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?
Below, we’ll reveal the answer to your query and also discuss other related questions to provide everything you need to know about your online privacy.
Does TikTok have access to my home Wi-Fi 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 on Your Device
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 this history 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 internet connection. However, this can vary depending on your device settings and network speed.
If you want to reduce your internet connection 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 does not need access to nearby devices on the same internet for any of its core features. However, Apple security reveals the opposite that is true for all devices using the 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 the platform does access nearby devices on the home connection.
Another attestation to this fact was when a Republican Congressman asked whether the app can access nearby devices on the network connection, TikTok CEO Shou Chew replied that the platform does nothing beyond the industry standards. But why?
TikTok accesses 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: The TikTok app can work perfectly well when you say “Don’t Allow” to the Apple security prompt to allow permission to nearby devices on your Wi-Fi.
How do I block TikTok from my home Wi-Fi?
Through OpenDNS
- 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 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 that should do the trick.
Directly on the Router
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 whether TikTok accesses 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 internet connection.
Hopefully, you now better understand TikTok’s access to the network and the steps you can take to control it.
