If you’ve noticed that the search button is missing from your TikTok app, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many TikTok users have reported this issue recently. The search button allows you to search for videos, sounds, hashtags, creators, etc. on TikTok, so not having it can be inconvenient.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through why the TikTok search button disappears and the steps you can take to get it back. We’ll also provide some alternative search methods you can use in the meantime.
Why Did My TikTok Search Button Disappear?
There are a few potential reasons your TikTok search button may have vanished:
- TikTok removed the button – TikTok has been known to remove and rearrange features in app updates. It’s possible they removed the button in a new version.
- App glitch – Like any app, TikTok can have bugs. The search button disappearing could be a temporary glitch.
- Restricted mode enabled – If you have TikTok’s Restricted Mode enabled, it hides some features like search.
- Filtered keywords – If you filtered out keywords in TikTok’s digital wellbeing controls, it may remove search.
- Device compatibility issues – The TikTok app may not be fully compatible with your device. This could cause interface issues.
- Connection problems – Poor internet connection can sometimes impact how apps display features.
How to Get the TikTok Search Button Back
If your TikTok search button is gone, don’t panic. Here are some troubleshooting tips to get it back:
1. Update the TikTok App
The easiest thing to try first is updating your TikTok app. Open your device’s app store, search for TikTok, and install the latest version. This will give you the newest interface and features.
Updating the app can resolve any bugs or glitches that may have made the button disappear. It can also give you a search button if TikTok added it back in a new version.
2. Restart Your Device
Sometimes restarting your device can fix app issues like missing buttons. Completely power down your device and restart it. Then reopen TikTok and check if the search button has returned.
Restarting clears out any temporary glitches or memory issues that could remove interface elements like buttons. It essentially gives the app a fresh start.
3. Toggle Restricted Mode
Go into your TikTok account settings and toggle Restricted Mode off and back on. Restricted Mode hides some content and features in the app. Toggling it may restore the search button.
To disable Restricted Mode:
- Open TikTok and tap the Profile icon
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Digital Wellbeing
- Turn off “Restricted Mode”
Toggle it off and on again, then check if search is back. This has resolved the issue for some users.
4. Disconnect and Reconnect Internet
Connectivity issues could potentially interfere with apps loading properly. Try disconnecting from the internet and reconnecting.
On mobile, turn on Airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn it off. This will disconnect and reconnect you. On desktop, disable WiFi and re-enable it.
Then relaunch TikTok. Reconnecting to the internet can fix temporary glitches caused by poor connectivity.
5. Reinstall the App
If none of the above work, the last resort is uninstalling and reinstalling TikTok. This gives you a completely fresh version which may have the search button restored.
Before reinstalling, consider backing up any important videos or data. You can save videos directly to your device’s storage. Then uninstall TikTok, restart your device, reinstall TikTok from the app store, and login to check for search.
6. Contact TikTok Support
If reinstalling the app doesn’t bring back your search button, reach out to TikTok’s customer support. Explain the issue and they may be able to troubleshoot further or escalate it.
You can contact TikTok support right in the app – go to your profile, tap the 3-dot Menu icon > Report a Problem > Get Support. This will open support options.
How to Search on TikTok Without the Button
Until you get the search button back, you need alternative ways to search for content on TikTok. Here are some methods you can use:
Use TikTok’s Discover Page
TikTok’s Discover page functions similarly to search. Open TikTok and tap the Discover icon on the bottom toolbar (magnifying glass icon).
This will show trending hashtags, sounds, creators, and other content. Tap items to view related videos. The Discover page is a handy alternative search tool.
Search Within Profile Pages
You can search within many profile pages in TikTok. For example, go to a creator’s profile, tap the Posts tab, then tap in the search bar at the top to search their content.
You can do the same in hashtags and sounds – go to their profile page and search there. The profile search bars allow searching specific accounts.
Use TikTok’s Website
Search works normally on TikTok’s web version at www.tiktok.com. Open the site in your browser, log in, and you can use search like usual.
The web version mirrors the mobile app’s functionality. So if you can access it on a computer, it may be easier to search that way.
Search in the App Store
You can also search for content in TikTok through your device’s app store. For example, in the iOS App Store, search for a hashtag or sound. Then tap the TikTok link to open the content directly in the app.
The same can be done in the Google Play Store on Android. Search in the store, then open results in the installed TikTok app.
Preventing TikTok Search Issues
To avoid further issues with the TikTok search button disappearing, keep these tips in mind:
- Update TikTok regularly – Install app updates as soon as they are available.
- Don’t mod the app – Using third-party mods can cause issues.
- Check your internet – Make sure you have a stable connection.
- Restart your device – Power down and restart your device once a week.
- Free up storage space – Lack of space can affect app performance.
- Report bugs – Notify TikTok support if issues persist.
In Closing
Having your TikTok search button vanish can certainly be frustrating. But in most cases, it’s caused by a minor technical glitch or app update. With some simple troubleshooting, you should be able to get search back quickly.
Use the tips in this guide to troubleshoot and restore your TikTok search capabilities. Check for app updates, toggle settings, restart your device, reinstall TikTok, or contact support if needed. And utilize alternative search methods in the meantime.
