Quick answer
If TikTok is not working on iPhone or Android, first check whether your internet connection works in another app. Then fully close and reopen TikTok, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, restart the phone, and install available TikTok and system updates. Avoid deleting app data or reinstalling until you have considered drafts and other locally stored content.
Common causes
- A temporary TikTok service problem.
- Weak or restricted Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- An outdated app or operating system.
- Corrupted temporary app data.
- Data Saver, VPN, DNS, parental controls, or network filtering.
- An account-specific restriction or login problem.
Fix TikTok step by step
1. Test the connection
Open a normal website or another online app. If everything is offline, troubleshoot the connection rather than TikTok. If possible, compare Wi-Fi with mobile data.
2. Reopen TikTok and restart the phone
Close TikTok, open it again, and retry. If it still fails, restart the phone. These steps are low risk and can clear temporary app or network problems.
3. Check updates
Install TikTok updates from the official App Store or Google Play listing. Also install an available iOS or Android system update when practical.
4. Review permissions and restrictions
If a specific feature fails, check TikTok’s camera, microphone, photos, notification, and mobile-data permissions in the phone settings. Also consider whether Screen Time, Digital Wellbeing, parental controls, a VPN, or a managed network is limiting access.
5. Clear cache carefully
Use TikTok’s own cache-clearing option when available. On Android, the system app settings may also provide a cache-only option. Do not choose Clear Data/Storage unless you understand what locally stored information could be removed.
6. Reinstall only after protecting drafts
Reinstalling can help with damaged app files, but locally stored drafts may be lost. Save or otherwise protect important draft content first. Then reinstall TikTok only from the official app store and sign in again.
What not to do
- Do not download modified TikTok packages from unknown sites.
- Do not give third-party “fix” services your password or verification codes.
- Do not repeatedly clear app data when important drafts have not been protected.
When the problem may not be your phone
If TikTok fails on several devices and networks at the same time, a service-side issue may be involved. Account warnings, age restrictions, regional availability, or moderation actions require the appropriate TikTok account/support process rather than phone repair.
FAQ
Why does TikTok work on mobile data but not Wi-Fi?
The Wi-Fi network, router, DNS, VPN, or filtering may be involved. Test another Wi-Fi network before changing major phone settings.
Will reinstalling TikTok delete drafts?
Locally stored drafts can be at risk when the app is removed or its data is cleared. Protect important drafts before reinstalling.
Related guides
If several apps are failing, see our phone freezing or apps crashing guide. For unstable Wi-Fi, see our phone Wi-Fi disconnecting guide.