How to Recover Deleted TikTok Videos (2026 Guide)

Introduction

Losing a TikTok video can be frustrating, especially if it had strong
engagement. This 2026 guide explains how to recover deleted TikTok
videos, including drafts, published posts, banned content, and account
recovery options.

Can You Recover Deleted TikTok Videos?

Recovery depends on the situation:

• Deleted drafts
• Deleted published videos
• Removed for policy violations
• Account suspended or banned

In most cases, manually deleted videos cannot be restored unless you
have a backup.

Recover Deleted TikTok Drafts

Important

Drafts are stored locally on your device, not on TikTok servers.

If you:

• Deleted the app
• Logged out
• Switched devices
• Cleared app data

Your drafts are permanently removed.

What You Can Do

• Check your phone gallery
• Check “Recently Deleted” folder
• Check iCloud or Google Photos backup

Always enable “Save to device” to prevent future loss.

Recover Deleted Published TikTok Videos

If you deleted a published video manually, TikTok does not offer a
restore button.

Method 1: Check Your Device

If “Save to device” was enabled, open your gallery and search for the
video file.

Method 2: Request TikTok Data

1. Go to Settings & Privacy
2. Tap Account
3. Select Download your data
4. Request a TXT or JSON file

In some cases, uploaded media may appear in your archive.

Recover Videos Removed for Violations

If TikTok removed your video for violating guidelines:

• Open the notification
• Tap Appeal

If approved, the video will be restored. If denied, recovery is not
possible.

Recover Videos After Account Ban

If your account was suspended:

• Submit an appeal through the app
• Contact TikTok support

If the account is reinstated, your videos usually return.

How to Prevent Losing TikTok Videos

• Enable “Save to device”
• Back up to cloud storage
• Keep original video files
• Archive high-performing posts
• Maintain a structured content folder

Prevention is the only guaranteed way to protect your TikTok content.

FAQ

Can TikTok restore deleted videos?

No. If you deleted them manually, TikTok cannot restore them unless you
have a backup.

How long does TikTok store deleted content?

TikTok does not publicly confirm a retention period for deleted videos.

Can I recover a video deleted months ago?

Only if you saved it locally, backed it up to cloud storage, or
successfully restored a banned account.