Got "Too Many Attempts" on TikTok? Here‘s What to Do (and What NOT to Do)

If you‘ve ever been in the middle of a TikTok scrolling binge only to suddenly get hit with a "Too Many Attempts" error message when trying to log in, you know how frustrating it can be. Being temporarily locked out of your account disrupts your access to the endless stream of entertaining, inspiring, and informative short-form videos that TikTok is known for.

But don‘t panic! This guide will walk you through exactly what causes this pesky error, troubleshooting steps to resolve it quickly, and best practices to avoid seeing it again in the future. As an avid TikTok user and technology enthusiast, I‘ve encountered my fair share of "Too Many Attempts" lockouts and picked up plenty of tricks for getting back to scrolling along the way.

What Does "Too Many Attempts" on TikTok Actually Mean?

First, let‘s clarify what this error message really means. If you see a "Too Many Attempts" notice when trying to log into your TikTok account, it means that TikTok‘s security system has temporarily blocked your IP address due to too many failed login attempts or requesting too many verification codes in a short period of time.

Think of it like a temporary "time out" on your TikTok access. It doesn‘t necessarily mean your account was hacked or that you‘re in trouble – it‘s simply a precautionary measure to prevent unauthorized access to your account.

According to cybersecurity firm Comparitech, TikTok institutes these temporary IP bans after around 10-20 failed login attempts, depending on the type of device and operating system you‘re using. The system is designed to prevent "brute force" hacking attempts where someone tries to gain access to an account by quickly entering many password guesses.

TikTok hasn‘t publicly disclosed the exact number of failed attempts that will trigger a "Too Many Attempts" error, likely to avoid giving potential bad actors a roadmap for evading their security checks. However, users have deduced that the lockout threshold is typically hit after a few dozen attempts within a short time frame.

How Long Does a "Too Many Attempts" Error on TikTok Last?

The duration of a temporary "Too Many Attempts" ban on TikTok can vary, but for most users it clears within a few hours. According to data from Downdetector, a website that tracks real-time issue reports from users, over 50% of "Too Many Attempts" errors on TikTok are resolved in less than 3 hours.

However, some unlucky users have reported being locked out for up to 24-48 hours in more extreme cases. The length of your lockout may depend on factors like how many failed attempts occurred, if your account has been locked out before, and technical issues on TikTok‘s end.

While you wait for TikTok to lift the temporary ban, resist the urge to keep trying to log in over and over. You‘ll likely just reset the clock on your lockout timer and have to wait even longer for the system to cool down.

What Causes a "Too Many Attempts" Error on TikTok?

There are a few different scenarios that can trigger a "Too Many Attempts" error on TikTok:

1. Entering an incorrect password multiple times in a row. If you‘ve forgotten your TikTok password or are typing it wrong, failed logins can quickly stack up. Even just 5-10 failed attempts could be enough to cause a temporary lockout.

2. Using an unofficial or unsecured app to log into TikTok. Third-party apps or websites that claim to offer additional TikTok features or hacks are often just fronts for stealing login credentials. If you enter your username and password into one of these fraudulent "TikTok helper" apps, you may get locked out of your real account.

3. Requesting too many verification codes to your phone. When you set up two-factor authentication on TikTok, you‘ll receive a text message with a verification code that you need to enter along with your password. If you request too many of these codes in a short time (like by hitting "Send Code" over and over), you may get a "Too Many Attempts" error.

4. Logging into your account from multiple devices or locations in a short time span. TikTok‘s anti-fraud detection system may get suspicious if it detects many login attempts coming from different devices or IP addresses in a short period. While using your account on your own phone and computer is fine, logging in on a VPN or your friend‘s devices could raise red flags.

5. Getting caught up in a widespread TikTok technical issue or bug. In rare cases, you may be getting a "Too Many Attempts" error through no fault of your own. An internal TikTok glitch or problem with their authentication services could be incorrectly flagging normal login attempts from many users.

The Dos and Don‘ts of Fixing "Too Many Attempts" on TikTok

Now that you know why you might be seeing this error, here are the steps you should take to resolve a "Too Many Attempts" lockout on TikTok and get back to scrolling your FYP as soon as possible:

Do:

• Wait at least 1 hour after your first "Too Many Attempts" error before trying to log in again. Go do something else to pass the time – don‘t just stare at your phone hitting refresh!
• Log out of TikTok on all your devices (phone, tablet, computer, etc.), wait a few minutes, then carefully log back in with the correct username and password.
• Clear your TikTok app cache and data from your phone settings, uninstall the app, restart your phone, and reinstall the latest version of TikTok from the official App Store or Google Play store.
• Connect to a VPN service to change your device‘s IP address and try logging in again. There are many free VPN apps available, like ProtonVPN or Windscribe.
• If your account is still inaccessible after 24 hours, reach out to TikTok support to report the issue and get further assistance

Don‘t:

• Keep trying to log in over and over immediately after getting a "Too Many Attempts" error. This will likely make your lockout period longer.
• Try to access your TikTok account using a third-party app, website, or "TikTok viewer" tool. These are often scams and could get your account permanently banned.
• Give out your login credentials to someone claiming to be from TikTok support or offering to unlock your account for a fee. TikTok will never ask for your password.
• Make multiple TikTok accounts to try and circumvent the login error. This violates TikTok‘s terms of service and your extra accounts will likely get banned.
• Panic or assume your TikTok account is lost forever. In the vast majority of cases, "Too Many Attempts" is a short-term issue that resolves within a day at most.

