How to change your age on TikTok

You can change the birthdate on your TikTok account through your account settings, but the process depends on whether you set a birthdate when you created the account and how old TikTok's records say you are. If you entered a birthdate during signup, you can edit it directly in settings. If you didn't enter one, or if TikTok flagged your account as belonging to someone under 13, the steps are different — and in some cases, you cannot change it yourself.

TikTok requires all accounts to have a birthdate on file because the app restricts certain features for users under 13 and limits some features for users under 18. The age you provide affects which videos you can watch, whether you can go live, and whether your account can be monetized.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your birthdate in account settings if you provided one when you signed up, but you can only change it once every 30 days.
  • If TikTok determined you were under 13 when you created your account, you cannot change your age yourself and must wait until you turn 13 to request a change.
  • Changing your age to under 13 will restrict your account immediately — you will lose access to direct messages, live streaming, and other features.
  • If you cannot change your age in settings, contact TikTok Support through the app and provide your real birthdate; they may ask for proof of identity.

Steps to change your age in account settings

Open TikTok and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Go to Settings and privacy, then tap Account. Look for Date of birth and tap it. Enter your correct birthdate and tap Save.

TikTok will confirm the change and show you your new age. The change takes effect immediately, but you cannot change your birthdate again for 30 days. If you made a mistake and need to change it sooner, you will have to wait the full 30 days before trying again.

What happens if TikTok says you are under 13

If your account was flagged as belonging to someone under 13 when you created it, the date of birth field will not be editable in settings. This happens when you entered a birthdate showing you were under 13 at signup, or when TikTok's systems detected other signs that you were underage.

You cannot change this yourself. Instead, you must wait until the date you provided passes and you turn 13 according to TikTok's records. Once that date arrives, you can then change your birthdate in settings. If you need to change it before then, contact TikTok Support through the app: go to Settings and privacy, tap Help, then Report a problem, and describe that you need to update your birthdate. TikTok may ask you to verify your identity with a photo ID or other proof.

Restrictions that apply when you change your age to under 18

If you change your age to under 18, TikTok will immediately restrict certain features on your account. You will lose the ability to send and receive direct messages, go live, or use the duet and stitch features. Your account will also be ineligible for the TikTok Creator Fund, which means you cannot earn money from views or engagement.

These restrictions stay in place until you change your age back to 18 or older. If you are testing a different birthdate or made a mistake, change it back as soon as possible to restore these features. Remember that you can only change your birthdate once every 30 days, so plan your change carefully.

What to do if the date of birth field is locked

If you tap on your date of birth in settings and nothing happens, or if the field appears grayed out, your account is locked from changing it. This usually means TikTok determined you were under 13 at signup, or you have already changed your birthdate within the last 30 days.

Check the date you last changed it. If it has been fewer than 30 days, wait until the 30-day window closes and try again. If you believe your account was incorrectly flagged as underage, or if you need to change it urgently, open TikTok Support through Settings and privacy > Help > Report a problem. Describe your situation and provide your real birthdate. Support may take several days to respond.

Why TikTok requires a birthdate

TikTok is required by law in many countries, including the United States, to restrict access to certain features for users under 13. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the US, and similar laws elsewhere, prohibit social media platforms from collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent. By requiring a birthdate, TikTok can enforce these restrictions and avoid legal penalties.

For users 13 to 17, TikTok limits features like direct messaging and live streaming to reduce risks. These age-based restrictions are built into the app's design and cannot be bypassed by changing your birthdate alone — TikTok's backend systems track the age restrictions tied to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my age more than once?

You can change your birthdate as many times as you want, but only once every 30 days. If you change it and then want to change it again, you must wait 30 days from the date of your last change before you can make another one.

What if I entered the wrong birthdate by accident?

If you made a typo or entered the wrong year, you can correct it in settings as long as your account is not locked. Go to Settings and privacy > Account > Date of birth and enter the correct date. If the field is locked, wait 30 days from your last change or contact TikTok Support.

Will changing my age affect my followers or videos?

Changing your age will not delete your followers or videos. However, if you change your age to under 18, some features like direct messaging and going live will be turned off, and your videos may be restricted from certain audiences based on TikTok's content policies for younger users.

Can I change my age if I created my account with a parent's permission?

If your parent or guardian created the account for you and set a birthdate, you can change it in settings if you have access to the account. If the account is managed by a parent through TikTok's Family Pairing feature, the parent may need to approve the change through their own account settings.