How to Sign Up for TikTok Without a Phone Number

TikTok's sign-up screen offers several options, and the phone number is only one of them. Many people prefer not to link their personal number to a social app, whether for privacy, to keep a creator account separate, or to cut down on promotional texts. This guide covers the sign-up options, when TikTok may still request a phone number, how to handle that, and how to secure an account that doesn't depend on SMS.

What are TikTok's sign-up options?

When you tap Sign up, TikTok typically offers to use a phone number or email, and to continue with third-party accounts such as Google, Apple on iPhone, Facebook or X. The exact list varies by device and region and changes from time to time. Choosing email or a third-party login lets you start without a phone number.

Every option asks for your birthday. TikTok requires users to be at least 13 in the US, Canada and the UK, and younger teens get more restrictive defaults.

When does TikTok ask for a phone number?

Even if you sign up without a phone, TikTok may ask you to add or verify one later. This can happen during security checks, such as logging in from a new device, if the account shows unusual activity, or before using certain features. TikTok doesn't publish all its triggers, and they vary by region and account.

Creators who want features tied to account standing or monetization may also find that TikTok requests additional verification. Those programs have their own eligibility rules, so check TikTok's current requirements.

How do you sign up with email?

Using email keeps your number out of TikTok entirely unless TikTok later asks for one. Choose an email you check regularly, because TikTok sends login codes and security alerts there. If you use a Google or Apple login, make sure that account itself is well protected, ideally with a passkey or authenticator app.

If you use Apple's Hide My Email feature, TikTok receives a relay address. That's good for privacy, but remember which Apple ID it's linked to so you can recover the account.

Whichever route you choose, write down how you signed up. People often lose TikTok accounts simply because they forget whether they used email, Google or Apple.

Step by step

1. Open Sign upIn the TikTok app, tap Sign up.
2. Choose email or a loginPick email, Google, Apple or another option instead of phone.
3. Enter your birthdayTikTok requires this for every account.
4. Verify your emailEnter the code TikTok sends.
5. Turn on 2-step verificationSettings and privacy > Security, then choose email and an authenticator if available.

What if TikTok requires a phone number?

If TikTok asks for a number and you don't want to use your own, you can verify with a separate number you control. A Noir SMS number is a private carrier mobile number. Choose TikTok as the service, enter the number with the right country selected, and the code appears in your dashboard with a sound alert. If TikTok rejects the number or no code arrives, cancel after two minutes for an instant refund, or wait for the automatic refund after 20 minutes.

Temporary numbers are recycled later, so don't leave one as the main contact on an account you want to keep. Make sure your email is verified and 2-step verification is on, and replace the number with one you keep if TikTok relies on it for recovery. Use temporary numbers only for your own legitimate account; mass-creating accounts or returning after a ban breaks TikTok's rules.

How do you secure a TikTok account without your phone?

In Settings and privacy, open Security and turn on 2-step verification. TikTok lets you choose methods such as email, SMS and an authenticator app, depending on what's available for your account; choose at least two, and prefer email and an authenticator over SMS if you don't want to depend on a phone number. Review logged-in devices periodically and remove any you don't recognize.

• Turn on 2-step verification with email and, if available, an authenticator app.
• Use a strong, unique password or a secure third-party login.
• Review Manage devices in the Security settings.
• Don't share login codes with anyone, including people claiming to be TikTok.