To verify your TikTok account for security, go to Settings and Privacy → Account → User Information and confirm your email or phone number.
To apply for the official Verified Badge (blue checkmark), navigate to Settings and Privacy → Account → Verification and submit your required documentation for TikTok’s manual review.
Types of TikTok Verification
This guide covers both essential verification processes. If you are looking only to secure your account, focus on the first type. If you are a public figure seeking authenticity, the Verified Badge is your goal. In 2026, TikTok distinguishes between these two levels of verification:
- Account Verification (Basic): This involves confirming that you own the email or phone number linked to the account. It is essential for security and unlocking features like Direct Messaging.
- Verified Badge (Professional): This is the official blue checkmark displayed next to a username. It is reserved for notable figures, brands, and organizations to prove their authenticity.
How to Verify Your Email or Phone Number
Before you can apply for a badge or secure your account, you must complete basic verification. This ensures you can recover your account if you are ever locked out.
- Go to your Profile and tap the three-line menu in the top right.
- Select Settings and Privacy, then tap Account.
- Tap User Information.
- Select your Phone Number or Email.
- A 6-digit verification code (OTP) will be sent. Enter this code within the app to confirm ownership.
If you are just starting, ensure you follow the correct steps to sign up with your phone number or verify your identity using your email address during the initial setup.
How to Get the TikTok Verified Badge
The “blue check” is not something you can buy; it must be earned through a manual review process. Even if you are not widely known yet, understanding these criteria helps you build your profile in the right direction for future eligibility:
- Authentic: You must represent a real person, business, or entity.
- Unique: Only one account per person or business can be verified.
- Complete: Your profile must be public and include a profile photo, a completed bio, and at least one posted video. Before applying, make sure you complete your profile with a compelling bio to increase your chances.
- Notable: You must appear in multiple organic news sources. TikTok does not consider paid or promotional content as valid sources.
Steps to Apply:
- Navigate to Settings and Privacy > Account > Verification.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to select your account type (Personal or Institutional).
- Upload a clear photo of your government-issued ID (or legal documents for brands).
- Submit links to 3-5 news articles or social media profiles that prove your public interest.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once submitted, the TikTok team manually reviews your application. This process usually takes up to 30 days. You will receive a notification in your “Inbox” informing you of the decision.
If your request is denied, you can re-apply after 30 days. Use this time to grow your presence and gain more media coverage to strengthen your next application.
How to Keep Your Account Secure
Verification is a great way to build trust, but it is only the first layer of protection. To truly safeguard your account from hackers and unauthorized access, you should enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) immediately. This ensures that even if someone knows your password, they cannot access your verified profile without your secondary device.
TopQLearn Editorial Team
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