What is restricted mode on TikTok & how do you switch it off?

Georgina Smith
Phone with TikTok logo on it

TikTok users sometimes report their accounts are not able to show certain types of videos as they have been switched to restricted mode.

TikTok has a huge number of users who check the app every day to keep up with new trends and follow the lives of their favorite creators.

Many of these users are young teens, and to help protect them against certain types of content on the app, TikTok introduced ‘restricted mode.’

Restricted mode filters content

On their website, TikTok explains: “Restricted Mode is an option at the account settings level that limits the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for all audiences.

It can also be used for anyone who wants to filter out certain types of content on the app. It can be turned on via the settings. To switch it on and off, you’ll need to enter a passcode, which allows parents to set up the filter for their child.

How to switch off restricted mode on TikTok

Some users have reported that their accounts had suddenly and possibly incorrectly been switched to restricted mode.

How to use restricted mode on TikTok
It’s an easy process to use restricted mode on TikTok

If you want to disable restricted mode, do as follows:

  1. Open TikTok.
  2. Go to your profile page.
  3. Tap the three lines at the top, then click ‘Settings and privacy.’
  4. Scroll down, and click ‘Content preferences.’
  5. Select ‘Restricted mode,’ and use a passcode to turn it off.

However, as some people appear to have been affected by a glitch, it means they don’t know the passcode that allows them to turn off restricted mode.

If your account has suddenly been switched to restricted mode and you are unable to turn it off, you can contact TikTok about the issue via their official support account on Twitter.

If you want to learn more about how to use TikTok, check out our other guides including the best time to post on TikTok for more views and likes and how to repost something on TikTok.