TikTok Is Not Working on iPhone: Tips and Fixes

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Carolyn Howell

Last Updated: Aug 12, 2024

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If you indulge in TikTok binge viewing every day, experiencing app issues can certainly be frustrating. What solutions can you explore if TikTok is not working on iPhone? 

Learn about the most common causes of TikTok app issues and some tips and fixes you can try!

A white iPhone featuring the Apple logo on its back stands on a table in front of a desktop computer.

How To Restart TikTok App on iPhone

Is your TikTok not working properly? Have you tried restarting your device? As with most technical issues, a simple app or device restart may be all you need to fix your TikTok app issues.

Here are basic steps for how to restart the TikTok app on an iPhone:

  1. Close the TikTok app. 
  2. Close all apps running in the background.
  3. Restart your device.
  4. Launch TikTok again. 

If the above steps don’t work, you can try deleting and re-installing the TikTok app. Take note that if you have TikTok drafts, you’ll lose them when you uninstall the app. Make sure to save your video drafts to your device before uninstalling TikTok. 

Here’s how to delete an app from your App Library and Home Screen:

  1. Touch and hold the app in the Home Screen. 
  2. Tap Remove App.
  3. Tap Delete App, then tap Delete to confirm.
  4. Go to the App Store and search for TikTok, then install the app again. 

If you’re an Android user, uninstalling the app is only slightly different:

  1. Long-press on the app in the Home Screen. 
  2. Tap Uninstall., then tap OK when your device asks you to confirm the action.
  3. Go to the Google Play Store, search for TikTok, and install the app again. 

You should also check if your device iOS needs an update. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Go to Settings. 
  2. Select General, then tap Software Update. 
  3. Tap Automatic Updates.
  4. Turn on Download iOS Updates. 
  5. Turn on Install iOS Updates.

A woman’s hands hover over her head as she screams in frustration.

Why Is TikTok Not Working on My iPhone?

“Why is TikTok not working on my iPhone?” Below are the most common reasons for TikTok app issues:

  • Software issues, such as software incompatibility after an app upgrade. 
  • Poor internet connection. 
  • Full app cache. 
  • Limited feature availability, i.e., when a new TikTok feature is still in its testing phase and has limited availability. 
  • TikTok server issues. 

Try the following troubleshooting steps to address the aforementioned issues:

  1. Make sure you have the latest version of the TikTok app. Launch the App Store. Tap Updates at the bottom. If an update is available for TikTok, you’ll find the app on the list. Tap Update next to the application. 
  2. Check your internet connection. How many WiFi bars do you have? If you’re at home, try restarting your modem. You can also disconnect your device from the WiFi and then reconnect it. Go online to see if you can access sites with no glitch. 
  3. Clear your TikTok app storage. Go to your Profile>Menu>Settings and privacy>Free up space. You’ll find how much space your cache, downloads, and drafts are taking up. You can clear your cache and downloads and manage your drafts to free up space in your app. 
  4. If you see some users enjoying a new TikTok feature but you can’t find it, it most likely has limited availability. TikTok does this all the time with new features to test it and gather feedback. You’ll just have to wait until the platform makes it available to everyone. 
  5. You can go online to find out if TikTok servers are down and for how long. Again, this one problem you won’t be able to do anything about. While you’re waiting it out, use CapCut or explore other video editing apps to create new TikTok content.

A man wearing a black cap backward looks confused and puts his hand on his forehead.

TikTok Is Not Working on iPhone: Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re in the U.S., you may wonder if the TikTok ban has finally come through. Some U.S. states indeed banned the app from government-owned/state-issued devices. 

You’ll have to check locally if your state has imposed a ban on the platform and if the ban applies to everyone. If your state has banned TikTok from all devices, you’ll just have to go back to using other social media apps.

Let’s answer a few more frequently asked questions to help you resolve your iPhone’s TikTok issues.

FAQ

Why is TikTok not working properly on my iPhone?

If your TikTok is not working properly, check if you need to update the application. If TikTok recently released an app update and your iPhone did not automatically install it, you may experience incompatibility problems. 

Another likely reason is poor internet connection. Go online to do a speed test, or open another site to see if you experience loading problems. Restart your modem. Disconnect and reconnect your device’s WiFi connection. Or switch to mobile data. 

For good measure, you should also restart the app and your device. If none of the fixes above work, report the problem to TikTok. 

How do I clear TikTok cache on my iPhone?

Follow these steps to clear your TikTok cache on an iPhone:

1. Go to your Profile. 
2. Tap the Menu/three-line icon in the top right corner. 
3. Tap Settings and privacy.
4. Under Cache & Cellular, tap Free up space. 
5. Tap Clear next to Cache and Downloads to clear each one. Tap Manage next to Drafts, then select the drafts you want to delete.

A man places a call with his iPhone while he sits and stares at his Macbook in frustration.

TikTok Mobile App Not Working Properly? Make Sure You Have a Backup Plan!

Are you a TikTok creator or managing a brand on the platform? If yes, any disruption to your TikTok activities could seriously affect your performance. Fortunately, there are easy fixes you can try to get the app working properly again. 

It’s important to have a backup plan for when you encounter TikTok app issues. You can also easily switch to your Mac or desktop PC if TikTok is not working on iPhone. And if you need to create new content or just want to use TikTok’s awesome editing tools, use CapCut instead.

Are you also looking to reinforce your targeting capability? Sign up for a High Social plan and leverage their advanced, proprietary AI technology! It works just as effectively as TikTok’s own recommendation algorithm. 

Instantly connect with genuinely interested viewers who are most likely to become lifelong fans. Start growing your TikTok today!

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