You may wonder why Tiktok is asking for your iPhone passcode to use the app. While this isn’t unusual if you’re logging into an app, it’s rare that it randomly pops up. Given TikTok’s poor reputation, this is a huge red flag for users, but is it really a big deal? We’ll examine why TikTok may be asking for a passcode and whether or not you should enter it below.
Why does TikTok want me to enter my iPhone passcode?
As of writing, there’s no definitive reason why TikTok is asking for some users’ passcodes. It’s not behavior that the app has shown before, and those affected say it happens as soon as they open it, so it’s not in response to any user actions. So far, ByteDance, which publishes the app outside of China, has yet to comment on the issue.
However, we can make a few educated guesses as to what’s causing TikTok to ask for your iPhone passcode:
- A simple bug
- Restricted Mode is on
- The app needs to be updated or reinstalled
A simple bug
The most likely reason that TikTok is asking for your iPhone passcode is because it’s bugged. If this is the case, you may be able to bypass the password screen if “cancel” appears on the screen. Alternatively, you can try to close and then open the app to see if the passcode screen reappears.
Restricted Mode is on
The TikTok app allows you to turn on Restricted Mode to prevent users from seeing sensitive content. To turn it off, you must enter your passcode. This is the one place in the app where you can count on it asking for your passcode every time.
The app needs to be updated or reinstalled
If you’re behind a few versions, you might need to update TikTok before it functions properly. Alternatively, you can delete and reinstall the app to see if that helps.
Should I give TikTok my iPhone passcode?
No, you shouldn’t give TikTok your iPhone passcode. It’s possible that someone could be using a vulnerability in the app’s code to gain entry to your device. If they obtain your passcode, they could gain access to your entire iPhone and steal your personal data.
For now, your best bet is to update iOS and TikTok to their latest version. If the app asks for your passcode, try to skip past the prompt by pressing “cancel.” If the option to do so doesn’t appear, it might be best to view TikTok via the web browser until the issue is fixed.
