TikTok not working? Here’s how to fix it (Updated: Fresh outage)

Update: January 15, 2024 (12:43 AM ET): It seems TikTok is experiencing issues right now. Reports on DownDetector suggest the platform is not loading for many users. People are also unable to post or search for anything on the app. Reports about the outage are also popping up all over X (formerly Twitter).

Original article: From app crashes to video upload errors, TikTok issues can be frustrating when they interrupt the fun. If you are experiencing problems with the TikTok app, try these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue. Here’s how to fix TikTok when it’s not working so you can get back to enjoying the app.

Editor’s note: We used a Google Pixel 7 running Android 14 and an Apple iPhone 12 Mini running iOS 17.1. Some steps and menus may look different depending on your device and software version.

Is your internet down?

The first thing to try is to check your internet connection. A weak Wi-Fi signal is often the culprit, so you can use one of our recommended apps to run a speed test to help diagnose the problem. You can also try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data to see whether or not the issue is related to connectivity.

If you find that switching to mobile data helps, the problem might be your home network. A quick fix that works very often is trying to restart the Wi-Fi router. Some have a reset button, and you may even be able to use an app to restart your router. If you don’t have those options, unplugging the router, waiting for about a minute, and plugging it back in will do the trick.

Also, if you’re using mobile data, you should check if your mobile data is turned on.

How to enable mobile data on Android:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go into Network & internet.
3. Select SIMs.
4. Tap on your main SIM.
5. Toggle on Mobile data.
6. You can also turn on Roaming. Just keep in mind this may incur extra charges. Check your plan.

How to turn on cellular data on iPhone:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go into Cellular.
3. Toggle on Cellular Data.
4. You can also go into Cellular Data Options or SIMs to turn on Data Roaming. Again, this may incur extra charges.

Check if TikTok is down

The other reason why TikTok might not be working is that the service might be down. In that case, it’s not just you who is experiencing problems. We recommend visiting DownDetector, which provides 24-hour volumetric data on the most reported issues.

You can also see a map of live outages in your area and track progress updates for when TikTok is back up and running. Sadly, all you can do if TikTok is down is wait. In the meantime, you could just have fun with other apps.

Restart the app

Sometimes, closing the app and starting it up again is all it takes to resolve the issue. Don’t just hit the home button on your phone; close the app entirely before relaunching it.

How to force close an Android app:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Go into Apps.
3. Select See all apps.
4. Find and select TikTok.
5. Hit Force stop.
6. Tap OK to confirm the action.

How to close an iPhone app:

1. Slide your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen, then hold for a couple or few seconds.
2. The app switcher or overview screen will show up.
3. Find TikTok and slide it up, away from the screen.

Restart your device

Oh, the good ol’ reboot. It has been fixing common issues since the dawn of modern tech. It continues to be a very successful troubleshooting tip, so give it a try.

How to restart an Android phone:

1. Simultaneously press the side and volume up buttons.
2. Select Restart.
3. Wait a minute or two.

How to restart an iPhone:

1. Simultaneously press and hold the side and either of the volume buttons.
2. After a few seconds, the power menu will appear.
3. Use the slide to power off slider to turn off the phone.
4. When the phone is off, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo shows up on the screen.

Note: Apple doesn’t allow taking screenshots of the iOS power menu.

Check for updates

Always ensure you are running the most recent version of the app to have the latest software. Otherwise, TikTok may not be working correctly.

How to update Android apps:

1. Launch the Google Play Store.
2. Tap on your profile icon, in the top-right corner.
3. Select Manage apps & device.
4. Hit Updates available.
5. Look for TikTok in the list of available updates. Hit Update next to it.
6. Alternatively, you can update all apps by tapping on Update all.

How to update iPhone apps:

1. Launch the Apple App Store.
2. Tap on the profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Scroll down to Upcoming Automatic Updates.
4. Check if TikTok has an available update. If so, tap on Update next to it.
5. Alternatively, you can update all apps by tapping on Update All.

Clear app data

Clearing your app data and cache will often resolve any issues with lagging, freezing, or app crashes. It can also free up storage space. By the way, this method is identical on both Android and iOS.

How to clear cache on TikTok mobile app:

1. Launch the TikTok app.
2. Tap on the Profile tab.
3. Select the three-line menu button in the top-right corner.
4. Hit Settings and privacy.
5. Scroll to the Cache & Cellular section. Select Free up space.
6. Tap on Clear, next to the Cache section.
7. Hit Clear to confirm the action.
8. You can also hit Clear in the Downloads section.