But if you’re concerned about your privacy, you’re better off staying away from the platform.
If you decide to stick with it, though, there are ways you can make your account more secure. Keeping your software up-to-date, unlinking your Instagram and YouTube accounts, and using stronger passwords will all help.
Downloading your TikTok data to find out what the app already knows about you is an equally-vital step to locking down your account security.