Have you ever wondered does TikTok automatically access the home Wi-Fi network on your iOS and Android device or if you must do this manually each time?
TikTok does access your home Wi-Fi network whenever you enable the internet connection on your device. It needs this access to download and upload your videos, send and receive messages on the platform, track your location or online activities, and monitor your browsing history to provide personalized ads.
In this article, we’ll explore does TikTok access the home Wi-Fi network. We’ll also answer other related queries to provide everything you need to know about your online privacy.
Does TikTok have access to my home WIFI network?
TikTok does have access to your home Wi-Fi network, but only when you enable the internet connection through your device settings. The platform needs access for several reasons, such as:
- Download and upload videos.
- To track your location.
- Send and receive messages.
- Access your device’s storage or other necessary information when needed.
- Monitor your browsing history to provide you with personalized ads.
While TikTok assures users that it solely utilizes this data to enhance their platform experience, some people are concerned about its privacy implications.
However, you can protect your privacy on the app with these solutions:
Disable the Location Services
You can disable the location services on your iOS or Android device and prevent TikTok from tracking your movements. To do this:
iOS:
- Open “Settings.”
- Tap “Privacy.”
- Tap “Location Services.”
- Toggle off the button next to “Location Services.”
You can also select “TikTok” from the app’s list and configure the location settings to “Never” to prevent the app from accessing your location.
Android:
- Open “Settings.”
- Tap “Location.”
- Toggle off the switch next to “Access My Location.”
Be Careful Of What You Share On TikTok
Like any other social media platform, you must be careful of what you share on your TikTok account. For example, avoid sharing personal information, such as your home address, email, bank details, or phone number.
You should also be careful about what videos you post, as others may see them.
Use a VPN Service
VPN services encrypt your traffic, making it more difficult for TikTok to access or track your online activities. So, install a VPN app on your device and connect it whenever you use TikTok.
Clear Browsing History
TikTok can monitor your browsing history and interests on other social media platforms for personalized ads or to sell your data to third-party services.
This compromises your privacy, so make sure to clear your browsing history more often and disable the following options in the TikTok app:
- Profile view history.
- Storage permission.
- Additional permissions.
Does TikTok use a lot of Wi-Fi?
Since TikTok allows live streaming and lets you play and search audio/video content that requires a lot of Wi-Fi bandwidth and data.
The app uses an average of 840 MB per hour on cellular data and 1440 MB when accessing and using your home Wi-Fi network. However, this can vary depending on your device settings and network speed.
If you want to reduce your Wi-Fi usage on TikTok, you can try some of these tips:
- Limit your TikTok screen time within the app or on your iOS/Android device.
- Download videos to watch offline.
- Enable the Wi-Fi Data Saver or Low Data Mode on your iOS or Android device.
Why does TikTok need access to nearby devices?
The TikTok app on iOS or Android devices does not need access to nearby devices on the same home Wi-Fi network for any of its core features. However, Apple security reveals the opposite that is true for all devices using the TikTok app.
When you install the app on your iOS 14 or higher, you get a TikTok prompt to allow it to connect to other devices on the local network. When you select “Allow,” this means TikTok does access nearby devices on the home Wi-Fi network.
Another attestation to this fact was when a Republican Congressman asked whether the app can access nearby devices on the home Wi-Fi network, TikTok CEO Shou Chew replied that the platform does nothing beyond the industry standards. But why?
TikTok access nearby devices only to scan the local network for other IP addresses and obtain information from them. This could be for data collection, targeted advertising, or movement tracking.
NOTE: TikTok app can work perfectly well when you say “Don’t Allow” to the Apple security prompt to allow access to nearby devices on your home Wi-Fi network.
How do I block TikTok from my home Wi-Fi?
If you want to block TikTok from accessing your home Wi-Fi network, try the following 3 solutions.
Through OpenDNS
OpenDNS is a free Domain Name System Manager which allows you to set a filter on any online platform based on its IP address or Domain name.
You can use the service to block TikTok from your home Wi-Fi network with these steps:
- Launch a browser and enter your router’s IP address in the search bar.
- Sign in to your router’s dashboard using the credentials.
- Click “DNS or DNS settings.”
- Switch the DNS settings to Manual.
- Enter “208.67.222.222” in the DNS1 field and “208.67.220.220” in the DNS2 field of the IPv4 protocol.
- Click “Save Changes” and restart your Wi-Fi router.
- Now, go to the “OpenDNS” website and create an account.
- Afterward, sign in to your OpenDNS account and head to the “Settings” tab.
- Click “Add This Network” and rename it.
- Click “IP address” mentioned under Your Networks.
- Add the following TikTok domains in the “Manage Individual Domains” and set it to “Always Block.”
- Click “Confirm,” and TikTok will now never access your home Wi-Fi network.
Directly on the Router
You can also directly block TikTok in your router’s settings and prevent it from accessing your home Wi-Fi network. To do this:
Netgear Router:
- Login to your Netgear router’s admin page.
- Go to “Advanced Settings.”
- Click “Web Filters.”
- Click “Block Site.”
- Select “Always” under Keyword Blocking.
- Enter the TikTok domain “www.tiktok.com” in the “Type Keyword or Domain Name Here” field.
- Click “Apply.”
D-Link Router:
- Sign in to your router’s admin page.
- Click “Security.”
- Click “Firewall.”
- Choose “Enable Firewall (the general firewall switch).”
- Click “Enable Domain Filtering.”
- Click “Save.”
- Go to “Security.”
- Select “Domain Filtering.”
- Click “Add New.”
- Enter the “Effective Time.”
- Enter the TikTok domain name “www.tiktok.com” in the “Domain Name” bar.
- Select “Enabled” from the Status drop-down menu.
- Click “Save.”
NOTE: The steps to block or filter your router’s TikTok domain/IP address might differ based on its make and model.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored does TikTok access the home Wi-Fi network on your devices. We’ve also answered why the app needs access to nearby devices and how to block it from your home Wi-Fi.
Hopefully, you now better understand TikTok’s access to the network and the steps you can take to control it.