TikTok message requests decide who can start a chat with you. This guide explains how requests work, how to send one, where to find, accept or delete them, which settings control them and why you might not see any.
Quick answer: TikTok message requests are messages from people you are not mutual friends with. Find them in Inbox → Message requests, then accept, delete or report. TikTok says you can send only one request until the other person accepts, and you control who can send them in Settings and privacy → Privacy → Direct messages.
Key Takeaways
- Requests come from people who are not mutual friends.
- You can send only one request until it is accepted.
- Find them in Inbox → Message requests, and check Filtered requests.
- Control who can send requests in Privacy → Direct messages.
- Accounts under 16 cannot use direct messages.
What Are TikTok Message Requests?
TikTok message requests are direct messages from people you do not have a mutual-follow connection with. Instead of landing in your main chat list, they wait in a separate area so you can decide whether to talk. This keeps strangers from filling your inbox, and it keeps you from being forced into conversations.
TikTok’s Help Center says direct messages are available to registered accounts aged 16 and over. Requests can come from people you may know (for example, contacts), potential connections such as your followers, and other people on TikTok. Which ones reach you depends on your settings, covered below.
Figure 1. The request flow, based on TikTok’s Help Center.
How to Send a Message Request on TikTok
- Open the person’s profile and tap Message. You can also search for them in your Inbox if you follow them.
- Write your message and send it. Because you are not mutual friends, it goes out as a request.
- Wait for them to accept. TikTok says you can send only one message request until the recipient accepts it.
That last rule matters if you want to reach out with a pitch or a long story. Make the first message count: say who you are and why you are writing. Our guide on how to message someone on TikTok covers the full set of ways to start a chat.
Where to Find TikTok Message Requests
- Open the Inbox tab at the bottom of the app.
- Tap Message requests.
- Pick a request to read it.
- Choose Accept, Delete or Report.
Accepting a request tells the sender in the chat, and you can then message each other normally. Some requests may appear under Filtered requests, which TikTok uses to separate messages that look lower priority or unwanted. If you expect a message and cannot see it, check there.
TikTok Message Request Settings: Who Can Send You Requests
Open Profile → Menu → Settings and privacy → Privacy → Direct messages. According to TikTok’s Help Center, you can set Potential connections and Others on TikTok to Requests or Don’t receive. Business and Organization accounts can also choose Inbox for some groups. Menu names change between app versions, so follow the labels you see.
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Requests | Messages from that group arrive as requests you can accept or delete |
| Don’t receive | Message requests from that group are blocked |
| Safe mode | On by default; filters messages (reported by TikTok in the same settings area) |
| Filtered keywords | Lets you filter messages that contain words you choose |
| Read status | On by default for adults; controls whether people see that you read a chat |
Accounts under 18 have the request setting off by default, and accounts under 16 cannot use direct messages at all. If you cannot get requests, read why you can’t message someone on TikTok.
Why You Are Not Getting Message Requests
- Your setting is Don’t receive for the group the sender belongs to.
- You are under 16, or under 18 with requests off by default.
- The sender is blocked, restricted or banned from sending messages.
- The request went to Filtered requests.
- On a private account, people need to follow you before they can send a request, according to TikTok.
Staying Safe With Message Requests
- Do not click links from strangers, especially “verification” or “giveaway” messages.
- Never share passwords or one-time codes. TikTok will not ask for them in a DM.
- Use Report on spam, scams and harassment, and Block repeat senders. See how to block someone on TikTok.
- Turn requests off if you do not want messages from people you do not know.
TikTok Message Requests for Creators and Brands
If you work with brands, requests are where deals and questions often arrive. Check Message requests daily, reply from your own account and keep partnership talks off random links. Creators who want a smoother workflow can look at TikTok DM automation for what is allowed. The same idea exists on Instagram, where Instagram message requests work in a similar way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are TikTok message requests?
Messages from people who are not mutual friends. They wait in a separate Message requests area until you accept, delete or report them.
How many message requests can I send on TikTok?
TikTok’s Help Center says you can send only one message request until the recipient accepts it.
Where are TikTok message requests?
Open Inbox and tap Message requests. Some may appear under Filtered requests.
Can the sender see if I read a request?
Read status is on by default for adults and can be changed in Privacy → Direct messages, but check the setting in your app for the current behavior.
Why can’t I see message requests on TikTok?
Your setting may be Don’t receive, you may be under the age limit, or the request may be in Filtered requests.
Can under-16 users get TikTok message requests?
No. TikTok says direct messages are only for accounts aged 16 and over.
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