- Where TikTok sends a verification code
- Quick checks when a TikTok code doesn't arrive
- TikTok first-step troubleshooting that applies here
- When the code is for adding or changing an email on TikTok
- When you're trying to reset your TikTok password
- Reporting a TikTok login problem to support
- Making TikTok codes easier to receive next time
- Frequently asked questions
If TikTok isn't sending your verification code, first check the email address or phone number is the one on the account and is active, then restart the app, update it, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data and try Send code again. TikTok says it sends codes to your email, phone or authenticator app. If nothing works, report a login problem to TikTok support.
There's nothing more annoying than tapping Send code and watching your inbox stay empty. For a creator or small business owner it can lock you out of the account you use to promote your work, so it's worth working through the checks in a sensible order.
TikTok's help centre doesn't have one article called codes not arriving. What it does have is guidance on how codes are sent, email and phone changes, password resets and general troubleshooting, so I've put those together. I won't pretend to know causes TikTok doesn't state.
Where TikTok sends a verification code
According to TikTok, the code goes to the method tied to your account. With 2-step verification, you're prompted for a code sent to your phone number, your email, or found on your authenticator app, depending on the verification methods you picked.
- Email codes go to the email address on the account.
- Phone codes arrive by text message to the number on the account.
- Authenticator codes aren't sent at all. You read them in the authenticator app.
That last point catches people out. If you chose an authenticator app, TikTok won't text you, so open the app rather than waiting.
Quick checks when a TikTok code doesn't arrive
- Check you've typed the right email address or phone number, and that it's the one linked to the account. TikTok says an email or phone number can only be linked to one account.
- Look in your email's other folders in case the message was filed away.
- Check your phone can receive text messages and has signal.
- Tap Send code again and wait a short while before asking for another one.
- Close TikTok and open it again.
TikTok recommends starting any app problem with a restart of the app and your device. It can clear things that are stuck in the background.
TikTok first-step troubleshooting that applies here
TikTok's general troubleshooting list is short and worth doing in order.
- Restart the TikTok app and your device.
- Make sure the TikTok app and your device's operating system are up to date.
- Check your internet connection. Weak data or Wi-Fi can cause trouble, so try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Clear the cache: Profile, Menu, Settings and privacy, then Free up space, then Clear next to Cache and confirm.
- Check the app has the permissions it needs on your device.
TikTok also explains that it tests new features with a limited number of people, so something that works on one phone may not appear on another yet.
When the code is for adding or changing an email on TikTok
If you're changing the email on your account, TikTok says to go to Profile, Menu, Settings and privacy, Account, Account information, then Email, and tap Send code to verify your identity. The code goes to your email.
One detail from TikTok matters here: because codes are sent to your email, both the old and the new email address must be active and verified. If you no longer have access to the old inbox, the code can't reach you.
When you're trying to reset your TikTok password
To reset a password while logged out, TikTok says to tap Log in, choose Use phone / email / username, choose Email / Username, tap Forgot password?, then pick Phone number or Email. If you signed up with another social account, you reset the password on that platform instead.
If you get an unrecognised device message, TikTok says it's a security feature. It appears when 2-step verification is on and you're resetting from a device you haven't used before. TikTok's two routes are to reset from a trusted device, or to tap Forgot password?, then Recover account, and follow the steps to verify your identity.
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Reporting a TikTok login problem to support
If you've been through the checks and still get no code, TikTok says logged-in users can go to Profile, Menu, Settings and privacy, then Report a problem, then Account and profile, then Login. If you're locked out, use Forgot password? and follow the options on the login screen.
Please don't use any third party site that promises to get codes for you. Only TikTok's own support can help, and handing over your details to a stranger puts your account at risk. If you think someone else is trying to get into your account, change your password where you can and contact TikTok through its help centre.
Making TikTok codes easier to receive next time
- Keep both an email and a phone number on your account. TikTok recommends this so you can still get in if you lose access to one of them.
- Keep the email inbox you use for TikTok active.
- If you use an authenticator app, make sure you know how to open it before you need it.
- Update your details in Settings and privacy as soon as you change phone numbers or emails.
If your TikTok menus show up in another language, my guide to changing the language on TikTok helps you find the Settings and Report a problem screens again, and creators sorting out their profile can pair that with my guide to adding Linktree to TikTok once they're back in.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't TikTok sending my verification code?
TikTok's help pages don't list one cause. Check the email or phone number is correct and active, restart the app, update it, test your connection and try Send code again.
Where does TikTok send the verification code?
TikTok says it goes to your phone number, your email, or can be found in your authenticator app, depending on the verification method you chose.
Can I get a code if I no longer have my old email?
TikTok says that when changing an email, both the old and new addresses must be active and verified, because codes are sent to your email.
What does an unrecognized device message mean on TikTok?
TikTok says it's a security feature that appears if you have 2-step verification on and reset your password from a device you haven't used before.
How do I report a TikTok login problem?
When logged in, go to Profile, Menu, Settings and privacy, Report a problem, Account and profile, then Login.
Can I use the same email for two TikTok accounts?
No. TikTok says an email address or phone number can only be associated with a single account.
