TikTok is undeniably hot. Since its 2017 launch to iOS and Android, it has become one of the most popular social media apps. Its popularity stems largely from how easy it is to use.
TikTok lets users quickly create, share, and watch 15-second videos shot on mobile devices. Best known for quirky little vids set to music and sound effects, its format gives everyone from amateur to professional plenty of room to exercise their creativity.
Many of the most popular social media sites that have exploded in popularity generally have good support and run smoothly. However, with TikTok’s 3 billion downloads and millions of active users, not even this giant among social media apps is immune to occasional problems.
Are you experiencing issues or errors while accessing the TikTok social network? Here are some insights as to what causes these eight common issues and steps to resolve them.
TikTok Won’t Load At All
TikTok usually loads and works fine, but there are times when it won’t even load.
In this situation, the best way to fix the problem is by starting with the simplest solution and progressing from there. Here are some ways you can troubleshoot this issue:
- Make sure you are connected to the internet, using either WiFi or cellular data.
- Make sure you are using the most current version of the TikTok app and if you aren’t, update it from your device’s app store.
- Close and restart TikTok.
- Restart your device.
- Use a reputable third-party status checker site. You can try DownDetector.
- See if TikTok is working on another device by asking a friend if it is working for them.
- Delete TikTok and reinstall it.
- Send an email to one of TikTok’s support email addresses.
- Check out @TikTok on Twitter for any updates.
TikTok Loads But Won’t Play Videos
Another issue you might experience is when the app is running, but TikTok videos won’t play. When this happens, it could be due to poor internet connection, app malfunction, or TikTok’s servers.
In addition to trying the tips in the section above, if TikTok videos won’t play on your app, here are some things you can do to troubleshoot this issue:
- “Force Stop” TikTok and restart it from your device’s settings.
- Clear your app’s data and cache from your device’s settings.
- If you’re on your WiFi connection, restart your modem and router.
- If you’re using cellular data on an iOS device, reset your Cellular Data Network from your device’s settings.
- If you are using cellular data on an Android device, reset your Access Point Names from your device’s settings.
- Use a VPN on your device by installing one from a VPN service, such as NordVPN, Hotspot Shield, ExpressVPN, or ProtonVPN.
TikTok Says No Internet Connection But I Am Online
There may be times when TikTok presents you with a “No Network Connection” error, but you know that you have a network connection.
If TikTok says you have no network connection but you’re online, here are a few things you can do to try to fix this issue:
- Check TikTok’s servers with a third-party status checker site as explained above.
- Close and reopen the TikTok app on your device.
- Restart your device, then reopen TikTok.
- Delete the TikTok app and reinstall it from your device’s app store.
- Clear your app’s data and cache from your device’s settings then log back into the app.
- If using an Android device, check your device’s permissions from your device’s settings.
- If using an iOS device, grant TikTok access to your cellular data.
- Send an email to one of TikTok’s support email addresses.
TikTok Keeps On Crashing
Sometimes TikTok simply crashes for no apparent reason then it keeps on crashing.
In addition to the tips in the sections above, here are a few things you can do to try to fix the TikTok crashing issue:
- Restart your device, then reopen TikTok.
- Clear your app’s data and cache from your device’s settings.
- Make sure you are using the most current version of the TikTok app, and if you aren’t, update it from your device’s app store.
- If these tips are unsuccessful, have a look at some of the other tips in the sections above.
Your TikTok Account Was Banned
Sometimes you are unable to use TikTok because you have done something to land yourself in what many people call “TikTok jail.” In other words, you have been repeatedly reported for violating TikTok’s Terms of Service resulting in your account being banned. But often users don’t know why they were suspended.
If your account receives too many strikes against it and you are banned from posting, you can still navigate the app, comment, like, and share other videos, though you cannot post new content until the temporary ban is lifted.
If you feel this ban was a mistake and wish to dispute it, you can do so by submitting an appeal. Tap on the notification you received about your account and click “Appeal.” Follow the instructions to file the appeal and wait to see if your account is reinstated.
Unfortunately, if TikTok does not approve your appeal, there is little you can do to reinstate your account, as account bans are typically permanent. The best avenue from here would be to check this TikTok page or to email TikTok support for further assistance.
TikTok Shows A Black Screen When I Try To Watch A Video
If you spend a lot of time on TikTok, you’ve likely encountered a random black screen when watching videos.
In addition to trying some of the tips in the sections above, here are a few more things to try when you get a black screen on TikTok:
- From your device’s settings, confirm you have sufficient storage available and delete apps, photos, videos, or other content that you don’t need.
- Make sure you’re using the most current version of the TikTok app, and if you aren’t, update it from your device’s app store.
- Clear your app’s data and cache from your device’s settings, then log back into the app.
TikTok Removed My Video
TikTok removes tens of millions of videos every year. Occasionally one of yours might be among them.
If a video of yours has been removed from TikTok, it means the video was taken down for “violating community guidelines.” You can check out the details of TikTok’s Community Guidelines, but the most common reasons are videos that are deemed to contain the following:
- Violent extremism and graphic content,
- Suicide, self-harm, and other dangerous acts,
- Threats, harassment, or bullying,
- Hateful behavior, ideology, or slurs,
- Incitement to violence, or
- Adult nudity and sexual activities.
If you find that one of your videos has been removed from TikTok, this TikTok page can help you find a solution.
TikTok Doesn’t Work At All
If TikTok won’t work at all, this is most likely an issue with TikTok’s servers. The best thing to try in this situation is the following:
- Try DownDetector.
- Check out @TikTok on Twitter for any updates on why TikTok might be down.
- As with many of the issues above, you can then try to log out and log back in, clear your browser cache, and finally restart your computer.
I hope you’ve enjoyed and found this information useful. If you have additional experiences or tips to share related to solving TikTok issues, let us know in the comments.
— Sean