If you are unable to search for users you follow on TikTok or the “Following” tab shows zero results, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the issue. The problem is usually temporary and can often be fixed by simply logging out and back into your TikTok account. However, sometimes more troubleshooting may be required if the issue persists.
Quick Fixes to Try
Here are some quick and easy things you can try first:
- Force close and restart the TikTok app
- Log out of your TikTok account and log back in
- Check your internet connection
- Update the TikTok app to the latest version
- Clear the TikTok app cache and data
- Try searching on TikTok mobile app and web version
Often just logging out and back into your TikTok account will resolve the search indexing issues temporarily. However, if the problem keeps recurring, you may need to dig deeper.
Possible Causes
There are a few common reasons why TikTok following search may not be working properly:
- Indexing issues – The search index may not have properly updated to reflect your latest follows. This is usually a temporary glitch.
- Connectivity problems – Poor internet connection can prevent syncing your latest follows with TikTok servers.
- App bugs – Glitches in the latest app version may affect search features.
- Account restrictions – If your account is limited in some way, it can block access to certain features.
- Server outages – TikTok servers may be down temporarily, preventing proper functioning.
Figuring out the underlying cause will help you better troubleshoot and resolve the problem.
Detailed Troubleshooting Steps
If quickly logging out and back into TikTok does not fix the issue, try these more detailed troubleshooting steps:
1. Check Your Internet Connection
An unstable internet connection can prevent your TikTok app from syncing properly with TikTok’s servers. This leads to failures in updating your profile data, including who you follow.
Switch to a stronger WiFi network or cellular data connection. Close and reopen TikTok to allow it to reconnect and sync your latest follows list.
2. Update the TikTok App
Outdated app versions may not have the latest bug fixes and security updates needed for all features to work properly.
Go to your device’s app store and check for any available updates for TikTok. Install the latest version and then try searching your follows again.
3. Reinstall the TikTok App
If updating the app does not help, the next step is to uninstall and reinstall TikTok. This wipes the existing app data and cache and gives you a clean slate.
Backup any videos or data you want to keep. Then delete and redownload TikTok. Log back into your account and check if following search works.
4. Log Out and Log Back In
Sometimes your account information can get “stuck”, preventing proper syncing and indexing. Logging out and back in forces a refresh.
On the TikTok app, go to your profile and tap the three line menu. Choose “Log out”. Then log back into your account. Give it a few minutes to sync up again.
5. Clear Cache and App Data
Over time, residual cached data and app data can get corrupted. Clearing it out allows TikTok to repopulate the information freshly.
On Android devices go to Settings > Apps > TikTok > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data. On iOS, delete and reinstall the app.
6. Check Your TikTok Account Status
If your account is limited in some way, it can block access to certain features, including following search.
Go to your TikTok profile and check for any banners indicating your account is restricted. If so, you will need to resolve that issue first.
7. Try Different Versions of TikTok
Attempt searching your follows on both the TikTok mobile app as well as the TikTok website accessed via desktop browser. Issues on one platform may not appear on another.
This can help narrow down where the exact issue lies.
Other Workarounds
In some cases, you may need to workaround the limitation by searching follows in different ways:
- Tap on your Following count shown on your profile to scroll through follows.
- Check the notifications feed for recent likes/comments by those you follow.
- Use the Sounds page to see videos with sounds posted by follows.
- View your inbox for messages from people you follow.
While inconvenient, these options can still help you find content from those you follow while the main search feature is glitchy.
Preventing Future Issues
To avoid running into following search problems again, some best practices include:
- Don’t follow/unfollow too many accounts in quick succession.
- Limit use of any auto-follow/unfollow bots or third party apps.
- Make sure you have a strong, stable internet connection.
- Keep the TikTok app updated to latest version.
- Periodically log out and back into your account.
- Don’t make your account private as it can affect indexing.
Following these tips will help ensure your TikTok account stays in sync and all features work properly.
When to Contact TikTok Support
If you have tried all troubleshooting steps and following search is still consistently malfunctioning for more than 3-4 days, it may require intervention by TikTok support.
Open the TikTok app and go to your profile. Tap the three line menu, choose Settings and Support. Tap Report a Problem and select the issue type as “Something’s Not Working”. Provide details and submit the request.
The TikTok team can investigate backend issues with your account and resolve persistent search problems.
Conclusion
With the wide popularity of TikTok, bugs and glitches affecting certain features crop up from time to time. Following search not working is one such common problem users face.
However, in most cases it can be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps like reinstalling the app or logging out and back in. Persistent issues may require TikTok support to investigate and restore proper functioning.
Using the guide above to troubleshoot the problem from different angles can help restore your ability to easily search through those you follow on TikTok.
