TikTok can keep crashing because of a temporary error, an outdated app version, low free storage or problems with temporary files. Your phone’s operating system or an error at TikTok could also be the cause. First, close TikTok completely and open the app again. If that does not help, restart your phone. Do not delete the app yet, as you could lose saved drafts.
Below, you can read what you can try, from simple steps to reinstalling the app. Test TikTok after each step.
Why does TikTok close by itself? Six possible causes
During a crash, TikTok closes unexpectedly. For example, while watching a video, you may suddenly end up on your phone’s home screen. Is TikTok still open, but are videos not loading? The issue may be with your connection. In that case, first try another trusted network.
This table lists six possible causes. You cannot determine with certainty here which one affects your phone.
| Possible cause | What can you try? |
|---|---|
| A temporary error in the app | Close TikTok completely and open the app again. |
| An outdated app version | Check whether an update for TikTok is available. |
| Little free storage space | Check your phone’s storage and free up space if necessary. |
| A problem with temporary files | Clear only the cache if that option is available. These are temporary files from the app. |
| A problem with the phone’s operating system | Restart your phone and check for a system update. |
| An error in TikTok itself | Note when the app closes and report the problem if it keeps happening. |
Pay attention to when TikTok closes. Does it happen immediately when opening the app, while recording or only with one draft? This helps you describe the problem. Do other apps also crash? Then the problem may be with your phone, not just TikTok.
A notification that your account has been blocked is not a crash. For that, read about appealing if your TikTok account has been permanently blocked. A TikTok account that unexpectedly appears private is also a different problem.
Restarting and updating TikTok
- Close TikTok completely. Remove TikTok from the list of open apps. Simply returning to your home screen does not always close the app.
- Open TikTok again. Do the same thing you were doing when the app crashed, such as opening or recording a video.
- Restart your phone if TikTok keeps closing. Then test the app again before continuing.
- Check whether you can update TikTok. On Android, view the official TikTok app page in Google Play. On an iPhone, search for TikTok in the App Store.
- Check for a system update. Check your phone’s settings to see whether an update for Android or iOS is available.
An update can fix errors, but it does not help with every crash. Did the problem start after an update? Note that in your report to TikTok. Do not install an old app version from an unknown website.
Does TikTok not open at all? You can still restart your phone, check for updates and view the available storage. You do not need to open TikTok for this.
Checking storage and clearing the TikTok cache on Android and iPhone
Storage is the space on your phone used for apps, photos and other files. Check your phone settings to see whether it is almost full. If necessary, delete files you no longer use, such as old downloads. First save important photos and videos somewhere else.
The cache consists of temporary files that help an app load faster. Clearing the cache is not the same as deleting all app data. So do not simply choose an option that clears data or storage.
On Android
In your phone settings, open TikTok’s app information. Check whether you can clear only the cache there. The name and location of this option vary by phone.
Continue only if it clearly states that you are clearing the cache. Do you see only an option that deletes all data? Skip this step.
On an iPhone
Does TikTok still open? Check whether you can clear the cache in the app. An iPhone does not have a general button for clearing only the cache in every app.
Do you not see a clear option? Skip this step. Do not delete TikTok as a replacement for clearing the cache.
Open TikTok again after clearing the cache. Test the action that caused the app to close earlier. Do not delete drafts to see whether that helps, unless you no longer need them.
Reinstalling TikTok: save your drafts first
Reinstalling can help if something is wrong with the TikTok installation. However, data stored on your phone may also disappear. This also applies to drafts: videos you have not posted yet. They may exist only on your phone and will not automatically return when you log in again.
Therefore, first check these three things:
- Can you log in again? Check which login method you use. Also check whether you have access to the associated email address or phone number.
- Are your important drafts stored outside TikTok? Save them outside the app if TikTok still opens and offers that option. Then check whether the files are really stored on your phone and play correctly.
- Do you have the original photos and videos? Save those too. A saved video does not always contain all the separate edits from your draft.
Does TikTok not open, and are there drafts that you cannot replace? Then wait before deleting the app or clearing app data. You cannot count on getting those drafts back after a new installation.
Have you saved your important files and can you log in again? Then you can delete TikTok and reinstall it through Google Play or the App Store. Afterwards, test whether the app still closes.
When should you report a TikTok crash?
Report the problem if TikTok keeps closing after the simple steps. Do this also if the app keeps crashing during the same action. You do not need to delete TikTok first if that could cause you to lose important drafts.
You can visit the official TikTok help page for technical problems and reporting issues. The available topics may vary by language, country and app version.
Collect this information for your report:
- Your phone’s brand and model.
- The version of Android or iOS and, if you can find it, the version of TikTok.
- What you do just before TikTok closes.
- How long it has been happening and whether it started after an update.
- Which steps you have already tried.
- The exact error message, if you see one.
A fictional example of a clear report: “TikTok opens, but keeps closing as soon as I try to record a new video. I have restarted my phone and checked for updates. Other apps continue to work.”
Are other apps also crashing? Then ask your phone manufacturer’s support team for help. Reinstalling TikTok alone will not solve a broader problem with your phone. Once your account is working as intended, you can explore our TikTok services to compare packages for followers and likes for your public profile or content.
