TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide, offering endless entertainment and creative content. But what happens when the app suddenly stops working? Whether it's a blank screen, video playback issues, or problems with notifications, encountering glitches on TikTok can be frustrating. If you've ever asked, Why is TikTok not working? you're not alone. In this guide, we'll explore the most common reasons behind these issues and provide practical solutions to get TikTok back to working smoothly. From simple fixes to more advanced troubleshooting steps, we've got you covered. Keep reading to find out how to solve your TikTok problems quickly and efficiently!
Many people ask why is TikTok not working? The answer is not always the same. Below are the most common reasons.
Sometimes TikTok itself has problems. On May 15, 2025, more than 32,000 users reported that TikTok stopped working worldwide. In these cases, the problem is not your phone or Internet. It happens on TikTok’s side. You just need to wait until their team fixes the server.
If TikTok is old, it may not work right. The app maker often sends updates to fix bugs or improve performance. For example, a user can not load videos. After updating TikTok from the App Store, the videos played again. This shows how important updates are.
TikTok needs a good Internet connection. If Wi‑Fi is weak or mobile data is slow, the app may fail. In one case, a person’s TikTok showed “no network,” but other apps worked. Switching from weak Wi‑Fi to stable 4G solved it.
Old phones or old operating systems can cause trouble. TikTok may require Android 5.0 or iOS 11.0 or newer. If you use a very old device, TikTok may crash or refuse to open. Upgrading the device or OS often helps.
In some places or with certain SIM cards, TikTok might block access. For example, if your SIM card is from a restricted region, the app may show “no network” even if Internet is on. Some users fixed the issue by removing the restricted SIM and using local Wi‑Fi or local SIM instead.
Many users ask why is TikTok not working when certain features fail. Sometimes the main app opens. But camera, notifications, search, or video playback may act up. Here are common feature‑specific issues and how to fix them.
One big problem is the camera in TikTok not working. You tap the “+” button to record. But you see a black screen instead of your face. This can happen even if your camera works in other apps.
In many cases, TikTok lacks permission to use your camera. For example, a user finds TikTok keeps asking for camera permission and never opens the camera until they allow access in phone settings.
Sometimes the bug comes from the app or from corrupted cache. Clearing the cache or updating the app often fixes it.
Another issue some users see is that they do not get notifications or search results on TikTok. The app may not show new comments, messages, or search suggestions. This can make it feel like TikTok is “not working,” even though the main feed loads.
This kind of error often links to app bugs or to network problems. If your internet is weak, TikTok might load videos but fail to update notifications or search data. In such cases, switching to a stronger connection or reloading the app can help.
Sometimes videos won’t play. The screen stays blank, or the video freezes. That frustrates many people who just want to watch TikToks.
One common cause is poor internet connection. If Wi‑Fi or mobile data is slow, videos may not load. Another cause can be an outdated app version. Old versions may have bugs that stop playback. Also cache problems can block video load. Clearing cache, updating TikTok, or switching networks often fixes playback issues.
If you wonder why is TikTok not working, sometimes you can fix it yourself with a few steps. Try the ideas below.
Start with the simple steps. Many times these help right away.
For example, one user had TikTok freeze at loading screen every time. After clearing cache and restarting the phone, the app opened smoothly again.
If basic steps don’t fix the problem, try these more thorough methods.
In one reported case, a user had constant crashes on TikTok until they updated the app and their phone system. After that, TikTok ran without crashes.
If you try these steps and TikTok still doesn’t work, you may consider contacting TikTok support from within the app (Profile → Help → Report a problem).
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TikTok may not work for several reasons. Common issues include server problems, outdated apps, poor internet connections, device compatibility, and regional restrictions. If you experience these problems, try restarting the app, clearing the cache, or updating TikTok. For more complex issues, check the server status, update your device’s software, or reinstall the app. These simple fixes can solve many problems and get TikTok working again.
For feature-specific issues like camera malfunctions, search problems, or video playback errors, follow basic troubleshooting steps or use advanced solutions like updating the app or checking your internet connection. If these solutions don’t work, consider contacting TikTok support for further assistance.
If TikTok isn’t working on your phone, try updating the app, checking your internet connection, or restarting your phone. Clearing the cache can also help resolve minor glitches.
If TikTok isn’t loading videos, check your internet connection and ensure it’s strong. You can also try clearing the app’s cache or updating the app to the latest version to fix playback issues.
TikTok’s camera may not work if it lacks the necessary permissions or if there’s a problem with the app’s cache. Go to your phone’s settings to enable camera access and try clearing the cache to fix the issue.
If you’re not receiving notifications, make sure that TikTok has notification permissions in your device settings. Also, check your internet connection and restart the app if needed.
If TikTok isn’t working, it might be a server issue. You can check server status on websites like DownDetector to see if other users are experiencing similar problems.