Trouble Searching On TikTok? Here’s What May Be Wrong

We’ve all come to depend on our phones and apps to provide the services we expect. When you open TikTok, you expect to be able to scroll through your feed, create cool videos, check out TikTok Live sessions, DM with friends — and search for content or other accounts.

Even utilities like electricity don’t work perfectly, though, and the tech that lets people pull out their phones and log onto social media platforms in just seconds can be a lot buggier than the time-tested electrical grid.

In short, quite a few issues might prevent you from searching for TikTok videos, sounds, or accounts on the app.

Let’s check them out.

Technical Issues

One of these potential problems is the most likely culprit if you can’t search on TikTok.

• Poor Connection: You need good connectivity for all of the app’s functions to work properly, and a bad Internet or wi-fi connection can interfere with your ability to use TikTok search. Check to make sure you have a good signal, switch networks, or move your location if necessary.
• TikTok Glitches: Even the best platforms occasionally run into downtime or technical issues. Wait a few minutes and try again to see if the problem is on their end, not yours. You can also ask another TikTok user to check and see if they’re having the same issue.
• Problem With Your TikTok App: If you’ve been online for a while, try logging out and then back in again; that may resolve the problem. Old versions of the app can get glitchy; upgrade to the latest TikTok version and see if it lets you search. Or your cache may be full, limiting the app’s temporary storage capacity; clear your iPhone cache (Settings > General > iPhone Storage > TikTok > Offload App) or your Android cache (Settings > Apps > TikTok > Storage > Clear Cache) and try again.

Account Issues

It’s possible that the search function is working fine, but you’re just not being allowed to use it. Possible reasons:

• If you’ve violated TikTok Community Guidelines but your account hasn’t been temporarily or permanently banned, you may have been hit with restrictions that prevent you from searching. Your ability to search will be reinstated when the penalties are lifted.
• If you’re younger than 18, you may not be able to search for the keyword you’re trying to use because of the app’s content restrictions for minors.
• Similarly, if your TikTok account has restricted access to some types of content and you’re over 18, your settings may have to be changed. Open your TikTok profile, open the menu (three horizontal lines at the top right of the screen), and then go to Settings and privacy > Content preferences. Toggle “Restricted Mode” off and make sure you’re not filtering the keywords you’re searching for.

You should now be all set. Good luck with your search!