How to Unsend a TikTok (& What to Do If You Can't)

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Did you accidentally DM someone on TikTok? Here's what to do

Co-authored by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: September 2, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Unsending a TikTok
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• Stop Accidentally Sharing TikToks
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• Troubleshooting
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• Video

|Show more |Show less

Whether you've accidentally sent someone a video or have sent a message you now regret, it's super easy to unsend on TikTok. Many TikTokers are able to unsend messages for up to 1 hour after sending, though TikTok's website currently says the feature is only available for 3 minutes. In this guide, we'll show you how to unsend a TikTok video or message on your Android, iPhone, or iPad. We'll also help you troubleshoot and fix issues with not being able to unsend, and explain why it's so easy to accidentally send TikToks to people.

How to Unsend a TikTok

If you accidentally sent a TikTok video or message, you can unsend it if it's been less than 1 hour since you sent it (although TikTok's website currently says you only have 3 minutes—it seems to vary by user, sparking confusion online). To unsend, open the Inbox, tap and hold the message until the menu appears, and tap Unsend. If you don't see the option, tap Delete for Everyone instead.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

How to Unsend a TikTok Video or Message

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1. 
   1
   Open your TikTok Inbox. To do so, tap the Inbox icon (a squared-off speech bubble icon) at the bottom of the TikTok app.

   • TikTok seems to show different "Unsend" and "Delete" options to different users. Most TikTokers are able to unsend a video or message for up to 1 hour after sending, but others will only have the option for 3 minutes.
   • The person you sent the TikTok to will be able to see that you've unsent a message.
2. 
   2
   Tap the chat containing the message or video you want to unsend. This opens the conversation.
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3. 
   3
   Long-press the message or video you want to unsend. A menu will expand.
4. 
   4
   Tap Unsend or Delete for Everyone. The option you see varies by device and account, but you will see one of these 2 options as long as it's been fewer than 3 minutes (or 1 hour for some people) since sending it.

   • After you unsend the message, the person you sent it to will still see that you've sent them something and then unsent or deleted it.
   • Having trouble unsending on TikTok? Jump to our troubleshooting guide.
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Section 2 of 3:

Why do I keep accidentally sharing TikToks?

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1. 
   If you keep sending people TikToks by accident, you're not alone! In this TikTok by @ladynadiaessex, there are more than 2000 comments from people who are furious (and embarrassed!) about accidentally sending TikToks to people they do and do not know. The problem seems to be that when you tap a video's caption to read it, then tap More to try to get it all onto the screen at once, a Share with (person) option pops up, and it's really easy to tap that by accident. And to make matters worse, the person TikTok suggests often seems random, and sending them a video you may not even like could be extra awkward. Unfortunately, there's no foolproof way to stop accidentally sending TikToks other than to make sure you're not tapping or scrolling too fast and unsending them as needed.

Section 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

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1. 
   1
   I don't have the "Unsend" option. If you don't see "Unsend" when you press and hold a sent message or video, look for a Delete for Everyone option. If you don't see either of these options, it's either been too long since you sent the message, or the feature isn't available on your account.

   • Make sure to keep the TikTok app up to date on your Android or iPhone to ensure you always have the latest features.
2. 
   2
   I only see "Delete for me" and it's been less than 1 hour. Some TikTokers still only see the "Unsend" or "Delete for Everyone" option for 3 minutes after sending. If you don't see either of these options, your account may still only be able to unsend for 3 minutes after sending.
3. 
   3
   I really need to unsend, but TikTok won't let me. If you can't unsend a TikTok and really don't want the person to see it, the best option is to block their account. Just keep in mind that it's possible they've already read the message.
4. 
   4
   I unsent a message, but the other person can still see it. Some TikTokers have found that the Unsend option can be unreliable and may still show the recipient the message after unsending, as noted in this TikTok by @ambermk1993. It's hard to tell how common this issue is, but it may just be because both you and the recipient have "Read status" turned off, and they've already viewed the message.

   • Not sure whether people can see when you watch their TikToks or view their profile? Check out our guide to TikTok profile and video view history.
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