TikTok Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

Are you trying to record a TikTok video or looking to spend a few hours mindlessly scrolling through your FYP, just to realize that TikTok isn’t working? If so, we’ve compiled a list of troubleshooting solutions to help you get TikTok back up and running.

1. Check if TikTok Is Down

If you’re unable to log into your TikTok account or videos fail to load, there’s a good chance that TikTok’s servers are simply down or under maintenance in your region or worldwide.

You can check whether this is the case by heading to Downdetector’s TikTok status page. The website will allow you to check if users in your region have reported similar issues.

Unfortunately, there’s not anything you can do in this situation besides wait patiently. However, it’s a good idea to rule out this possibility before trying other fixes.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

If TikTok’s servers seem to be up and working, TikTok may not be working on your end due to a weak internet connection. In these situations, it’s best to visit a website that allows you to test your internet speed like TestMy.net.

If the results indicate your internet is at fault, you can try to restart your router or contact your ISP to fix an unstable Wi-Fi connection. In case you’re unable to connect to Wi-Fi, you can connect to mobile data instead.

3. Clear TikTok’s Cache

To enhance the user experience, most social media apps use cached data, and TikTok is no exception. If you’ve noticed that TikTok seems to be glitching a lot despite having no issues with your internet connection or the TikTok app won’t launch entirely, it’s worth clearing TikTok’s cache.

Doing so essentially deletes all temporary files and data that TikTok stored on the app. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open TikTok and tap profile in the bottom right corner of the screen to go to your TikTok account.
2. Tap the three-line icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Select Settings and privacy.
4. Now, tap Free up space under Cache & Cellular.
5. Finally, select Clear next to Cache. Tap Clear once again to confirm your decision.

4. Force Stop TikTok

If you’ve noticed that TikTok is stuck on a particular page or video, or the app is unresponsive, try force-stopping it.

If you use an Android device, here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to your device’s Settings app.
2. Tap Apps and scroll through the list until you find TikTok. Alternatively, you can also use the search tool to locate TikTok.
3. Tap Force Stop in the bottom right corner of the screen.
4. Hit OK.

While you can force-stop apps on Android via the Settings app on your device, the only way to force start an unresponsive or frozen app on iOS is to close the app on your iPhone, wait a few seconds, and open it again.

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or double-tap your Home button until the App Switcher appears. Keep swiping left to right until you find TikTok, then swipe up on its preview to close it. Now, wait for a few seconds and launch it again to see if the issue persists.

5. Check TikTok’s Age Restrictions

If you’re under the age of 13 and can’t comment on a TikTok video, we have some bad news for you. TikTok has additional safety and privacy protections and restricts users under the age of 13 from commenting on other user’s content, sharing their videos, and messaging people on TikTok.

According to TikTok’s Guardian’s Guide, the platform offers a curated, view-only experience for users under the age of 13.

According to TikTok’s teen privacy and safety settings page, if you’re between the ages of 13 and 15, your account is set to private by default. Direct messaging isn’t available and no one can create stickers with your videos.

Additionally, only your friends can comment on your videos and Stories. Others can’t download your TikTok videos and no one can Duet with your videos. So, if you fall under this age bracket, the app has purposefully limited certain features.

6. Use a VPN to Circumvent Geo Restrictions

A few countries, including India, have implemented a TikTok ban. There have also been temporary bans in places like Pakistan and Indonesia. It’s a good idea to check which countries TikTok is banned in and determine whether your country is included.

If TikTok is banned where you live, you may find yourself staring at a blank FYP (For You Page) for a while, just for no videos to appear at all. In these cases, your best bet is using a VPN to access TikTok. A VPN can help you access geo-blocked services.

Fortunately, there are plenty of free mobile VPNs that you can use to access TikTok. Once you’ve installed your VPN app of choice, you need to set it up. While the process is the same for other VPN services, we’ll be using SurfShark for this example.

Here’s how to use Surfshark to browse TikTok:

1. Begin by launching the VPN app and creating an account or logging in by entering your account’s credentials.
2. Now, the VPN app will guide you through the initial setup process. Depending on your VPN provider and whether you’re on a free or paid plan, you’ll be prompted to choose a region. You can also tap Quick-connect, and you’ll be connected to the fastest server available.
3. The app will now notify you that it requires your permission to connect to the VPN and install a new VPN profile. Tap Allow and enter your device’s password.

Now, simply head to your VPN app and turn it on. Make sure to pick a region where TikTok isn’t banned, and you should be able to use it with ease!

7. Enable TikTok’s App Permissions

Like all apps, TikTok also requires permission to use your camera, microphone, and access your device’s storage. Typically, you’re prompted to grant access to your device’s camera and microphone when you first download and launch the application.

So, if you’re unable to make a TikTok video or your TikToks are missing sound, chances are that you unknowingly denied TikTok permission to access your camera or microphone. If this is the case, fixing it should only take you a couple of seconds.

If you own an Android device, head to your device’s Settings app and go to the Apps section of your device’s settings.

Browse through the list of apps until you find TikTok and select Permissions. Then make sure TikTok has permission to access your device’s camera and microphone.

If you have an iOS device, launch the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Privacy & Security. Begin by tapping Camera and checking if the toggle next to TikTok is enabled.

Similarly, go back to the previous page and tap Microphone to check if the toggle next to TikTok is enabled.

Other Fixes to Try to Fix TikTok

If none of the above fixes have worked, you can try some general troubleshooting tips to fix issues with TikTok.

• Update TikTok: It’s possible that TikTok may not be working due to an issue on TikTok’s end. Fortunately, TikTok frequently rolls out new software updates to resolve well-known bugs. It’s worth checking whether a new update is available.
• Restart your phone: There’s always a chance that TikTok is simply not working due to a software glitch on your end. As restarting your device tends to get rid of most software issues, there’s no harm in trying.
• Log out and log in again: If nothing seems to work, try logging out of your TikTok account, waiting a few seconds, and logging back in.

If you’re still unable to use TikTok even after trying all the troubleshooting methods we’ve listed above, wait it out, or report the problem to TikTok Support.