You probably did it without thinking. When you first signed up for TikTok, maybe you were in a rush, or maybe you were actually 12 and trying to look 18, so you just flicked the scroll wheel to a random year in the 1990s. Now, you're stuck. Your birthday is wrong.
It happens.
TikTok’s algorithm is a beast, but its account management settings are surprisingly rigid. Unlike Facebook or Instagram, where you can often just hop into your profile settings and toggle your birth date whenever you feel like it, TikTok treats your age like it's written in stone. This is mostly because of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and other global safety regulations. They take minor safety incredibly seriously. If you're under 13, the app is a completely different, restricted experience. If you're under 18, you have different DM settings and privacy defaults.
So, if you're wondering how to change your age on TikTok, the first thing you need to know is that there isn't a "Change Birthday" button.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a headache.
Why the Edit Button is Missing
The lack of a simple edit feature is a safety wall. TikTok used to be more relaxed about this, but after facing massive fines and scrutiny regarding how they handle data for younger users, they tightened the screws. They don't want kids just "aging up" their profiles to bypass safety filters or access the Creator Fund.
If you go to Settings and privacy and then Account, you’ll see "User information." You'll see your phone number. You'll see your email. You won't see your birthday. It's just not there.
Does that mean you're stuck forever with the wrong age? Not necessarily. But you're going to have to talk to a human being at TikTok Support, and you're going to need to prove who you are. This isn't a hack. It’s a formal request.
The Only Real Way: Contacting Support
You have to file a report. It’s the only legitimate path.
First, open the app and tap on Profile in the bottom right. Hit the three-line menu icon in the top right corner and select Settings and privacy. Scroll way down until you find the Support section and tap Report a Problem.
Don't just click random things here. You want to go to Account and Profile, then tap Editing profile. Since there isn't a specific "I messed up my age" button, you’ll usually select Other. From there, you click Need more help? This is where you write your message.
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Be polite. Be direct. Tell them: "I need to update the birth date on my account because the current one is incorrect. I can provide government-issued identification to verify my real age."
TikTok’s safety team will eventually email you. They’ll ask for a photo of your ID—think driver’s license, passport, or state ID. If you’re a minor and trying to correct a mistake, you might need a parent to help with this process. They use these documents strictly for verification, though if you're uncomfortable sharing your ID with a social media giant, you might be at a stalemate.
The Nuclear Option: Starting Over
Sometimes, it’s just not worth the back-and-forth.
If your account is brand new and you don't have a massive following, the fastest way to "change" your age is to delete the account and start over. I know, it sucks. But waiting for TikTok support can take days, or even weeks. If you choose this route, make sure you download your data first if there are videos you want to keep.
- Go to Settings and privacy.
- Tap Account.
- Select Deactivate or delete account.
When you create the new one, for the love of everything, double-check the date.
Why Age Actually Matters on TikTok
It's not just about a number. Your age determines what features you can actually use.
For instance, if TikTok thinks you are under 16, your account is set to private by default. You can't use Direct Messages. You can't "Stitch" or "Duet" with other people's videos. Your videos won't be recommended to others in the "For You" feed in the same way.
If you're under 18, you can't go Live. You also can't buy "Coins" to send gifts to your favorite creators. Most importantly for aspiring influencers, you can't join the TikTok Creator Rewards Program (formerly the Creativity Program) to earn money from your views.
If you're actually 21 but TikTok thinks you're 15, you are missing out on the entire monetization side of the platform. That’s usually why people are so desperate to fix this.
Common Misconceptions and Fake "Hacks"
You’ll see videos claiming you can "glitch" the app to change your age.
"Just delete the cache and restart your phone while holding the volume button!"
Total nonsense.
Your age is stored on TikTok’s servers, not on your phone's local storage. No amount of app-reinstalling or cache-clearing is going to change a server-side database entry. Also, stay away from third-party websites that claim they can "unlock" your TikTok settings. Those are almost always phishing scams designed to steal your login credentials.
The Verification Process: What to Expect
When you finally get that email from the TikTok team, they’re going to be specific. They usually require a clear, color photo of your ID. Some users have reported that TikTok asks you to hold the ID next to your face in a "selfie" style to prove it’s actually yours.
If you are worried about privacy, you can sometimes redact sensitive info like your license number, as long as the Name and Birth Date are clearly visible. However, TikTok's support bots or overseas moderators can be finicky. If the photo is blurry, they’ll just close the ticket.
Summary of Actionable Steps
- Check your current status: Confirm that your features are actually restricted. If you can use DMs and go Live, your age is likely already set to 18+.
- Gather your documents: Have a digital copy of your ID ready.
- Submit the ticket: Use the Report a Problem feature within the app.
- Monitor your email: Check your spam folder. TikTok’s responses often end up there.
- Be patient: This is a manual review process. It won't happen in five minutes.
If you’ve gone through the support ticket process and haven't heard back in over a week, you can try tweeting at @TikTokSupport on X (formerly Twitter). Sometimes a public nudge helps move things along, though it's not a guarantee.
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The reality is that how to change your age on TikTok is a journey through customer service, not a quick settings toggle. If you're stuck in "under-13 mode" and you're actually an adult, the effort is worth it to regain the full social experience. If you're just trying to bypass age restrictions while actually being a minor, be warned: TikTok's moderation tools are getting better at spotting age-inconsistent behavior, and you might find your account banned entirely if they suspect you've lied on your verification documents.
To keep your account safe, ensure your linked email and phone number are up to date before starting this process. This prevents you from getting locked out if TikTok decides to verify your identity through multiple channels during the age-correction process.