Change your age directly in the app settings

TikTok stores your birth date in your account settings, and you can change it yourself without contacting support. Open the TikTok app, tap the profile icon in the bottom right, then tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner. Select Settings and privacy, then Account, then Date of birth. Tap the date field and enter your correct birth date using the calendar picker, then save.

The change takes effect when ready. TikTok uses your birth date to enforce age restrictions on certain features—accounts under 13 cannot go live, accounts under 18 see limited ad targeting, and some content is restricted based on age. If you entered an incorrect date when you first created your account, correcting it now ensures you have access to the features TikTok allows for your actual age.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your birth date in Settings and privacy > Account > Date of birth using the in-app calendar.
  • TikTok uses your birth date to control which features and content you can access, so an incorrect date may lock you out of age-appropriate features.
  • The change is when ready and does not require you to contact TikTok support or verify your identity.
  • If your account was created when you were under 13, you may need to verify your age before certain features unlock.

Why TikTok asks for your birth date

TikTok collects birth dates to comply with child protection laws in the United States and other countries. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) restricts how platforms can collect data from users under 13 and what features they can offer. TikTok enforces these restrictions by locking live-streaming, direct messaging, and certain monetization features for accounts registered to users under 13.

Even if you entered a fake or placeholder date when you signed up, TikTok may ask you to verify your real age before unlocking restricted features. Age verification usually means uploading a photo of your ID or using a third-party age-verification service. If you straightforward update your birth date in settings without verification, TikTok may still require proof before you regain access to features tied to your age group.

What happens if you change your age to under 13

If you change your birth date to indicate you are under 13, TikTok will restrict your account when ready. You will lose access to live-streaming, direct messaging, the ability to receive gifts, and some monetization features. Your account will also be flagged for age verification, and TikTok may ask you to prove your age with an ID before you can use those features again.

Changing your age to under 13 is not a workaround to avoid restrictions—it triggers them. If you made a mistake and are actually 13 or older, correct your birth date and be ready to verify your age if TikTok prompts you. The verification process usually takes a few minutes and involves uploading a clear photo of your ID.

Age verification if TikTok asks for proof

When you update your birth date, TikTok may ask you to verify your age before you can use certain features. The app will prompt you to upload a photo of a government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or national ID card. Take a clear photo of the front of your ID, making sure the issue date and expiration date are visible, and upload it through the in-app prompt.

TikTok uses automated systems to read the birth date on your ID and compare it to the date you entered. The process usually completes within a few minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours. If your ID is blurry, expired, or the birth date does not match what you entered, TikTok will ask you to resubmit. Do not upload a photo of someone else's ID—TikTok's system will detect the mismatch, and your account may be suspended.

Changing your age on a computer instead of the app

You can also change your birth date on TikTok's website if you prefer not to use the mobile app. Go to tiktok.com, log in to your account, and click your profile icon in the top right. Select Settings and privacy, then Account, then Date of birth. Enter your correct date and save. The process is identical to the app version, and the change syncs across all devices within seconds.

Some users find the website version easier if they need to upload an ID for age verification, since you can drag and drop a file from your computer rather than taking a photo with your phone. Either method works—use whichever is more convenient for you.

If you cannot change your age or TikTok keeps rejecting your ID

If the date-of-birth field is locked or grayed out, your account may be restricted pending age verification. This usually happens if you previously entered a date that indicated you were under 13. Complete the age verification process by uploading your ID, and the field should unlock once verification is approved.

If TikTok keeps rejecting your ID photo, make sure the image is clear, well-lit, and shows the entire front of your ID including all four corners. The birth date must be fully visible. If you have tried multiple times and the system still rejects your upload, you can contact TikTok support through the app by going to Settings and privacy > Help > Report a problem and describing the issue. Response times vary, but support usually replies within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my age on TikTok if I am under 13?

Yes, you can change the date in settings, but TikTok will when ready restrict your account and ask you to verify your age with an ID. If you are actually 13 or older, correct your birth date and upload your ID when prompted. If you are genuinely under 13, TikTok's restrictions are designed to protect your privacy and safety.

How long does age verification take?

Most verifications complete within a few minutes to a few hours. In some cases it can take up to 24 hours. If your ID is rejected, you will see a message asking you to resubmit. Check that your photo is clear, well-lit, and shows the full front of your ID with the birth date visible.

What if I do not have a government ID to upload?

TikTok requires a government-issued ID for age verification—a driver's license, passport, or national ID card. If you do not have one, you may not be able to unlock age-restricted features. Contact TikTok support to ask about alternative verification methods, though options are limited.

Will changing my age affect my followers or videos?

No. Changing your birth date does not delete your videos, followers, or watch history. It only changes which features you can access and how TikTok targets ads to you. Your content remains on your account.

Can I change my age multiple times?

Yes, you can update your birth date as many times as you need to. However, if you change it to under 13 and then back to 13 or older, TikTok may ask you to verify your age again. Avoid changing it repeatedly, as frequent changes may trigger additional security checks.