TikTok lets you change your birthdate in your account settings, but the platform restricts how often you can make the change and what ages you can set

You can change your age on TikTok through your account settings by going to Profile, then Account, then Personal Information. Tap on your birthdate and enter a new one. TikTok allows you to change your age once every 30 days. If you need to change it more frequently, you will have to wait the full month between changes.

The age you set determines what content TikTok shows you and what features you can access. Users under 13 cannot use certain features like direct messaging or posting videos. Users between 13 and 18 see a more limited version of the app. If you set your age to under 13, TikTok will automatically restrict your account to "Family Pairing" mode, which gives a parent or guardian control over your settings.

TikTok does not verify your birthdate when you enter it, so the platform relies on you to provide accurate information. However, if TikTok suspects you are misrepresenting your age — for example, if your account behavior does not match the age you listed — the platform may ask you to verify your identity or restrict your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your birthdate once every 30 days through Profile > Account > Personal Information.
  • Users under 13 have restricted features including no direct messaging or video posting.
  • Users aged 13 to 18 see age-appropriate content and have some features limited.
  • TikTok does not verify your birthdate, but the platform may restrict your account if your behavior seems inconsistent with your stated age.
  • If you set your age to under 13, a parent or guardian can use Family Pairing to manage your account settings.

Where to find the age setting in your account

Open TikTok and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. From your profile page, tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the top right. Scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy." Then tap "Account," followed by "Personal information." Your birthdate will appear as a field you can tap to edit.

When you tap on your birthdate, a date picker will appear. You can scroll through months and years to select a new date. After you choose a new birthdate, tap "Save" or "Confirm" — the exact button label depends on your device and which version of the app you are using. The change takes effect immediately.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

TikTok enforces a 30-day cooldown between age changes. If you try to change your age before 30 days have passed since your last change, the app will show you a message saying you cannot change it yet and will tell you when you can make the next change.

This restriction applies even if you made a mistake or want to correct a typo. If you entered the wrong year by accident, you still have to wait the full month. Plan your change carefully, and double-check the date before you confirm it.

What happens when you change your age

Changing your age can affect what content TikTok recommends to you. The algorithm takes your age into account when deciding which videos to show on your For You page. If you change from an older age to a younger one, you may see more content aimed at younger users. If you change from a younger age to an older one, the recommendations may shift toward content for older audiences.

Your age also determines which features are available to you. Users under 13 cannot send or receive direct messages, cannot post videos, and cannot go live. Users aged 13 to 18 can post videos and use direct messaging, but some features — like certain monetization options — are not available until you turn 18. Once you turn 18 (or set your age to 18 or older), you gain access to all standard TikTok features.

Age verification and account restrictions

TikTok does not automatically verify your birthdate when you enter it. The platform trusts users to provide accurate information. However, TikTok's systems monitor account behavior for signs of age misrepresentation. If your activity seems inconsistent with your stated age — for example, if you are listed as 12 but your account behavior matches that of an adult — TikTok may flag your account.

If TikTok suspects age misrepresentation, the platform may ask you to verify your identity using a government ID, a credit card, or a video selfie. Depending on what you provide, TikTok may update your age or restrict your account. In some cases, TikTok may suspend or ban an account if it determines the user has repeatedly lied about their age or has violated the platform's terms of service.

Family Pairing for accounts under 13

If you set your age to under 13, TikTok automatically enables Family Pairing mode. This feature lets a parent or guardian link their own TikTok account to yours and control settings like who can message you, what videos you can see, and how much time you can spend on the app each day.

To set up Family Pairing, the parent or guardian opens their own TikTok account, goes to Settings and privacy > Family Pairing, and scans a code that appears on the child's account. Once linked, the parent can adjust restrictions from their own phone. The child can see that Family Pairing is active but cannot turn it off without the parent's permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my age more than once a month?

No. TikTok enforces a 30-day waiting period between age changes. If you try to change your age before 30 days have passed, the app will tell you when you can make the next change. You cannot bypass this restriction.

What happens if I set my age to under 13?

TikTok will automatically activate Family Pairing mode, which restricts your account and lets a parent or guardian control your settings. You will not be able to post videos, send direct messages, or go live. A parent can link their account to yours to manage these restrictions.

Does TikTok check if my birthdate is real?

TikTok does not verify your birthdate when you enter it. However, if your account behavior seems inconsistent with your stated age, TikTok may ask you to verify your identity with a government ID or other proof. If TikTok determines you have lied about your age, it may restrict or suspend your account.

Will changing my age affect my followers or videos?

Changing your age will not delete your followers or videos. However, it may change what content TikTok recommends to you and what recommendations your account receives from other users. Your videos will remain on your account.

What if I forgot my birthdate and need to change it?

You can still change your age through Settings and privacy > Account > Personal information. Enter the date you want to use, and it will take effect immediately. Remember that you can only make one change every 30 days, so choose carefully.