If you are unable to use filters when searching on TikTok, there are a few things you can try to resolve the issue. The most common reasons filters may not be working properly include app glitches, restricted access in certain regions, or using an outdated version of the TikTok app.
Update the TikTok App
The first thing to try is making sure you have the latest version of the TikTok app installed on your device. TikTok frequently releases new updates which add features and fix bugs. If your app is outdated, some features like filters may not work properly.
On iOS devices, you can check for app updates by going to the App Store and tapping your profile icon in the top right. Scroll down to see a list of apps needing updates. For Android devices, open the Google Play Store app and tap the menu button in the top left. Go to “My Apps & Games” to see pending updates.
Install any available TikTok updates and then try searching with filters again. Keeping apps fully updated ensures you have access to all the latest features.
Clear the App Cache and Data
If the TikTok app is up to date but filters still aren’t working, try clearing the cache and app data. Over time, cache files and data can become corrupted which leads to issues like filters not functioning.
On an iOS device, clearing the cache requires deleting and reinstalling the TikTok app. For Android, open your device settings, select “Apps” or “App Manager”, choose TikTok, then tap “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”. This will reset the app and often resolves glitches.
Check for Internet Connection Issues
Filters require an active internet connection to load properly within the TikTok app. Check that your device has a strong WiFi or cellular data signal. Slow or spotty connections can prevent filters from working correctly.
Turn off WiFi and switch to cellular data, or vice versa, to test if one connection is faster and more stable. Move closer to your router if on WiFi. Contact your internet service provider if you consistently have slow speeds.
Allow TikTok Through Firewall and VPN
If you are using a firewall, VPN, or security software, this could block TikTok’s access to load filters. Add TikTok to your allowed apps list and adjust any internet filtering settings that may be restricting access.
On public WiFi connections, some network firewalls block sites and apps like TikTok. Check with the WiFi provider to ensure full access. TikTok requires unrestricted connections for all features to work properly.
Restart Your Device
Basic troubleshooting steps like restarting your device and the TikTok app can clear up temporary glitches preventing filters from loading. Close all apps and power your device off completely. Wait a minute, power back on, launch TikTok and try filters.
You can also try deleting and reinstalling the TikTok app after restarting your device. This clears any corrupt data and caches for a fresh start.
Check Regional Restrictions
In some countries and regions, TikTok legally has to restrict certain features like filters due to local regulations. You may see a notice within the app if filters are blocked in your area.
Consider using a VPN service to route your traffic through another country that has full TikTok access enabled. Be aware that circumventing regional restrictions violates TikTok’s terms of service.
Contact TikTok Support
If you’ve tried all other troubleshooting suggestions and TikTok filters still do not work, you will need to contact TikTok support for additional help. Within the TikTok app, tap your profile, go to the menu icon “≡” and select “Report a Problem”.
Choose the issue category “App Problems”, explain filters are not functional, and submit your report. A support representative will respond with further assistance and diagnostics to resolve the problem.
Use TikTok on Another Device
To confirm if the filter problem is isolated to just one device, install TikTok on another smartphone or tablet you own and test if you can search with filters. If they work normally on the other gadget, then something is wrong with your original device.
Back up and reset your original phone to factory default settings. Wipe the cache partition if on Android. Restore from backup once reset. This will eliminate any device-specific glitches preventing filters.
Downgrade to an Older TikTok Version
In rare cases, the latest TikTok app update may introduce a bug that breaks filters. If this happens, downgrading to the previous app version can quickly restore filter functionality.
On Android you can download old APK files of TikTok releases online and manually install them. For iOS, you’ll need to backup your device and restore to a previous date before the bad update.
Check TikTok’s update notes for any known issues listed. Revert to the last version before major problems were reported. Stay on the older release until a fixed update is available.
Create a New TikTok Account
If filters stop working on your established TikTok account, creating a brand new account could potentially fix the problem. Log out completely, sign up fresh, and test if filters now properly appear during TikTok searches.
If the issue only seems to affect your original profile, contact TikTok support to investigate for any account-specific configurations that may be blocking filters. Mention if the problem is fixed with a new account.
Use Third-Party TikTok Apps
Alternative third-party apps for TikTok like TikViewer allow you to search and view TikTok content while offering additional features. Download one of these apps to check if TikTok filters now work for you.
Since third-party apps are not officially supported by TikTok, they may lack some functionality. But the ability to use filters could make them a handy temporary workaround option.
Wait for TikTok to Fix Issues
In many cases, filter problems on TikTok are caused by temporary glitches or bugs on TikTok’s servers. The best solution is to wait a day or two for TikTok to resolve any ongoing issues affecting filters.
Follow TikTok’s Twitter account and visit status sites like DownDetector to check for identified problems impacting the platform. Once TikTok deploys fixes, filters should start working normally again.
With filters being such a popular and important feature, TikTok typically resolves related problems quickly. Try searching with filters again within a day or two.
