If you are unable to find a specific account on TikTok, there are a few potential reasons why this may be happening:
The account doesn’t exist
The most straightforward reason is that the account you are searching for simply does not exist on TikTok. Users often delete or deactivate accounts, so it’s possible the account was removed. Try searching for the exact username – if no results come up at all, it’s likely the account is gone.
You spelled the username incorrectly
Double check that you are searching for the exact, correct username. Capitalization matters, so make sure you have the right capital and lowercase letters. If there are any special characters like dots or underscores, ensure you have included those as well. Small typos in the username could mean you are searching for the wrong account.
The account is set to private
If the account you’re searching for is set to “private” on TikTok, you won’t be able to see the profile or any of the videos unless you are an approved follower. TikTok users can choose to make accounts private for more privacy and security. Search for the exact username – if it says “Page Not Found”, that likely means the account is private.
You are blocked from viewing the account
If you were previously interacting with the account but can now no longer find it, the owner may have blocked you. Blocking prevents you from viewing someone’s account, likes, comments, etc. You won’t get notified if you are blocked. Have a friend try searching for the account – if they can see it but you can’t, you’ve probably been blocked.
The account was banned from TikTok
TikTok routinely bans accounts that violate community guidelines around things like hate speech, violence, dangerous behavior, and more. If an account gets banned, it is completely removed from the platform and can no longer be viewed. Try searching – if you get zero results, the account may be banned.
TikTok is glitching
Like any platform, TikTok can have technical issues that cause problems like accounts not showing up in search. Server outages, bugs, or app glitches could explain why you can’t find an account that you know exists. Check TikTok’s status page or try again later to see if it was a temporary problem.
You were shadowbanned
A “shadowban” is when TikTok secretly restricts a user’s account without their knowledge. Your profile and videos will not show up in search or hashtags for other users. You can’t tell if you are shadowbanned, but if friends can find an account you can’t, a shadowban may be why.
Issues on your end
Make sure the problem is not on your end before assuming an account is gone. Check your internet connection, restart your device, update the TikTok app, and clear the cache/data. If other accounts are loading fine, the issue likely isn’t on your end.
The user changed their username
Users can edit their username on TikTok, so it’s possible the account name has changed since the last time you viewed it. Try searching for other iterations of the name or looking through your own followers/followings lists to see if it appears under a new name.
You somehow got logged out
Double check that you are logged into the correct TikTok account, especially if you manage multiple accounts. Logging out or getting logged out due to an update could explain why you can’t find an account you previously followed.
Your account is too new
TikTok places restrictions on brand new accounts to prevent spam and bots. If your account is less than a day or two old, you may be unable to search for certain accounts until your account ages slightly.
Their fans found the account first
When a popular TikToker creates a new account, their fans often locate it and follow immediately before the name gets widely known. It will show up once enough people find and interact with the account.
The profile doesn’t meet search criteria
TikTok’s search algorithm favors accounts with complete profiles, correct categories, good engagement, etc. Incomplete or new profiles with few posts can rank lower and be harder to find in search.
You have a limited account
TikTok can restrict underage users or those who violate guidelines to a “limited” account. Limited accounts have reduced functionality, including potential inability to find some accounts.
Location or age restrictions
Accounts can choose to restrict visibility based on factors like age or location. If the account limited visibility to a different age group or country, you may be unable to view it.
The name is still available
It’s possible no one has created the account yet. Try claiming the username yourself – if TikTok says it’s available, that means the account doesn’t currently exist.
Consider contacting TikTok
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and still cannot find an account you know exists, consider reaching out to TikTok directly for help. Contact them via the app, website, email or social media to see if they can resolve the issue on their end.
Try searching on desktop
Sometimes the mobile app acts differently than the desktop site. Try searching for the account on the TikTok website to see if that yields different results.
Wait and try again later
As a last resort, wait a few hours or days and attempt your search again. Temporary glitches get fixed, shadowbans get lifted, and accounts sometimes get reactivated after a break. If it’s an important account, don’t give up – keep periodically checking back.
Not being able to find a TikTok account can be frustrating, but in most cases there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. With the right tips, you should be able to uncover what is causing the problem and hopefully find the missing account.
