If you are unable to search for videos on TikTok, there are a few potential reasons why this may be happening. The most common reasons include your region or country restricting access to TikTok’s search feature, your account being shadowbanned or restricted by TikTok, connection issues on your device, or bugs in the TikTok app itself.
Regional or country restrictions
In some regions or countries, TikTok restricts access to certain features on their platform, including the ability to search for videos. This is often done to comply with local laws and regulations. For example, in India, TikTok disabled the ability to search for videos after the Madras High Court ordered them to take down any controversial or explicit content.
If you are located in a region that restricts TikTok’s search, you will find yourself unable to look up videos or accounts on the platform. The only solution is to use a VPN service to mask your location and access TikTok from a region that allows searching.
Shadowbanning or account restrictions
TikTok has moderation algorithms that identify accounts engaging in behavior deemed inappropriate by TikTok. If your account gets flagged, TikTok may restrict your access to certain features like searching videos. This is known as shadowbanning.
Common reasons for shadowbanning include:
- Posting sexually suggestive or explicit content
- Posting violent, dangerous or hateful content
- Spamming or repeatedly posting identical content
- Violating copyright through your videos or live streams
- Using bots or third-party apps that violate TikTok’s terms
If you suspect your account has been shadowbanned, switch to a different account and see if you can search normally. If so, your original account has likely been restricted by TikTok.
To restore your ability to search, you’ll need to appeal the restrictions on your account by contacting TikTok support.
Connection issues
Searching on TikTok requires a stable internet connection. If you are experiencing slow internet speeds or frequent disconnections, this can interfere with TikTok’s ability to load search results.
Troubleshoot your connection by trying these steps:
- Check if other apps can access the internet normally. If it’s just TikTok affected, the issue is with the app.
- Restart your phone or reconnect to the WiFi.
- Try switching between WiFi and cellular data.
- Reset your router if on WiFi.
- Check for any service outages with your ISP.
If your connection seems fine, the next step is to uninstall and reinstall the TikTok app in case the installation has become corrupted.
Bugs in the TikTok app
Like any app, TikTok can sometimes have bugs that affect certain features. Bugs that prevent searching are often found after TikTok releases an app update.
If searching stops working suddenly, it may be due to a bug introduced in the latest update. Check TikTok’s updates page or app store listing to see if other users are reporting bugs.
To fix search bugs caused by TikTok updates, try:
- Force close and restart the TikTok app.
- Update to the latest version of TikTok.
- Clear the cache and data for the TikTok app.
- Uninstall and reinstall TikTok if the issue persists.
You can also try downgrading to an older version of TikTok before the update that caused issues. For iOS users, this can be done by using the App Store’s version history.
How to troubleshoot and fix the “Can’t search videos” issue
If you are unable to search on TikTok, follow these troubleshooting steps:
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Check if searching works on another account – Open TikTok on another account and test if you can search normally. This verifies if it’s your account that’s restricted.
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Force close and restart the TikTok app – Completely close TikTok from the background and relaunch. This refreshes the app cache.
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Update to the latest TikTok version – Go to your app store and install the latest TikTok update. Updates often fix bugs.
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Clear cache and app data – In your phone’s app settings, clear cached data and delete app data for TikTok. This fixes corrupt data.
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Check your internet connection – Make sure you have a stable WiFi or cellular data connection. Turn airplane mode on and off to refresh your connection.
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Use a VPN (virtual private network) – A VPN changes your virtual location, allowing you to bypass geographic restrictions.
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Factory reset your phone – As a last resort, backup your phone and do a factory reset. This will wipe any corrupt app data.
After trying these troubleshooting steps, normal search functionality should be restored on TikTok. If not, you will need to contact TikTok support for further assistance.
How to prevent “Can’t search videos” issues
Here are some tips to avoid running into “Can’t search videos” errors on TikTok in the future:
- Don’t violate TikTok’s community guidelines – Avoid shadowbanning by posting appropriate content.
- Use the latest TikTok version – Update frequently to prevent bugs.
- Limit use of third-party apps – Unofficial apps can lead to bans.
- Don’t manipulate content with bots – Botting will get accounts restricted.
- Maintain a stable internet connection – For consistent access to all features.
- Report bugs – Alert TikTok to issues so they can release fixes.
- Provide feedback to TikTok – Suggest ways to improve the search experience.
Following TikTok’s rules and keeping your app updated are the best ways to avoid major issues. But even if you run into problems, the troubleshooting steps outlined earlier should get TikTok search working again.
When to contact TikTok support
After exhausting all troubleshooting options, reach out to TikTok support if you still cannot search for videos. Contact them via:
- In-app support chat
- Twitter – @TikTokSupport
- TikTok’s help center
- Email to TikTok’s support team
When contacting support:
- Clearly describe the issue and when it started occurring.
- List troubleshooting steps you’ve tried.
- Provide any relevant details like error messages.
- Ask if they can check if your account is restricted.
TikTok support can investigate why searching is not working, restore your account access if needed, and escalate unresolved technical issues.
Takeaways
- TikTok search not working can be caused by regional blocks, shadowbans, connection issues or bugs.
- Troubleshoot by trying different accounts, resetting the app, using VPNs and checking for updates.
- Avoid the issue by following TikTok’s rules and keeping your app up to date.
- Contact TikTok support if problems persist after troubleshooting.
