TikTok not working is usually caused by a poor internet connection, a temporary app glitch, corrupted cache data, an outdated app or operating system, or a TikTok server outage. These eleven fixes for iPhone and Android will get you back to scrolling quickly, starting with the most common culprits.
Check your internet if TikTok not working
TikTok needs a stable and fast connection to load videos. If you see a "No internet connection" message or videos won't load, your connection is likely the problem.
- Verify your device is connected to Wi-Fi or has active cellular data. On iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi or Settings > Cellular to check. On Android, go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi or Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to refresh your network connection.
- If you are on Wi-Fi, try restarting your router.
- Disable Data Saver (Android) or Low Data Mode (iOS), as these settings can restrict TikTok's data usage. On Android, go to Settings > Connections > Data Usage > Data saving mode and turn it off. On iOS 13 or later, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and turn off Low Data Mode.
- If you're on a restricted network (like at work or school), switch to mobile data.
- Grant TikTok permission to access your camera and microphone if you're having issues recording audio or video. On Android: Settings > Apps > TikTok > Permissions. On iPhone: Settings > Privacy > Microphone/Camera.
2. Find out if there's a TikTok server outage
If TikTok's servers are down, the app won't work for anyone. You cannot fix this on your end. Search online for "TikTok server status" or visit a site like Downdetector to confirm an outage. If one is detected, simply wait for TikTok to resolve the issue, which can take minutes to hours.
3. Restart your device and force quit TikTok
Minor software glitches on your phone or within the TikTok app can cause it to stop working. Force quitting the app and restarting your device clears these temporary issues.
Force quit TikTok
- Android: Go to Settings > Apps (or Apps & notifications) > TikTok > Force Stop.
- iPhone (Face ID): Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle to open the App Switcher, then swipe up on the TikTok card. iPhone (Touch ID): Double-press the Home button, then swipe up on the TikTok card.
Restart your device
- Android: Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears, then tap Restart. For some Samsung devices, hold Volume Down and the Side button for 7 seconds.
- iPhone (Face ID): Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the "slide to power off" slider appears, then drag it. To force restart, quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. iPhone (Touch ID): Press and hold the Power button until the slider appears, then drag it. After 30 seconds, press and hold the Power button again until the Apple logo appears.
4. Clear the TikTok app cache
Too much cached data can slow down TikTok or cause it to crash. Clearing the cache removes temporary files without deleting your drafts or logging you out. This is a safe first step.
- Open TikTok and tap Profile (bottom-right).
- Tap the three-line menu icon (top-right), then select Settings and privacy.
- Tap Free up space, then tap Clear next to Cache.
Important: On Android, do not use the system-level "Clear data" or "Clear storage" option, as this will reset the app, log you out, and delete on-device drafts. The in-app "Free up space" tool is the correct method.
On iPhone, if TikTok won't open, you can clear the app's cache via Settings > General > iPhone Storage > TikTok > Offload App.
5. Update the TikTok app
App updates include bug fixes and performance improvements. An outdated version of TikTok is a common reason for it not working.
- Android: Open the Google Play Store, tap your account avatar, choose Manage apps & device, then tap Updates available. Find TikTok and tap Update.
- iPhone: Open the Apple App Store, tap your account icon, find TikTok in the list of pending updates, and tap Update.
6. Update your phone's operating system
An outdated OS can cause compatibility issues with apps. Ensure your device is running the latest available version.
- Android: Go to Settings > System > System update.
- iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
7. Uninstall and reinstall TikTok
If other fixes have failed, a complete reinstall removes all app data and provides a fresh start. This resolves deeper app issues that clearing the cache or force quitting cannot.
- Android: Long-press the TikTok app icon, tap Uninstall, then confirm. Reinstall from the Google Play Store.
- iPhone: Long-press the TikTok app icon, tap Remove App > Delete App, then confirm. Reinstall from the Apple App Store.
8. Clear device storage
TikTok is a video-heavy app that requires sufficient storage space to function. Low storage can cause the app to crash or fail to load content.
- Android: Go to Settings > Storage to see which apps and files are using the most space. Delete unnecessary files.
- iPhone: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see a breakdown of storage usage. Delete unused apps or files.
9. Report the problem to TikTok
If you have tried all other fixes and TikTok still isn't working, the issue may be account-specific. Use the in-app reporting tool to contact TikTok support.
- Open TikTok and tap Profile (bottom-right).
- Tap Report a problem, then select a topic or search for your issue. If you cannot find it, tap the feedback icon in the top-right corner to describe the problem.
If you can't log in, tap the '?' icon in the top-right corner of the login screen to go to the 'Report a problem' page and select 'Logging in' to recover your account.
You can also reach out to TikTok's customer support directly through the TikTok Creator Marketplace.
For a comprehensive look at optimizing your experience, consult a TikTok Tips and Settings guide for more advanced configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
A specific list of common errors users encounter, including: TikTok won't open, being unable to log in, videos not loading, app keeps crashing, app won't work after sharing a TikTok, TikTok won't save your videos, being unable to record video or audio, text-to-speech not working, audio and video not syncing, being unable to delete a video, and TikTok won't delete your account.
Will clearing TikTok's cache delete my drafts?
No. Using the in-app "Free up space" tool to clear the cache will not delete your drafts, videos, or log you out. It only removes temporary files that can cause performance issues.
Why can't I log in to my TikTok account?
This is often due to entering an incorrect username or password. Usernames are case-sensitive and should not include an "@" symbol. If auto-fill is incorrect, try typing your details manually. You can also tap the "?" icon on the login screen to recover your account using your username, email, or phone number.
Why is my TikTok video not saving?
This is usually a storage space issue. Ensure your device has enough free space to save the video. It can also be caused by a temporary app glitch, which can often be fixed by force quitting and reopening TikTok.
