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Why Can’t I Search On TikTok? 6 Possible Reasons

Why Can’t I Search On TikTok? 6 Possible Reasons

Have you ever tried to search for a particular content on TikTok but couldn’t find anything? It can be annoying, especially when the platform has millions of creators and videos to explore. 

If you can’t search TikTok profiles and content, a slow network is likely to blame. Another reason for this issue can be a corrupted app cache or the TikTok servers being down. To get the TikTok search working again, reboot your router and reconnect your Android or iOS device after force-starting it. You can also try clearing the TikTok app cache if the servers are not down.

Below, we’ll explore why you can’t search on TikTok and how you can quickly resolve the issue to find the content you are looking for.

Why Can’t I Search On TikTok?

Disabling the Data Saver mode on Android

If you are wondering why you can’t search on TikTok for a specific video or profile, here are the 6 possible reasons and their potential fixes.

Troubleshoot Network Connection

A slow internet connection, whether cellular data or Wi-Fi, can hinder the TikTok app performance and fail to show you the search results.

However, you can easily fix this problem by rebooting your router and reconnecting your device (Android/iOS) to the network after force-restating it.

If this fails, try switching to a different network or use your cellular data to access TikTok. 

Network connection issues can also cause the TikTok App to keep pausing while you are watching the videos.

Note: You may need to upgrade your cellular data plan to search TikTok profiles or play TikTok videos seamlessly. 

Restricted Internet or Corrupted Network Settings

The Data Saver or Low Data Mode may be enabled on your device, restricting the TikTok app from accessing the internet. Due to this, the search function may not work as expected.

So, disable the Data Saver or Low data mode on your Android or iOS device with these steps:

Android: 

  • Launch “Settings.”
  • Select “Connections.”
  • Choose “Data Usage.”
  • Tap “Data Saver.”
  • Toggle off “Data Saver.”

iOS:

  • Open “Settings.”
  • Choose “Cellular.”
  • Tap “Cellular Data Options.”
  • Tap “Data Mode.”
  • Set the Data Mode to “Standard” or “Allow More Data on 5G” to disable the Low Data Mode.

If the problem persists, reset the Network settings on your Android or iOS device to remove any corrupted settings and restore the default network configuration.

To do this on Android:

  • Open “Settings.”
  • Select “General Management.”
  • Select “Reset.”
  • Tap “Reset Network Settings.”
  • Choose “Reset Settings.”
  • Enter your device’s PIN/password if prompted and tap “Reset.”

If you have an iOS device:

  • Launch “Settings.”
  • Go to “General.”
  • Select “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”
  • Tap “Reset.”
  • Select “Reset Network Settings.”
Resetting the Network Settings on iPhone
  • Enter your iOS device’s passcode and tap “Reset Network Settings.”

Afterward, launch the TikTok app and try using the search function. 

Note: You can switch to Wi-Fi for a stable and unrestricted internet connection to use TikTok and make the search function work correctly.

Not Using The Search Filters

You might not be using the search filters on TikTok, causing nothing to show up on results. The search filters allow you to narrow your results to specific categories. 

Many users have reported that the search function starts working when they apply the filters to narrow results to specific categories in the following way:

  • Open TikTok.”
  • Tap “Discover.” 
  • Type in your search query and the “Options” button next to the search bar.
  • Select the date posted and sort your search.
  • Tap “Apply” and see if the search feature is working now.
Applying search filters to the TikTok search

Corrupted TikTok Cache Data

TikTok uses cache data to store frequently accessed information on your device, such as user profile pictures and video thumbnails, to speed up app performance.

However, this data can sometimes become corrupted or outdated, causing issues with the app’s functionality, including the search feature.

To fix this, you can clear the TikTok app’s cache data on your Android or iOS device. Here’s how:

iOS:

  • Open “Settings.”
  • Tap “General.”
  • Tap “iPhone Storage.”
  • Select “TikTok.”
  • Tap “Offload App” to remove the TikTok app but keep its documents and data.
  • Tap “Offload” again.

Android:

  • Launch “Settings.”
  • Tap “Apps.”
  • Tap “All Apps.”
  • Find TikTok from the list of apps and tap on it.
  • Tap “Storage.”
  • Tap “Clear Cache.”

Now, relaunch the TikTok app and see if the search function works.

INFO: Sometimes, corrupted app cache data can also cause the TikTok videos to appear blank in the FYP section.

Outdated TikTok App

An outdated TikTok app causes many issues, including the search function not working correctly. To fix this, update the app that may contain a patch for the bug and solves your problem. 

  • Open “App Store” or “Play Store.”
  • Search for the TikTok app using the search function.
  • Tap “Update.”
  • Launch the TikTok app and see if the search feature is working now.

TikTok Server Is Down

TikTok relies on its online servers to store and transmit user data, including videos, likes, comments, and search results. But it can occasionally experience downtime due to scheduled maintenance, updates, or technical issues, leading to the search function not working as expected.

You can check the TikTok server using the Downdetector website or the official TikTok Twitter page for any announcements regarding server downtime.

Checking TikTok server status

If the server is down, wait for the TikTok developer team to resolve the issue and get the service back online.

Many users have reported that the server outage issue can also sometimes result in the TikTok “Response Is Null” error message.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve tried to explain why can’t you search on TikTok and explored tips and tricks to help you troubleshoot this issue without much effort.

Hopefully, you can now make the most out of the TikTok search feature; however, if the issue persists, contact TikTok Support for further assistance.

Author

  • Tauqeer Ahmed

    Tauqeer Ahmed is a technology expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He has a degree in Computer Science and specializes in network security and software troubleshooting. You can find out more about him at https://helpfixthat.com/tauqeer-ahmed/