It can be frustrating when TikTok suddenly logs you out without warning. You’re happily scrolling through videos one minute, and the next you’re staring at the login screen. While random logouts aren’t uncommon for users, it’s still disruptive and confusing when it happens.
There are a few potential reasons why TikTok may have logged you out unexpectedly. This article will examine some of the common causes behind random TikTok logouts and provide troubleshooting tips to help avoid it happening again.
Expired Login Session
One of the most common reasons for getting randomly logged out of TikTok is an expired login session. TikTok, like many other apps and websites, will automatically log users out after a certain period of inactivity as a security measure [1]. The default session length on TikTok is about 1-2 weeks, though this can vary depending on user settings [2].
If you haven’t used the TikTok app for an extended period, you may open it up one day and find yourself logged out with a message saying your login session has expired. This is normal and doesn’t indicate any issues with your account. To get logged back in, you simply need to enter your username and password again.
TikTok’s auto-logout feature helps protect accounts from unauthorized access. If you left your account logged in on a shared or public device, the session expiration ensures it won’t stay open forever. This prevents strangers from accessing your account if you forget to manually log out. Overall, it’s a useful security measure that occasionally requires re-authentication.
Software Bug
Some random logouts on TikTok are actually caused by bugs or glitches within the app’s software. As with any major app, TikTok has experienced its fair share of technical issues that lead to unexpected user logouts. For example, in late 2021 many TikTok users reported being randomly logged out due to an app bug related to logging in from multiple devices. TikTok addressed the issue in a subsequent update. More recently, users on Android devices have complained of random logouts that were traced back to corrupted app data and cache files. While irritating, these kinds of temporary technical glitches are common as apps strive to quickly fix bugs and release improved versions.
Too Many Login Attempts
One of the most common reasons that TikTok may randomly log you out is if there have been too many failed login attempts on your account. As a security measure, TikTok will automatically log users out if it detects too many unsuccessful login attempts in a short period of time. This is done to protect accounts from potential hacking or unauthorized access attempts.
If someone tries to login to your TikTok account repeatedly with an incorrect password, TikTok’s systems will detect this suspicious activity. After a certain threshold, usually 5-10 failed logins, TikTok will automatically log you out of your account as a precautionary measure. You will then see an error message like “Too many login attempts” or “Maximum number of attempts reached.”
TikTok does this to prevent malicious actors from brute forcing their way into your account through trial and error. By automatically logging you out after several bad login attempts, it makes it much harder for someone to hack your account by guessing passwords.
If you encounter the “Too many attempts” error yourself, don’t worry – simply wait a while before trying to log in again so the system can reset. Check that you’re using the right password or reset it if needed. This is just TikTok watching out for your account security.
Weak Internet Connection
An unsteady or weak internet connection can sometimes lead to unexpected logouts on TikTok. When using mobile data or Wi-Fi, signal strength can fluctuate, causing interruptions in connectivity. As TikTok requires a consistent internet connection to maintain an active logged-in session, any dips or lapses can disrupt this connection and kick the user out of their account.
This issue most commonly occurs when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data networks on a mobile device. For example, if you open TikTok on Wi-Fi but then walk out of Wi-Fi range, the signal may momentarily drop as the device switches to mobile data. This brief interruption could trigger TikTok to log out.
Similarly, moving between areas with weak and strong Wi-Fi coverage can also impact connectivity. If you open TikTok in a weak signal area, then move to a Wi-Fi dead zone, the app may drop the connection entirely, logging you out. Problems with the local network, like an overloaded public Wi-Fi network, can also prevent TikTok from maintaining a steady connection.
To prevent weak internet from interrupting your TikTok session, try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or switching to mobile data when coverage is spotty. Checking for app updates and restarting your device can also help troubleshoot any software issues causing connectivity problems. TikTok’s servers may also periodically go down, so an outage could unexpectedly log users out.[1]
Outdated App Version
One common reason TikTok may randomly log you out is if you have an outdated version of the app. TikTok regularly releases updates to fix bugs, improve features, and enhance overall performance. However, remaining on an old app version can sometimes lead to random logout issues as the version becomes incompatible.
It’s recommended to always keep TikTok updated to the latest available version. You can check for and install updates in the App Store on iOS or Google Play Store on Android. The most recent update as of January 2023 is version 24.7.5 on iOS and 25.7.5 on Android.
Updating the app will ensure you have the most optimized and stable TikTok experience, which should prevent random logouts from occurring. If you notice you are repeatedly being logged out, navigating to your device’s app store and selecting “Update” on the TikTok listing is advised. This will download the newest version so outdated code or bugs are not responsible for the logout problems.
Account Security Issues
One common reason TikTok may automatically log out a user is suspicious activity detected on the account that triggers security protections. As discussed in the TikTok support article “My account logged out automatically“, if someone else tries to remove a device from the account settings without authorization, TikTok may log out all active sessions as a security precaution.
TikTok aims to protect user accounts from unauthorized access. If someone else attempts to login to the account from a new device or location, TikTok may detect this as suspicious behavior and automatically log out the account on all devices. This serves as a security measure to prevent access by anyone except the rightful account owner.
Likewise, too many incorrect login attempts in a short time period can appear like someone trying to gain entry to the account. As a result, TikTok may log the account out of all active sessions. This automatic logout interrupts any hacking attempts and lets the legitimate owner regain access through proper login credentials.
In summary, while automatic logouts can be inconvenient, they often indicate TikTok detecting suspicious activity and taking action to secure the account. Users should reset passwords and enable two-factor authentication if logouts persist, to prevent any unauthorized access attempts.
Clearing App Data
One reason TikTok may randomly log you out is if you recently cleared the app data or cache. Clearing app data erases stored information like login credentials, preferences, and cache. As a result, TikTok won’t recognize your account anymore and will log you out. You’ll have to login again for the app to re-sync your profile.
According to TikTok’s support article, clearing app data is a common reason for automatic logouts. When you clear data, you essentially reset the app to factory settings, deleting any stored login information. TikTok treats this as logging out from all devices.
If you’re logged out after clearing TikTok data, don’t worry. Just login again using your username and password. TikTok may also prompt you to confirm it’s really you logging in by entering a code sent to your phone number or email.
Device Settings
Certain device settings can cause TikTok to randomly log users out. For example, enabling 2-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security that requires re-authenticating more frequently. According to Why Does TikTok Keep Logging Me Out, having this setting turned on can lead to getting logged out randomly if you don’t re-confirm your login periodically.
Other device settings like battery optimization, which closes background apps to save power, may also cause TikTok to log out unexpectedly. If battery optimization is enabled for TikTok, the app can be force closed when you aren’t actively using it, requiring you to log back in next time you open TikTok.
Adjusting these device settings related to security and battery usage can potentially resolve random TikTok log outs. You may need to disable certain options like 2-factor authentication or battery optimization for TikTok to stay logged in reliably.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several potential reasons why TikTok may randomly log users out, including expired login sessions, software bugs, too many failed login attempts, weak internet connections, outdated app versions, and account security issues. It’s important to keep the TikTok app up-to-date, maintain a strong wifi or cellular data connection, avoid excessive login attempts, and enable proper device and account security settings. Clearing app data and cache can also help resolve random logouts. By optimizing these app and device settings, TikTok users can have a smooth and uninterrupted experience with minimal frustrating logouts.
