How to get direct messages on TikTok

Direct Messages (DMs) on TikTok allow you to chat privately, share videos, send voice notes, and images with other users. If you can’t send or receive DMs, it’s usually a settings, age, or account issue — but it can be fixed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to turning on DMs, managing who can message you, troubleshooting problems, and staying safe.

TikTok restricts who can send and receive messages based on age and privacy settings. Users under 13 cannot use DMs, while accounts between 13–15 have limited access. Users aged 16 and older can use DMs freely, with options to limit messages to friends or followers. TikTok also gradually introduces new messaging features such as group chats, voice memos, and multiple photo/video messages depending on your region.

Step 1: Check Your Account Age

Go to your Profile and open Settings and privacy.
Check your birthdate. Users under 13 cannot use DMs, and those aged 13–15 have limited access.
If your age is incorrect, follow TikTok’s account help process to update it.

Accounts 16 or older are eligible for DMs, and 18+ accounts gain access to advanced features.

Step 2: Enable Direct Messages in Privacy Settings

Tap your Profile then Settings and privacy.
Go to Privacy → Direct messages.
Choose who can send you messages: Friends (mutual followers), Everyone, or Don’t receive to block new messages.

You can also enable or disable Read receipts in the same menu.

Step 3: Manage Message Requests and Filters

Unknown users’ messages go to Message Requests, where you can accept or decline. You can also activate Safe mode or set filtered keywords to hide messages containing certain words.

Step 4: How to Send a DM

Tap Inbox → Chat, or visit a user’s profile and tap the message icon.
Select a user allowed by your settings.
Type your message, attach photos/videos, or send a voice note, then hit send.

Newer TikTok updates allow multiple attachments and longer voice notes for eligible accounts.

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Troubleshooting DMs Not Showing or Working

Try these fixes:

Update TikTok to the latest version.
Confirm your age and region eligibility.
Ensure your Direct Messages setting is not set to “Don’t receive.”
Clear the app cache: Profile → Settings and privacy → Free up space → Clear cache.
Reinstall the app and restart your device.
Check if your account has any restrictions or strikes.
Try logging in from another device.
If none of these work, report the problem through TikTok support with screenshots.