If you’ve switched devices, you may be wondering: how do you get TikTok drafts on a new phone? TikTok drafts are stored locally on the device where they were created, not on TikTok’s servers. This means they don’t automatically transfer when you log into your account on a new phone.
While there isn’t a direct way to sync drafts between devices, there are a few methods you can use to keep your content before switching phones. This guide explains what happens to TikTok drafts, how to transfer them if possible, and what to do if they’re missing.
Can You Get TikTok Drafts on a New Phone?
Generally, no.
TikTok drafts are saved on your device’s local storage rather than in your TikTok account. Simply signing in on a new phone won’t make your drafts appear.
If you no longer have access to your old phone, drafts that weren’t backed up or posted are usually not recoverable.
How to Transfer TikTok Drafts Before Switching Phones
If you still have your old phone, you can save your drafts before moving to a new device.
Option 1: Save Draft Videos to Your Phone
For drafts that allow saving:
- Open the TikTok app on your old phone.
- Go to Profile.
- Tap the Drafts folder.
- Open a draft.
- If available, save the video to your device.
- Transfer the saved video to your new phone using cloud storage, AirDrop, Quick Share, or another file-sharing method.
You can then upload and edit the video again on your new phone.
Option 2: Post the Draft as a Private Video
If saving isn’t available:
- Open the draft.
- Tap Next.
- Set Who can watch this video to Only you.
- Post the video.
- On your new phone, log into the same TikTok account.
- Download or edit the private video if needed.
Keep in mind that once you post a draft, it becomes a video and is no longer a draft.
What If You’ve Already Switched Phones?
If you’ve already moved to a new device:
- Log in to your TikTok account.
- Check your profile for any videos you previously posted privately.
- If your drafts don’t appear, they were likely stored only on your old phone.
Unfortunately, TikTok doesn’t provide a cloud backup for drafts.
Can You Recover Lost TikTok Drafts?
In most cases, no.
Drafts are usually lost if:
- Your old phone was reset.
- The TikTok app was deleted before backing up drafts.
- You switched devices without saving your drafts.
- Your phone was damaged or lost.
If you still have your old device and haven’t deleted the TikTok app, your drafts may still be available there.
Tips for Protecting Your TikTok Drafts
Save Important Videos
Export drafts to your device before replacing or resetting your phone.
Use Private Posts for Backups
Posting a video with the privacy setting Only you creates a backup in your TikTok account.
Avoid Deleting the App
Uninstalling TikTok typically removes drafts stored on your device.
Transfer Content Before Resetting Your Phone
Always check your drafts before erasing or trading in your old device.
ALSO READ: How to get rid of TikTok LIVEs
