TikTok not working is a super common frustration—whether it's crashing, not loading videos, or just refusing to open, it hits millions of users worldwide. Let's troubleshoot this step-by-step with proven fixes that have helped folks just like you get back to scrolling.

Check Server Status First

Outages happen more often than you'd think, especially during peak hours or after app updates. Head to Downdetector (downdetector.com/status/tiktok) to see if TikTok is down for everyone right now. If there's a spike in reports, grab a coffee and wait it out—servers usually bounce back in under an hour.

Test Your Internet Connection

A shaky Wi-Fi or mobile data signal is the #1 culprit behind "why my TikTok is not working." Run a quick speed test (try speedtest.net), switch from Wi-Fi to data (or vice versa), or restart your router by unplugging it for 60 seconds. Pro tip: TikTok guzzles bandwidth for HD videos, so anything under 5Mbps might stutter.

Quick App Restarts

Sometimes it's just a glitch—force-close TikTok completely (swipe it away from your recent apps), then relaunch. Still stuck? Restart your entire phone; this refreshes system memory and clears temporary bugs.

Update and Clear Cache

Outdated apps cause chaos. Check your app store for TikTok updates—install any available ones, as they patch common crashes. Next, clear the cache :

  1. Open TikTok > Profile > Three dots (top right) > Settings and privacy > Free up space.
  2. Tap Clear cache (and downloads if full).

This frees up bloated data from endless scrolling without deleting your account.

Reinstall as Last Resort

If nothing works, uninstall TikTok, restart your device, then reinstall from the Play Store or App Store. You'll log back in seamlessly, but back up drafts first via your profile. Forum users on Reddit swear by this for stubborn crashes.

Device-Specific Tips

  • Android : Long-press TikTok icon > App info > Storage > Clear cache/data.
  • iOS : Offload app via Settings > General > iPhone Storage.

Low storage? TikTok hates cramped phones—free up 2GB+ space.

Recent forum buzz (like Reddit threads from early 2026) points to post-update glitches, but these fixes resolve 90% of cases without support tickets. If it's account-specific (e.g., shadowban vibes), test on another device.

TL;DR at bottom : Start with internet/server check, then cache clear—boom, fixed for most. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.