Searching for videos on TikTok is one of the main ways users discover new content on the platform. However, many users have reported issues with the TikTok search bar not showing any videos at all when searched. This can be frustrating as it limits your ability to find new videos and creators to watch.
In this complete troubleshooting guide, we will walk you through all the possible reasons for TikTok’s search not working and show you step-by-step how to fix the issues. By the end of this guide, your TikTok search bar should be working again and showing videos as expected.
Quick Fixes to Try
Before we dive into troubleshooting your device and TikTok app, here are some quick fixes you can try to get videos showing in search again:
- Force close and restart the TikTok app
- Check your internet connection
- Update the TikTok app to the latest version
- Clear the TikTok app cache and data
- Try searching while connected to a different WiFi network
Often a simple restart or cache clear can fix temporary glitches like this. If you are still not seeing any videos after trying the quick fixes, move on to the next sections for additional troubleshooting steps.
Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection
One of the most common reasons the TikTok search bar shows no videos is problems with your internet connection. For TikTok search to work properly, you need a stable internet connection on your device.
Here are some steps to troubleshoot your internet connection:
- Check if other apps can access the internet normally. If it’s only TikTok having problems, then the issue is with the app, not your connection.
- Turn airplane mode on and off – this restarts your network devices.
- Reset your router and modem – unplug them for 60 seconds then plug back in.
- Connect your device directly to your wifi router with an ethernet cable.
- Use a speed test app or website to check your upload/download speeds.
- Contact your ISP if speeds are low – there could be an outage in your area.
Once you’ve confirmed your internet connection is working properly, try searching on TikTok again. If it’s still not showing videos move on to troubleshooting your device next.
Troubleshoot Your Device
Issues with your smartphone, tablet, or computer could also prevent TikTok search from working correctly. Let’s go through some troubleshooting steps for your device:
Restart Your Device
Restarting your device will clear any temporary glitches and ensure apps like TikTok are working properly. Completely power down your device and turn it back on again.
Update Your Device Software
Make sure your device is running the latest OS software. Older versions may have incompatibility issues with newer apps like TikTok. On iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update. On Android, go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update.
Free Up Storage Space
If your device is low on storage space, it can cause apps to misbehave. Delete unused apps, photos, and videos to free up space for TikTok to work properly.
Remove Third-Party Apps & Widgets
Apps like file managers, anti-virus scanners, or game hacks can sometimes conflict with TikTok. Try uninstalling any third-party apps and widgets you have installed recently.
Clear Cache & Temporary Files
Wipe your device cache and temporary files to remove corrupted data. On iOS, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. On Android, go to Settings > Storage.
After trying all troubleshooting steps for your device, test TikTok search again. If it’s still not showing videos, then the issue is likely with the TikTok app itself.
Troubleshoot the TikTok App
Let’s now dig into troubleshooting steps specific to the TikTok app on your device.
Force Stop the App
Sometimes the TikTok app can get stuck running in the background. Open your device Settings > Apps > TikTok and choose “Force Stop.” This will force close the TikTok app so it can restart fresh.
Clear TikTok Cache & Data
Corrupted cache/data files may prevent TikTok search from working. In your device Settings > Apps > TikTok, choose “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data.” This will wipe temporary files and reset the app.
Reinstall the App
If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall TikTok from the app store. This will completely refresh the app files in case they have become corrupted.
Update to the Latest Version
Make sure you have installed the most up-to-date version of TikTok from your device’s app store. Old versions can have bugs.
Test TikTok on Another Device
As a final step – try searching on TikTok from a different device on the same WiFi network. If search works there, then you know the issues is isolated to your original device.
Contact TikTok Support
If you still can’t get TikTok search results after trying all troubleshooting steps, you’ll need to contact TikTok support directly:
- In the TikTok app, go to your Profile > Settings and Support > Report a Problem to reach support.
- On Twitter you can tweet @TikTokSupport to get help.
- Visit the TikTok support site and submit a ticket – https://support.tiktok.com
Provide details on when the issue started, what troubleshooting you’ve tried, and the device model. TikTok support can investigate and resolve any app issues on their end causing the search problems.
Why Is TikTok Search Not Working?
Now that you know how to fix TikTok search not showing any videos, let’s summarize some of the main reasons this issue occurs:
- Temporary server outages at TikTok
- Problems with your internet connection
- Outdated app or device software
- Corrupted cache/data for TikTok app
- Search filters enabled, such as video length or hashtag
- Bug in latest TikTok app update
- TikTok account is shadowbanned
- Restricted content controls enabled on your device
The most common factors are connectivity issues, outdated/corrupted app files, or temporary glitches that a restart will resolve. But in rare cases it could be a wider issue with TikTok’s servers that requires them to fix.
Prevent Future TikTok Search Problems
Here are some tips to avoid TikTok search bar issues in the future:
- Keep your TikTok app updated to the latest version
- Regularly clear the TikTok cache and data
- Ensure your device has enough free storage space
- Use a stable WiFi or mobile data connection
- Double check any enabled filters or restrictions
- Restart your device and router occasionally
Following best practices for maintaining your devices and apps will minimize the chances of disruptions to TikTok search. But refer back to this guide if you ever need to troubleshoot search not working again.
Summary
With TikTok being one of the most popular apps globally, any problems with search can be frustrating. But in most cases it is an issue that can be quickly resolved on your end. By troubleshooting your internet, device, app install, and contacting TikTok support, you should get search working again.
Use this complete guide anytime TikTok search is not showing you any videos. It will walk you through all the steps to get search functioning again so you can find new content.
