Updated July 2025 – Learn how to safely back up your TikTok archive before deleting or deactivating your account for good.
If you’re planning to leave TikTok – whether for privacy reasons, digital detox, or just a break – it’s crucial to download your personal data first.
TikTok offers a simple export function that lets you save your profile information, video metadata, messages, comments, and settings. Once your archive is secured, you can delete your account with peace of mind.
Here’s exactly how to do it.
✅ Step 1: Download Your TikTok Data Archive
Before deleting your account, request a copy of your full TikTok data.
How to download your TikTok data:
- Go to TikTok’s Data Export Page
- Choose the TXT format (easy to read)
- Click Request Data
- Wait 1–3 days for TikTok to process your request
- Download the ZIP file once it’s available
💡 Use WinZip to extract your archive and pCloud to store it safely.
🔍 What’s Included in the Archive?
Your TikTok ZIP file may contain:
- Profile info (username, email, linked accounts)
- Uploaded video metadata
- Direct messages (text only)
- Comments you’ve posted
- Login history and device activity
- Settings, preferences, search history
📦 It’s your complete digital footprint on TikTok.
🔄 Step 2: Deactivate vs. Delete – What’s the Difference?
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Deactivate | Temporarily disables your account – data is retained |
| Delete | Permanently erases all content – can’t be undone after 30 days |
If you’re unsure, try deactivation first.
🗑️ Step 3: How to Permanently Delete Your TikTok Account
Once your archive is downloaded and stored:
- Open the TikTok app
- Go to Profile → Tap the ☰ Menu (top right)
- Select Settings and Privacy → Account
- Tap Deactivate or Delete Account
- Choose Delete Account Permanently
- Follow the prompts to confirm
📆 TikTok gives you 30 days to change your mind. After that, your account and all data will be permanently removed.
☁️ Step 4: Where to Store Your Data
Don’t just save your archive on your desktop – use secure backup tools:
✅ pCloud
10 GB free encrypted cloud storage. Ideal for archiving digital data securely and accessing it anytime.
✅ WinZip
Unzip your TikTok archive easily and browse the files on any device.
✅ EaseUS Backup
Great for scheduling automatic backups of your archive to external drives or other cloud platforms.
🧠 Final Tips Before You Delete TikTok
- ✅ Always back up your data first
- ✅ Use encrypted cloud storage to prevent data loss
- ✅ Make sure you’ve reviewed the full archive before deleting
- ✅ Consider exporting content from other platforms too (like Instagram or YouTube)
📌 Summary
Leaving TikTok doesn’t mean losing your memories. By downloading your data archive first, you stay in control of your digital life – even after your account is gone.
🔘 Download Your TikTok Archive →
🔐 Open it with WinZip and store it securely with pCloud