If you are unable to use the search bar on TikTok to look up videos, users, sounds, or hashtags, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to get it working again. The most common reasons the TikTok search bar may not be working include an outdated app, network connection issues, or a temporary glitch. In most cases, you can resolve the issue in just a few minutes.
Update the TikTok App
The first thing to try when the TikTok search isn’t working is updating to the latest version of the TikTok app. Like all apps, TikTok is periodically updated by the developers to fix bugs, add new features, and improve performance. If you aren’t running the most current version of TikTok, you may encounter issues like a broken search bar.
To update the TikTok app on your iOS device, open the App Store and tap your profile icon in the top right. On the next screen, scroll down to see a list of apps installed on your device that have available updates. Tap “Update” next to TikTok. For Android devices, open the Google Play Store, tap the hamburger menu icon in the top left, choose “My Apps & Games”, select TikTok from the list, and tap “Update.”
Once the latest version of TikTok finishes installing, try using the search bar again. In many cases, this alone can fix search issues. Make sure to keep your apps updated in general to avoid bugs and other problems.
Check Your Internet Connection
Since TikTok is an online app, having a stable internet connection is required for all of its features to work properly. If there are network connectivity problems on your device, it’s likely the search function will fail or return no results.
To rule out a network issue, try accessing TikTok over a different WiFi network or your mobile data. If the search works normally, then you know the problem is with your original network. Turn off WiFi and reconnect, or reset your router, to resolve such connectivity problems.
Slow internet speeds and packet loss can also prevent the search bar from fetching results. Run a speed test on your network – if speeds are below 5 Mbps or ping times are high, have your ISP troubleshoot your connection.
Force Stop the App
Sometimes apps can get “stuck” after periods of extended use, draining resources and causing functions to stop working. Force stopping TikTok essentially gives the app a fresh start, which can get things working again.
On an iPhone, double press the home button to bring up your recent apps. Swipe up on the TikTok preview to fully close it. On Android, open Settings > Apps & Notifications > See all apps > TikTok. Tap Force Stop. Now restart the TikTok app normally.
Force stopping apps can solve misc software glitches, free up RAM if the app is bloated, and require features to reload properly. It’s an easy fix to try anytime an app is acting buggy.
Clear the App Cache and Data
Over time, cached data and logs can accumulate inside apps, eventually leading to performance issues. For TikTok in particular, a corrupted cache can break features like searching. Clearing this data forces TikTok to rebuild its temporary files from scratch.
On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Storage > TikTok. Tap “Offload App” to delete the cache and other temporary data. Your TikTok videos and favorites will remain intact. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > TikTok. Tap Storage & Cache > Clear Cache and Clear Data. Reopen TikTok.
Make sure not to clear TikTok’s data too often, as this will log you out and remove your profile information each time. Only do so if you’re experiencing significant technical issues.
Restart Your Device
As a last resort, fully rebooting your device can knock out any lingering glitches that are preventing TikTok’s search from loading. Power cycling your phone or tablet essentially provides a “clean slate” for apps and system processes to run on.
On iPhone, hold down the Power and Volume Down buttons until you see the Apple logo appear. On Android, hold down the Power button for 60+ seconds until the device shuts down, and then boot it back up. This may take a few minutes.
Restarting your device isn’t always necessary but can be helpful if the above troubleshooting steps don’t get the TikTok search working again. Make sure to export your TikTok drafts first.
Wait for TikTok to Fix Server Issues
In some instances, the TikTok app itself is working fine but there are problems on TikTok’s server infrastructure that prevent certain features from functioning. Server outages that impact the search bar are rare, but do happen on occasion.
Check sites like Downdetector to see if other TikTok users are reporting widespread search problems and outages. These server-side disruptions will usually be resolved within a few hours. The only option is to wait patiently as TikTok’s engineers work to restore service.
Keep the TikTok app closed while you wait – constantly reopening it to check if the search is back up can sometimes worsen outage issues. TikTok will typically post updates on its @TikTok_US Twitter as the team works to identify and patch server problems.
Repair or Replace Your Device
In rare cases, a hardware problem with your phone or tablet itself could be the cause of issues with the TikTok search not loading. Faulty network adapters, glitchy touchscreens, and defective memory modules can cause all sorts of unusual app behavior.
If you’ve ruled out the above software-based issues, your device may need professional repair service. For example, if the TikTok search bar taps aren’t registering accurately, the digitizer module on your screen could be cracked or disconnected.
Your best bet is to visit a repair shop – they’ll be able to test your device hardware and identify any components that are malfunctioning. If your phone or tablet is still under warranty and the damage isn’t from accidental drops, you may be able to get a free repair or replacement.
Faulty hardware isn’t the most likely cause of TikTok search problems, but can happen if your device takes a bad fall or wears out internally over time with heavy usage.
Use TikTok in Your Mobile Browser
If all else fails and you urgently need access to TikTok’s search function, you can use TikTok through your mobile browser as a temporary workaround. While not ideal for daily usage, the mobile web version will let you search until you can get the app issues sorted out.
From your device’s browser, navigate to TikTok.com and log into your account. The interface will be nearly identical. Tap the magnifying glass icon to access search and look up hashtags, sounds, users, and videos.
Keep in mind you may lose some functionality using TikTok in a mobile browser. But search should work normally, along with core features like viewing feeds, profiles, and uploading short clips.
Contact TikTok Support
If all standard troubleshooting steps fail to get TikTok’s search bar working again, your best option is to directly contact their support team. TikTok’s help staff can investigate your account, provide customized troubleshooting advice, and escalate persistent technical issues.
In the TikTok app, tap the “Me” page icon on the bottom right, then tap the three line menu icon in the top right corner. Choose “Support” to see options for reaching out to customer service via email or community forums.
You can also visit TikTok’s Help Center on their website for articles, FAQs, and support contact options. Support agents may be able to restore search functionality from TikTok’s end or detect if your account in particular is glitching.
Summary
With the right troubleshooting techniques, you should be able to get TikTok’s search bar working again in most cases where it has stopped loading results. Updating the app, checking your network, restarting your device, and clearing cache/data are the most common DIY fixes. For ongoing search problems, enlisting help from TikTok’s support team can identify and resolve any underlying account issues.
