Why Is My TikTok Sound Not Working? Try These Solutions

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Carolyn Howell

Last Updated: May 21, 2024

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You’re finally comfortable on your bed after a long day at work and eager to watch your favorite TikToks. Or perhaps you’re excited to post your latest video with some of your most innovative edits and a cool sound. But “Why is my TikTok sound not working?” 

Let’s discuss the possible reasons and easy fixes you can try!

A red neon sign says, “No music, no life.”

Why Is My TikTok Sound Not Working? Causes and Fixes

Why is my sound not working on TikTok? This a common issue, and the cause is usually a technical problem. It could be a technical problem with your device or the app. Let’s take a look at the possible causes and fixes. 

Possible Causes for TikTok Sounds Not Working

If the sound in TikTok videos isn’t working, the reason could be any of the following:

  1. TikTok app permissions in your device don’t allow sound access: Your device settings may not be set up to allow the TikTok app to access your microphone and speakers. 
  2. Your TikTok app’s playback settings are on mute by default: This means TikTok will automatically mute all videos when you use the app.
  3. Your app may be outdated: This is usually the cause of app glitches after TikTok rolls out a software update. 
  4. Your device OS may be outdated: The TikTok app may experience compatibility issues with your device if it fails to install the latest OS update. 
  5. TikTok is down: TikTok servers may be down in your area. 

A person with headphones watches TikTok videos on his phone.

How To Fix Tiktok Sound Not Working iPhone or Android

If your TikTok sound is not working on your iPhone or Android device, you can try these simple fixes:

  1. Check your device’s sound/volume settings: If your TikTok sound is not working, you may have simply forgotten that you put your device sounds on mute. Press your volume buttons to confirm. If you’re using earphones/headphones, unplug them from your device and try using TikTok with the device speakers. The problem may be with your external audio device. 
  2. Check your device’s TikTok app permissions: Go to your device settings and find the apps folder. Look for TikTok and open it to check your app permissions. Make sure you grant the TikTok app access to your device’s microphone and speakers
  3. Make sure your TikTok app is up-to-date: You may have forgotten to configure your device settings to allow auto downloads of TikTok app updates. Go to the Google Play Store or App Store. Search for TikTok. You’ll see the Update button if one is available. 
  4. Make sure your device OS is up-to-date: Again, your settings may not be set up to download OS updates automatically. Open your Settings and look for the Software update feature. Open it and select Download and install or something similar. Don’t forget to enable the auto-download feature. 
  5. Clear your TikTok cache: Clearing your app cache frees up space in your device and improves the app’s performance and loading times. This may also fix your sound issues.
  6. Uninstall and reinstall the TikTok app: Long-press on the TikTok widget on your screen. Select Uninstall. Next, download the TikTok app again. You can do this via the Google Play Store or App Store
  7. Restart your device: After an app or device update, you may need to manually restart your device to fix system bugs. 

If none of these potential solutions work, submit a report to TikTok. 

A man and a woman lean against a car and share earphones to listen to music on a phone.

Why Is My Original Sound Not Working on TikTok?

Why is my original sound not working on TikTok? If the original sound is not yours, TikTok automatically mutes it or removes the sound from your video. Only use sounds from TikTok’s Commercial Music Library to avoid any sound issues. 

If you believe that TikTok muting your videos and removing the original sound was a mistake, you can submit an appeal. Whether the removal was due to copyright laws or Community Guidelines violations, TikTok allows creators to appeal the decision. 

Follow these steps to submit an appeal:

  1. Go to your muted video. 
  2. Tap the notice at the bottom of the video. The notice will show you why TikTok removed the sound. 
  3. Tap Submit appeal and follow the instructions. 

If the reason is a potential copyright violation, TikTok will allow you to change the sound in your video. Just follow these steps:

  1. Go to your muted video. 
  2. Tap the notice at the bottom of the video. If the notification says that TikTok removed the sound due to copyright violations, proceed to the next step. 
  3. Select Change sound and choose your new sound. Edit the sound as you like.
  4. Tap Post or Save sound changes. Keep in mind that TikTok will still have to approve the sound changes.

Take note that TikTok will mute all videos that use the original sound in question. You’ll have to change each video’s sound while waiting for TikTok to approve your appeal. 

A red neon sign says, “You are what you listen to.”

Give Your Audience an Enjoyable Sound Experience

The sound element in TikTok videos is among the unique elements that set TikTok content apart from other social channels. The TikTok experience is not complete without sound. Sound gives viewers a fully interactive experience. 

The sound you choose can also enhance video optimization. Popular sounds, for example, can help you reach a wider audience. The right background music can create the perfect mood for your video, make it more compelling, and increase its engagement. Music is often the core element of Duets, Stitches, and challenges

Why is my TikTok sound not working? Sound issues can seriously compromise the quality of your video and your audience’s viewing experience. Make sure that every post complies with TikTok’s guidelines with the help of TikTok experts. Sign up for a High Social plan!

Have your very own TikTok specialist to help optimize your content and deliver accelerated growth. Leverage the audience-targeting power of High Social’s advanced, proprietary AI technology. 

Instantly connect with more viewers who are right for your community and are likely to become instant fans. Start growing your TikTok today!

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