TikTok says the phone number is already linked to another account
Quick answer
TikTok links each phone number to one account. If it says the number is already registered, you may have an old account on it, or the number belonged to someone else before. Log in with the number to see the old account and change its phone, sign up with email instead, or use another number. With a temporary number, cancel and try a fresh one.
This message usually shows up when you sign up with a phone or try to add one to your account. Here's how to tell whose account it is and what to do.
Find out if it's yours
Try logging in with the number and an SMS code. If an account opens and it's yours, go to Settings and privacy, Account, Account information, and change or remove the phone.
If it's someone else's
You can't unlink a number from another person's account. Use email to sign up, or a different number.
Recycled and temporary numbers
Numbers get reused, and TikTok is used by so many people that popular numbers often already have an account. If a Noir SMS number is already linked, cancel it after 2 minutes for a refund, as long as no code arrived.
Don't log into someone else's account
If an SMS code to a rented number opens someone else's TikTok, log out. Using another person's account breaks TikTok's terms and Noir SMS's acceptable use policy.
Frequently asked questions
Can two TikTok accounts use one number?
No. TikTok links a number to one account.
Can I sign up with email?
Yes, and it avoids the problem.
What if the old account is mine but I can't log in?
Use TikTok's account recovery or contact support from the login screen.
Do I get my money back?
If no code arrived, cancel after 2 minutes for an instant refund.
Services in this guide
Keep reading
Why an App Says “This Phone Number Is Already in Use”
Why an app says your phone number is already registered, linked to another account or can't be used, and the legitimate ways to fix it.
Read the guide →TroubleshootingTikTok verification code not received: how to fix it
TikTok verification code not arriving by SMS? Check the number, wait the timer, try email, and what to do with a temporary number that gets no code.
Read the guide →App guidesHow to Sign Up for TikTok Without a Phone Number
TikTok sign-up options explained: email, phone, or Google and Apple login, when TikTok asks for a phone number, and how to keep the account secure.
Read the guide →TroubleshootingSMS Verification Code Not Arriving? Causes and Fixes
Not getting an SMS verification code? Fix rate limits, country code format, voice-call fallback, rejected number types and resend timing, step by step.
Read the guide →TroubleshootingWhatsApp Verification Code Not Received: Causes and Fixes
Why your WhatsApp code isn't arriving: resend timers, SMS vs call, country code format, temporary blocks, and when to retry with a new number.
Read the guide →TroubleshootingTelegram Code Not Received: Where to Look and What to Do
Telegram codes often go to your open Telegram app, not SMS. Learn where to look, how to get the SMS fallback, email login codes and flood limits.
Read the guide →