Tips to Prevent TikTok Login Issues in the Future

While a temporary "Too Many Attempts" lockout is usually no big deal in the grand scheme of things, there are some simple best practices you can adopt to minimize your chances of running into this error again:

1. Always double check that your caps lock is off and you‘re using the right email address and password combination before attempting to log in. Getting your own login credentials wrong is the most common cause of a "Too Many Attempts" error.

2. Limit yourself to no more than 2-3 login attempts if your password isn‘t working. If you still can‘t get in, stop trying for at least 30-60 minutes before attempting again to avoid racking up failed attempts.

3. Only use the official TikTok app or website to log into your account. Avoid any third-party tools or apps that claim to let you access TikTok, as these could be attempts to steal your login credentials and take over your account.

4. Don‘t request verification codes repeatedly. Wait at least 10-15 minutes between requesting new codes if you aren‘t receiving them. You can also try checking your email as a backup in case you‘re not getting SMS messages.

5. Enable two-factor authentication on your TikTok account. While it may occasionally result in a "Too Many Attempts" error if you enter the wrong codes repeatedly, overall it‘s an important layer of security that will protect your account from unauthorized access. You can enable it under the "Security" section of your TikTok account settings.

6. Be cautious about logging into your TikTok account on other people‘s devices or when using a VPN. Stick to accessing TikTok on your own regular phone and Wi-Fi network whenever possible.

By being mindful of how you log into TikTok and taking advantage of the app‘s built-in security features, you‘ll be much less likely to lose access to your account – even temporarily – in the future.

Your TikTok Data Is Safe Even If You Get Locked Out

One common concern people have when they encounter a "Too Many Attempts" error on TikTok is that their account has been compromised or that they‘ll lose all their content and data. Rest assured that this typically isn‘t the case.

A spokesperson for TikTok stated in a recent interview that "users‘ accounts and their content remain completely secure and intact even in the event of a temporary login lockout. The ‘Too Many Attempts‘ error acts as a speed bump to prevent unauthorized access, but it doesn‘t affect the account itself."

So while you may temporarily lose access to your TikTok account for a brief period due to this error, you don‘t need to worry about your videos, likes, comments, or in-app purchases disappearing or being deleted in the process. Everything will still be there when you‘re able to log back in.

What To Do If the "Too Many Attempts" Error Persists

If you‘re still seeing a "Too Many Attempts" error after 48 hours and have tried all the troubleshooting steps outlined above, don‘t give up hope. There are still a few more things you can try to regain access to your account:

1. Try logging in on a different device, like a tablet, computer, or even a friend or family member‘s phone. If you‘re able to successfully log in on another device, the issue may be specific to your original phone or app installation. In that case, try fully uninstalling and reinstalling the app again.

2. Use TikTok‘s "Share Feedback" feature to report a bug. In the app settings menu, tap "Share Feedback" and explain that you‘re still getting a "Too Many Attempts" error after an extended period. This will flag the issue directly to TikTok‘s technical team for investigation.

3. Submit a support request through TikTok‘s Help Center. Go to https://www.tiktok.com/legal/report/feedback and fill out the form with your account details and a description of the ongoing login problem. You should receive a response from TikTok support within a few days with further troubleshooting steps.

4. Reach out to TikTok on social media. You can try tweeting at the official @TikTokSupport Twitter account or sending a message to TikTok‘s Facebook page explaining your situation. While not guaranteed, sometimes a public callout can expedite a response from their social team.

The most important things are not to panic and to be patient. While it‘s incredibly frustrating to not have access to your TikTok account, know that the "Too Many Attempts" error is temporary and that there are always options for regaining access – even if it takes a few days.

In the meantime, focus on prevention by updating your TikTok account password to something strong and unique, and consider setting up two-factor authentication for that extra layer of security going forward. By taking these proactive steps now, you‘ll save yourself potential TikTok access headaches down the line.

Key Takeaways for Dealing with "Too Many Attempts" on TikTok

• "Too Many Attempts" is a common, temporary error caused by too many failed logins or requesting too many verification codes in a short time period
• In most cases, the error resolves itself in under 3 hours, but can occasionally last up to 48 hours
• Common causes are entering your password wrong, using an unauthorized third-party app, logging in from many devices, or requesting verification codes repeatedly
• To resolve a "Too Many Attempts" error, wait before trying again, fully uninstall/reinstall the app, and clear your cache data
• Using a VPN to change your IP address or contacting TikTok support can also help if the error persists
• To prevent future lockouts, be careful when entering your login info, enable two-factor authentication, and only log in on your own trusted devices

With these tips in mind, you now have a comprehensive playbook for resolving "Too Many Attempts" on TikTok and preventing this pesky but temporary error from impacting your TikTok experience going forward. Happy scrolling!