What to Do When You Can’t Find a Filter on TikTok
TikTok filters allow users to alter their appearance and apply fun effects to their videos. With new filters being added all the time, it can be frustrating when you can’t find a specific filter in the TikTok app. Here are some tips on what to do when you can’t locate a filter on TikTok.
Check Your Filter Tab
The first thing to check is your “Filters” tab in the TikTok camera. This is where all available filters are located. Scroll through the list to see if you can find the missing filter. The filters are organized into different categories like “Trending,” “Art,” and “Beauty.” Make sure to tap “See All” at the bottom to expand each category and view all filters.
Search for the Filter Name
Another simple way to find a missing filter is to search for it by name. Tap the magnifying glass icon in the top right of the camera screen. This will open up the TikTok search bar. Type in the exact name of the filter you’re looking for. If the filter still shows up in search results, you can select it from there to add it back to your filter list.
Check Your Liked Filters
Sometimes a filter might disappear from your main list but still be accessible in your “Liked” filters. To check, tap the “Liked” icon at the bottom of the filter tab. This will display all filters you have previously liked. See if the missing filter shows up here and re-like it to add it back to your general filter list.
Reset All Filters
If a filter is totally missing from your app, try resetting your TikTok filters. To do this, go to your profile, tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner, select “Settings and privacy,” tap “Clear cache,” then confirm by tapping “Reset” on the pop-up. This will reset and redownload all available filters. Now check if the filter is back in your list.
Update the TikTok App
An out-of-date app could be preventing you from seeing new filters. Make sure the TikTok app is updated to the latest version. On your iPhone, go to the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, then tap “Check for Updates.” On Android, open the Google Play Store, tap the hamburger menu, select “My Apps & Games,” then check TikTok for any pending updates.
Search TikTok Online
Sometimes filters will be unavailable or hidden in the mobile app but can still be found using the TikTok website. Search for the filter name on www.tiktok.com and check if it appears in results. If so, you can use the “Try It” button to generate a video with the filter applied. Save this video to your camera roll, then upload it to TikTok to regain access to the missing filter.
Follow the Filter Creator
Most filters on TikTok are created by individual users or influencers. See if you can find the original creator of the missing filter and follow them. Their filters may only be available for their followers. Their profile should have a “Filters Created” tab where you can locate and use their custom filters.
Use a VPN
Some filters are only available in certain regions. If you can’t find a filter, it may be geo-restricted in your country. Consider using a VPN service to trick TikTok into thinking you’re in a different location. Connect to a server in another country, restart the TikTok app, and search for the filter again while your VPN is active.
Ask Friends If They Have It
Reach out to TikTok friends or followers to see if the filter shows up for them. Filters can disappear based on user data. If your friends can find the filter in their app, ask them to create a video with it applied. You can then download their video to regain access yourself.
Why Filters Disappear on TikTok
There are a few reasons why you may no longer be able to find a certain filter on TikTok:
The Filter Was Removed
TikTok removes filters from time to time if they violate content policies or the creator deletes them. Copyright issues, offensive material, bugs, glitches, etc. could all result in TikTok pulling a filter.
The Filter Is Geo-Restricted
As mentioned above, some filters are limited to certain countries and regions. A filter may have disappeared because of geo-restrictions based on your location.
You Blocked the Filter’s Creator
If you have blocked the user who originally made the filter, their filters will no longer show up in your app. Their filters will disappear after blocking them.
Algorithm Hiding the Filter
TikTok’s algorithm curates filters based on each user. Filters you haven’t used in awhile may disappear from your list, while more relevant filters get shown to you more prominently.
Too Many Filters Added
There are limits to how many filters you can have before old ones start disappearing. Frequently using new filters can bump old ones out of your list.
Glitches or Connection Issues
App glitches and connection problems could also be preventing all your filters from loading properly. Resetting the app and your device could resolve temporary issues.
How to Get a Removed Filter Back
Use Filter Reuploads
Often when a popular filter gets removed, other users will reupload mirrors of it. Search for the filter name + words like “reupload” or “duplicate” to find these copies. Test different keyword variations to see if you can recover the missing filter through reuploads.
Restore From Your Favorites
As mentioned earlier, check your “Liked” filters tab for any filters you have favorited in the past. These will be retained even if they get removed from the main filter list.
Contact the Creator
If you can find the original filter creator, you can try reaching out to ask them to reupload it. Some creators will work with users directly if one of their custom filters has gone missing.
Use Third-Party Apps
Some apps like VitaSave allow you to browse and recover deleted TikTok filters. However, proceed with caution as third-party apps can pose risks.
Request the Filter on TikTok
You can tweet or comment on TikTok’s official accounts asking them to restore your missing filter. If enough people request a removed filter, TikTok may consider reinstating it. But there is no guarantee.
Accept That It’s Gone
If a filter was removed for valid reasons or the creator definitively deleted it, you may just have to accept that it’s gone for good. Thankfully, new great filters are constantly being added.
Troubleshooting Problems Accessing Filters
Force Stop and Clear App Cache
From your device settings, force stop the TikTok app, clear cache/data, then restart your phone. Reopen TikTok to refresh your filter list.
Check for App Updates
Go to your device app store, search for TikTok, and check for any pending updates. An outdated app version could be preventing filters from loading.
Enable Permissions
Make sure TikTok has permission to access your camera, microphone, contacts, storage, etc. Disable then re-enable permissions and check if filters return.
Toggle Airplane Mode
Turn on airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off and reconnect to WiFi/cellular. This resets your connection and forces the app to reload.
Restart Your Device
Completely power off your device, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Restarting your phone or tablet can fix temporary glitches.
Contact TikTok Support
If you still can’t access filters after troubleshooting, you may need to contact TikTok support. Describe your issue and they may be able to help uncover what’s preventing filters from loading.
Use an Alternative Device
Try installing TikTok on another phone or tablet and logging into your account. Check if you can find the missing filter on the alternative device. This will confirm whether the issue is device-specific.
Get Creative With Available Filters
While troubleshooting a missing filter, get creative and experiment with filters you do have. There are thousands of great effects on TikTok. Try out different combinations and tap/hold various parts of the screen to uncover cool tricks.
You can stack multiple filters for unique effects. Position and layer filters in different orders to find interesting visual mixes. Get innovative with available filters while working to recover your missing one.
Recommendations of Fun Filters to Try
- Green Screen – Replace backgrounds in your video for custom scenes
- Mirror – Duplicate your image for a kaleidoscope effect
- B&W 3D Scan – Cool 3D rendering effect in black & white
- TikTok Studio – Augmented reality studio space filter
- Disco – Psychedelic rainbow filter with retro discoball
TikTok is continuously releasing new filters, lenses, effects, and AR tools. Follow top creators, hashtags, and trends to discover the latest viral filters. While your favorite might be temporarily missing, there are tons of other creative options at your fingertips.
Conclusion
Filters disappearing in TikTok can certainly be frustrating, especially if it’s one you used often in your videos. Thankfully, there are many troubleshooting steps you can take to try to get access back. Check your liked filters, update the app, reset filters, use a VPN, and contact TikTok support if needed. In some cases, you may just have to wait and see if the filter returns or use alternatives in the meantime. With TikTok’s ever-growing catalog of effects, you’re bound to find new favorites filters even if old ones go away.
