Want to check out TikTok but prefer not to sign up using your mobile phone number? Maybe you value your privacy, want a separate account for a specific purpose, or simply don’t have easy access to your phone at the moment.
While TikTok often puts the phone number option front and center during sign-up, it’s definitely possible to create an account using alternative methods. I’ve created accounts this way myself when setting up profiles for different uses or just exploring the platform without tying it to my primary phone number.
The key is to look for the other sign-up options TikTok provides. They don’t make them hard to find, but the default prompt is usually the phone number.
Alternative Sign-Up Methods for TikTok
TikTok gives you several ways to create an account without needing your phone number right away:
- Email Address: You can sign up using a standard email address.
- Google Account: If you have a Google (Gmail) account, you can use that.
- Facebook Account: You can link your Facebook profile to create a TikTok account.
- Apple ID: If you’re on an Apple device, you can use “Sign in with Apple”.
- Twitter Account: Signing up via your Twitter account is also an option.
How to Create a TikTok Account Without a Phone Number
Here’s a step-by-step guide focusing on how to use these alternative methods to sign up:
- Download and Open the TikTok App: If you don’t have it already, download the TikTok app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Open the app once installed.
- Start the Sign-Up Process: You’ll likely see options to watch videos or start creating an account. Look for an icon or button that takes you to the ‘Profile’ section (usually in the bottom right corner) or a prompt to ‘Sign up’ or ‘Log in’. Tap on ‘Sign up’.
- Choose an Alternative Method: This is the most important step to avoid the phone number requirement.
- Instead of immediately filling in the “Phone” field under “Use phone or email,” look below that section for text that says “Sign up with email” or look for the icons for other services like Google, Facebook, Apple, or Twitter.
- Tap on the option you prefer to use (e.g., tap the Google icon, or tap “Sign up with email”).
- If Using Email (Follow these steps):
- You will be prompted to enter your email address. Type it in.
- Create a password for your TikTok account. Choose a strong, unique password.
- Tap ‘Send code’ (or similar). TikTok will send a verification code to the email address you provided.
- Check your email inbox for the code.
- Enter the verification code in the TikTok app to confirm your email address.
- If Using Google, Facebook, Apple, or Twitter (Follow these steps):
- After tapping the respective icon, a pop-up or new screen will appear asking you to authorize TikTok to use your account from that service.
- If you are already logged into that service on your device, you might just need to confirm.
- If you are not logged in, you might be directed to log in first.
- Follow the prompts to grant TikTok permission.
- Provide Your Birthday: Regardless of the sign-up method, TikTok will ask for your date of birth. This is required for age verification according to their terms of service. Enter your correct birthday.
- Create a Username: You will then be prompted to create a username. This is how other users will identify you. You can often change this later if you want.
- Complete Setup: Once your username is set, your account is created! You might be guided through a few more steps like finding friends or choosing interests, but you now have a functional TikTok account.
You’ve successfully created your TikTok account without using your phone number during the initial sign-up process.
Why TikTok Might Still Ask for a Phone Number Later
Keep in mind that even though you signed up without a phone number, TikTok might later suggest or even require you to add one for certain features, like:
- Enhanced security (e.g., two-factor authentication).
- Account recovery if you forget your password.
- Finding friends who are already on TikTok using phone contacts.
- Accessing certain features or participating in specific promotions.
You can often skip or decline these requests if your main goal is simply to browse and interact without linking your number. However, be aware that not adding a phone number might limit some functionalities or make account recovery more difficult.
Creating a TikTok account without using your phone number is straightforward once you know to look for the alternative sign-up options like email or linking a Google, Facebook, Apple, or Twitter account. Choose the method that is most convenient for you, follow the steps, and you can start exploring TikTok.
