TikTok shows the “maximum attempts reached” message when its system thinks there have been too many actions or login tries in a short time, so it temporarily blocks you to protect the account or reduce spam-like activity.

What the message usually means

For most people, it falls into one of these situations:

  • Too many wrong login attempts (wrong password, email, or code), so TikTok adds a cooldown and stops more tries for a while.
  • Repeated actions that look spammy, like mass liking, following, commenting, or posting very fast.
  • Suspicious activity from different devices, IPs, VPNs, or automation/bots, which triggers extra protection.
  • Temporary account issues such as a restriction, suspension, or a server-side security flag on your profile.

Think of it as TikTok saying: “Pause. Something about these repeated attempts doesn’t look safe.”

Common scenarios (with a quick story angle)

You might see this in different contexts:

  1. Login
    • You enter your password a few times, get it wrong, try alternatives, maybe switch Wi‑Fi or phone, and suddenly: “Maximum number of attempts reached. Try again later.”
 * TikTok assumes this could be someone trying to break into your account and locks things for hours or up to a couple of days in some cases.
  1. Actions inside the app
    • You’re rapidly following creators, liking a ton of videos, or posting/commenting at high speed, then TikTok stops you with that same wording about attempts.
 * Here, it’s more about anti-spam limits than your login itself.
  1. Automation / tools
    • People who try to automate posting or login (scripts, bots, unofficial tools) hit this message a lot because they smash TikTok’s internal rate limits.

How to fix it (step-by-step)

If this is about logging in:

  1. Wait out the cooldown
    • Do not keep spamming attempts; that just extends the problem. Many users report it clearing after a few hours, sometimes up to about 24–48 hours.
  1. Double‑check credentials
    • Use “Forgot password?” to reset via email/phone, then log in once with the new details after waiting.
  1. Clean up the app side
    • Clear TikTok cache in the app settings, close the app, and relaunch it.
 * Make sure TikTok is updated to the latest version in the App Store/Play Store.

 * If needed, uninstall and reinstall the app, then try again after the wait period.
  1. Check your network / device
    • Try a different network (switch Wi‑Fi to mobile data or vice versa) or restart your router.
 * Avoid VPNs or proxy apps for a while; they can look suspicious to TikTok systems.
  1. Contact support if it never clears
    • Use “Report a problem” in TikTok (if you can access it on another logged‑in device) or the help center to explain that the error appears even on the first attempt after days.

If this is about actions (likes, follows, comments, posts):

  • Stop all “fast” activity and leave the app alone for some hours.
  • When you come back, slow down: spread likes/follows over time and avoid bot‑like patterns.
  • If you switched to a business/personal account just before the issue, a few guides suggest toggling to the other type, logging out and back in, then trying again later.

Mini FAQ (forum-style)

Q: Why does TikTok say “maximum attempts reached” even on my first try of the day?
A: It may still be counting earlier attempts from the same IP, device, or automation, or a previous session that hit a hidden limit. The internal timer sometimes persists beyond what you remember.

Q: How long do I have to wait?
A: Many people see it lift within a few hours, but some guides and user reports talk about up to 24–48 hours in stubborn cases.

Q: Is my account banned?
A: Not necessarily. The message alone usually means a temporary restriction, not a full ban. A ban typically comes with a more explicit notification about community guideline violations.

Quick SEO-style takeaway

If you’re wondering “why does TikTok say maximum attempts reached,” it’s almost always TikTok’s rate‑limit and security system kicking in after too many logins or actions in a short time, and the fix is mostly: wait, slow down, clean up your app/network, and only then try a careful, single login or normal‑paced activity.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.