If your TikTok search isn’t working properly or showing you irrelevant results, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to fix it. The most common search issues on TikTok are too many unrelated videos showing up, not finding videos or sounds you know exist, and search not working at all. Here are some tips to resolve these problems and improve your TikTok search experience.
Clear Cookies and Cache
One of the first things to try when TikTok search isn’t working is clearing your cookies and cache. App caches and browsing data can become cluttered over time, preventing searches from working correctly. Here’s how to clear cookies and cache on TikTok:
- Open the TikTok app and go to your profile page
- Tap the three dots icon in the top right corner and choose “Settings and privacy”
- Go to “Clear cache”
- Tap “Clear cache” to confirm
This will wipe the existing cache and cookies stored by the TikTok app and force it to reload fresh data next time you search. After clearing cache, close the app entirely and reopen it to see if it fixes your search issues.
Check Your Network Connection
Slow, unstable internet connections can also disrupt TikTok’s search function. Videos may fail to load properly or searches may time out before retrieving results. Try these troubleshooting tips:
- Switch from WiFi to cellular data or vice versa
- Move closer to your WiFi router if on WiFi
- Restart your phone
- Test your network speed at fast.com to identify issues
If you have a poor network connection, search results will be impacted. Fix any underlying problems with your internet to restore full TikTok search ability.
Update the TikTok App
Staying on an outdated version of TikTok can also create search problems over time. TikTok rolls out constant app updates to fix bugs, tweak search algorithms, and add new features. To ensure you have the latest version:
- Go to your device’s app store (Google Play or Apple App Store)
- Search for TikTok
- Check if any updates are available for the app
- Install the latest update and reopen TikTok
Updating frequently keeps your app running smoothly and can resolve search glitches in newer app iterations. Make sure auto-update is enabled in your device settings too.
Log Out and Back In
If search isn’t working properly in your personal TikTok account, try logging out and logging back in. This resets your account session and renews the authentication processes. To log out:
- Go to your profile
- Tap the three dot menu in the top right
- Choose “Log out”
- Close the app entirely after logging out
- Reopen TikTok and log back into your account
Log out and back in forces TikTok to reload your profile and settings fresh. It essentially gives your account a clean slate, which can fix search and other glitches.
Double Check Search Term Spelling
One simple reason TikTok may not show you expected videos is if you misspelled your search terms. Double check that you spelled keywords, sounds, usernames, or hashtags correctly. Common mistakes include:
- Typos like “dnace” instead of “dance”
- Hashtag typos like #dancechalange instead of #dancechallenge
- Forgetting capitalization like @john instead of @John
Copy and paste search terms if needed to avoid typos. If searching for a sound, play the audio aloud and listen closely. Small spelling errors can derail searches, so verify accuracy.
Use Relevant Keywords
Using vague, generic, or irrelevant keywords yields random results on TikTok. Be as specific as possible when searching to get better matching videos. For example:
- Instead of #dance, try #hiphopdance or #contemporarydance
- Instead of “cooking”, try “dinner recipes” or “quick breakfast”
- Instead of “football”, try “touchdown compilation” or “fantasy football tips”
Dig deeper into niche keywords that pertain exactly to what you want to find. This gives TikTok’s algorithm a better sense of your context and interests.
Use Multiple Keywords
A single search term often isn’t enough to find good results on TikTok. Combine 2-5 keywords in your query to provide more context. For example:
- Funny cat videos
- LIVE football highlights
- Rainy day music playlist
More keywords clarify precisely what you hope to discover. It also narrows down the pool of potential videos to better match your intent. Try different keyword variations to drill down on videos that fit.
Leverage Sounds, Hashtags, Users
Rely solely on text keywords and you’ll miss tons of relevant content on TikTok. Take advantage of these specialized searches:
- Sounds – Search for sounds or songs to find associated videos
- Hashtags – Find videos under niche hashtags like #pranks or #viralrecipes
- Users – Search @usernames of creators to see their content
Tapping into how videos are categorized on TikTok through audio, hashtags, and creators yields more precise results than keywords alone. Remember to spell sounds, hashtags, and usernames correctly.
Use Recommended Searches
Lost on what to search for? Let TikTok guide you. The Discover tab provides:
- Featured hashtag and sound searches
- Viral video challenges
- Top creators
- Trending hashtag lists
Tapping these suggestions searches popular, timely content you may enjoy. Discover eliminates the guesswork so you instantly access fun videos.
Personalize Your For You Feed
TikTok’s For You feed shows videos based on your interests and engagement. But first, you must train it by:
- Liking videos that appeal to you
- Following creators you enjoy
- Interacting with hashtags and sounds you like
- Letting videos fully play instead of skipping
Actively engaging with content cues TikTok’s algorithm to refine your tastes. It then populates your For You feed with more relevant videos you want to see.
Restrict Age-Inappropriate Content
TikTok has controls to limit mature content in feeds and searches:
- Enable Restricted Mode which blocks inappropriate videos
- Set screen time limits to control app usage
- Toggle search safety filter to hide sensitive content
Parents can also link their TikTok account to their child’s to monitor activity and restrict certain material. Adjust settings appropriately.
Avoid Shadowbans
TikTok may “shadowban” accounts that violate community guidelines by restricting their reach. This includes:
- Posting prohibited content in videos
- Spamming hashtags
- Mass following/unfollowing users
- Using bots or third-party apps
Shadowbanned accounts have limited visibility and may not appear in searches. Carefully follow TikTok’s rules to avoid sanctions.
Contact TikTok Support
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting tips and TikTok search still doesn’t work, reach out to TikTok support for assistance. You can:
- Submit a support ticket in the TikTok app
- Send feedback through the Play/App Store
- Reach out on TikTok’s Twitter support account
Describe your search issues in detail, including keywords attempted, search methods, and any error messages. TikTok can investigate and resolve persistent technical problems.
With these troubleshooting steps, you can fix most common TikTok search problems. Ensure your app and network connection are strong, use smart search strategies, and enable restrictions as needed. Reach out to TikTok support if issues remain unresolved. With the right techniques, you’ll be searching and enjoying videos on TikTok in no time!
