How to Recover a Hacked TikTok or X Account
How to get a hacked TikTok or X (formerly Twitter) account back through official support, what to check once you are in, and the settings that stop it happening again.
TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) accounts are valuable to hackers, especially ones with followers. Taken accounts are used for crypto scams, fake giveaways and spreading links, or sold. Here is how to get yours back through official routes and protect it afterwards.
Recovering a TikTok account
- Try resetting your password from the login screen, using your phone number or email.
- Check your email for messages from TikTok about changed details, which may help you reverse changes.
- Use TikTok's support routes for hacked accounts: the login help options in the app and TikTok's support pages. Provide details that prove the account is yours.
- Once back in: change your password, turn on two-step verification, check your email and phone number, and review devices that are logged in.
Recovering an X account
- Try a password reset from the login page.
- Look for an email from X about changes to your account, which may let you secure it.
- Use X's Help Center for hacked or compromised accounts, including its support form, if you cannot get back in.
- Once back in: change your password, turn on two-factor authentication, review connected apps and sessions, and delete posts the hacker made.
Only use official routes. Type the platform's address yourself or use its app. "Recovery agents" in replies and messages are scams. See official vs fake recovery.
After recovery: settings to check
- Two-step verification with an authenticator app or passkey where offered.
- Email and phone on the account are yours.
- Connected apps and third-party access. See connected apps.
- Login alerts turned on. See login alerts on social media.
- Bio, links, profile picture and pinned posts restored.
Warn your followers
Post that you were hacked and that any crypto, giveaway or investment posts or messages from the account were not from you. See warning friends after a hack.
How these accounts get hacked
- Fake "copyright strike", "verification" or "brand deal" messages.
- Reused passwords leaked in breaches.
- SIM swaps that intercept text codes. See SIM swap fraud.
- Malicious links in direct messages.
Got a message about a "violation" or "verification"? Paste it into CyberWatch AI Scan for a free check.
For more on account takeover and recovery, read our guide to account takeover and identity protection.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I report a hacked TikTok account?
Use the login help options in the TikTok app, and TikTok's support pages for hacked accounts. You can also report a problem from inside the app if you can still access it.
Where do I report a hacked X account?
Use the password reset and login help options on X, and X's Help Center, which has guidance and a support form for compromised accounts.
Someone offered to recover my account for a fee. Should I accept?
No. These offers are almost always scams. Only the platform can restore your account.
Sources
- My account has been hacked, TikTok Support
- Account safety, TikTok Support
- How To Recover Your Hacked Email or Social Media Account, US Federal Trade Commission
