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Why Can’t I Search on TikTok?

Published September 11, 2024

You’re in the mood to find that perfect TikTok video, maybe something from your favorite creator or the latest trend. But, when you go to search, nothing happens! You’re unable to search on TikTok. This issue can pop up for a variety of reasons, and while it’s frustrating, there are a few common fixes. Let’s go through why this happens and how you can get back to scrolling your favorite content.

Temporary Glitch or Bug

Sometimes TikTok just hits a rough patch, like any other app. If the search function suddenly isn’t working, it could be due to a temporary glitch or bug on TikTok’s end. This happens more often than you might think, especially when the app is rolling out updates or experiencing high traffic.

What to Do

Try closing the app completely and reopening it. If that doesn’t work, restart your phone to give it a fresh start. Often, a simple reboot is enough to fix any temporary issues.

Your Internet Connection Is Spotty

TikTok’s search feature relies on your internet connection. If your Wi-Fi or data connection is weak or unstable, TikTok might not be able to load search results properly.

What to Do

Check your internet connection. Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi or have a strong cellular signal. If things still seem off, try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if that fixes the problem. You can also reset your router if you suspect it’s causing issues.

TikTok Server Issues

There are times when TikTok’s servers are down or experiencing widespread outages. When this happens, certain features, like search, might not work as expected.

What to Do

Check a website like Downdector or Twitter to see if others are reporting TikTok outages. If it’s a server issue, there’s not much you can do but wait for TikTok to fix the problem.

App Update Needed

If you haven’t updated TikTok in a while, the outdated version might be causing the search function to act up. App updates usually come with bug fixes, so if you’re running an older version, that could be the issue.

What to Do

Head over to the App Store or Google Play Store and check if there’s an update available for TikTok. If there is, download it!

Cache Overload

Your phone stores data to help apps run more smoothly. But sometimes, if too much cache builds up, it can mess with certain features such as the search function.

What to Do

Here’s how to clear your TikTok app cache:

  • iPhone: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, find TikTok and tap Offload App.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Apps > TikTok > Storage, then click Clear Cache.

This won’t delete your account or videos, but it should clear out any clutter that might be causing issues.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to search on TikTok can be frustrating, but the good news is that most of the time, it’s a fixable issue. No matter what the issue is, knowing how to fix it and being patient will have you back to searching on TikTok in No time!

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Written By:
AUTHOR & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jessica is a consultant, researcher, and the editor-in-chief of the Buzzoid blog, who specializes in social media, marketing, and digital strategy. She is a graduate of Antioch College and earned her MBA at Boston College’s Carroll Graduate School of Management, specializing in STEM Management.

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