TikTok, like many social media platforms, comes with a feature known as “Activity Status.” This feature allows your followers and friends to see when you’re active on the app. While it can be useful for staying connected, not everyone wants others to know when they’re online. Fortunately, TikTok gives users the option to turn off this feature easily. If you’re looking to maintain your privacy or simply reduce social pressure, here’s a detailed guide on how to turn off activity status on TikTok using your Android or iOS device.
What Is Activity Status on TikTok?
TikTok’s activity status shows your mutual followers or friends when you were last active on the platform. You might see indicators like “Active now” or “Active 10 minutes ago” below a user’s name. Similarly, others will be able to see the same information about you if your activity status is turned on.
It’s important to note:
- Only people you follow and who follow you back can see your activity status.
- If you turn off your own activity status, you won’t be able to see others’ activity statuses either.
Step-by-Step: How to Turn Off Activity Status
Here’s how to disable your activity status on TikTok:
Step 1: Open the TikTok App
Launch the TikTok app on your smartphone and log in if you haven’t already.
Step 2: Go to Your Profile
Tap the profile icon at the bottom right corner of the screen. This will take you to your profile page.
Step 3: Access the Menu
Tap the three-line menu (☰) at the top right corner of your profile page.
On some devices, this might appear as three dots (•••).
Step 4: Select “Settings and Privacy”
From the menu that appears, tap Settings and privacy to open your account options.
Step 5: Tap “Privacy”
Scroll down and tap Privacy. This section manages all your privacy preferences on TikTok.
Step 6: Find and Tap “Activity Status”
Under the Privacy section, look for Activity Status and tap on it. This is where you can manage whether people can see when you’re active.
Step 7: Turn Off Activity Status
You’ll see a toggle switch labeled “Show activity status.”
Switch it off (the toggle will turn grey). This will immediately disable your activity visibility to others.
What Happens When You Turn Off Activity Status?
- Your mutual followers will no longer see when you’re online or when you were last active.
- In turn, you will also be unable to see their activity status.
- You can turn this feature back on at any time by following the same steps and switching the toggle back to “on.”
Why You Might Want to Turn It Off
There are several reasons TikTok users choose to disable activity status:
- Privacy: You may not want people knowing your online habits or how often you’re active on the app.
- Avoiding Pressure: If you prefer to browse content without responding to messages immediately, disabling activity status relieves you of the social expectation to reply.
- Focus and Productivity: Reducing real-time social visibility helps some users manage screen time and avoid distractions.
Also Read: How to Add Captions to TikTok
