Are you having trouble following someone’s account on TikTok? If so, you’re not alone. Many TikTok users encounter issues when trying to follow accounts on the platform. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various reasons why you may be experiencing difficulties and provide you with actionable solutions to fix the problem.
You’ve Followed Too Many Accounts Today
One of the reasons you may not be able to follow accounts on TikTok is that you’ve reached your daily limit. TikTok has implemented this restriction to prevent bot and spam activity on the platform. While TikTok does not specify an official number for this limit, it is commonly suggested that the maximum is around 200 accounts per day.
If you have already followed 200 accounts today, you will need to wait until tomorrow to be able to start following accounts again. In the meantime, take this opportunity to enjoy the fresh content from the accounts you have already followed.
You’ve Reached Your Total TikTok Following Limit
Another reason you may be unable to follow someone on TikTok is that you have reached your total following limit. While TikTok does not provide an exact number for this limit, it is generally believed to be around 10,000 accounts.
If you have already reached this maximum threshold, consider unfollowing some accounts to make room for new additions. By trimming back your follow list, you can create space to follow additional accounts and resolve the issue.
TikTok May Be Experiencing an Outage
Like any other internet-enabled service, TikTok can experience outages. If you are unable to follow an account, it is possible that the platform’s servers are down. To check TikTok’s status, you can visit a site like Downdetector, which provides information on server-side issues.
If TikTok is experiencing an outage, you will need to wait until the company resolves the issue and brings the service back up. In the meantime, you can explore other features of the app or enjoy content from the accounts you are already following.
Use TikTok’s Web App to Follow Someone
If you are facing difficulties following someone from your phone, try using TikTok’s desktop site to see if the issue is device-specific or site-specific. By accessing TikTok.com on a web browser on your desktop computer, you can sign in to your account and visit the profile of the person you want to follow.
On the profile page, click the “Follow” button. If the button changes to “Messages,” you have successfully followed the account. This indicates that the issue may be with your smartphone. In this case, follow the troubleshooting tips below to resolve the problem.
Turn Off the VPN on Your Phone
If you have a VPN (Virtual Private Network) enabled on your phone, it could be causing issues with following accounts on TikTok. VPNs route your internet data through third-party servers, and sometimes this setup may not work well with certain apps, including TikTok. Try disabling your VPN and see if that resolves the problem.
If turning off the VPN fixes the issue, you can try using a different location in your VPN app and see if you are still able to follow people on TikTok. If you are unable to follow accounts regardless of the location you choose, TikTok may have banned all the IP addresses associated with your VPN. Consider using a different VPN app to resolve this issue.
Clear TikTok’s Cache on Your Phone
TikTok stores cache files on your phone to enhance your app usage experience. However, these files can accumulate over time and cause various issues within the app, such as the inability to follow someone. Clearing TikTok’s cache can often resolve this problem.
To clear TikTok’s app cache on both iPhone and Android devices, follow these steps:
On iPhone:
- Launch TikTok on your phone.
- Navigate to your profile by tapping on the “Profile” icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to access the menu.
- Go to “Settings and Privacy” and select “Free Up Space.”
- Locate the “Cache” section and tap “Clear” next to it.
On Android:
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
- Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Applications.”
- Find and tap on TikTok from the list of installed apps.
- Tap on “Storage” and then select “Clear Cache.”
By clearing TikTok’s cache, you can resolve any issues caused by corrupted cache files, and you should be able to follow accounts without any problems.
Update TikTok on Your iPhone or Android Phone
If you are using an outdated version of the TikTok app, it may be the reason why you are unable to follow accounts. Older app versions often have bugs and compatibility issues that can be resolved by updating to the latest version.
To update TikTok on an Android phone, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Play Store on your device.
- Search for “TikTok” in the search bar.
- If an update is available, you will see an “Update” button next to the app. Tap on it to update TikTok to the latest version.
For iPhone users, update TikTok by following these steps:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Tap on the “Updates” tab at the bottom right corner of the screen.
- If an update is available for TikTok, you will see it listed. Tap on the “Update” button next to TikTok to update the app.
By keeping TikTok up to date, you ensure that you have the latest features and bug fixes, which can help resolve issues with following accounts.
Uninstall and Reinstall TikTok on Your Smartphone
If none of the previous solutions have resolved the problem, it is possible that the core files of the TikTok app on your phone are faulty. In such cases, uninstalling and reinstalling the app can often fix the issue.
On Android:
- Open the app drawer on your Android phone.
- Locate the TikTok app icon and tap and hold on it.
- Drag the app icon to the “Uninstall” or “Remove” option that appears at the top of the screen.
- Confirm the uninstallation by tapping “OK” in the prompt.
- Go to the Google Play Store, search for “TikTok,” and tap on “Install” to redownload the app.
On iPhone:
- Tap and hold on the TikTok app icon on your home screen.
- When the icons start shaking and an “X” appears in the top left corner of the TikTok app icon, tap on the “X.”
- Tap on “Delete” in the prompt to confirm the uninstallation.
- Open the App Store, search for “TikTok,” and tap on the download icon to reinstall the app.
By uninstalling and reinstalling TikTok, you can ensure that any corrupted files or settings causing the issue are completely removed. This fresh installation should resolve any problems you were facing with following accounts on TikTok.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing difficulties following accounts on TikTok, there are several potential reasons and solutions to explore. Whether it’s due to daily or total following limits, platform outages, device-specific issues, or app-related problems, this comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and actionable steps to resolve the problem.
Remember to stay up to date with the latest TikTok app version, clear the app’s cache regularly, and consider using a VPN or TikTok’s web app if you encounter persistent issues. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth TikTok experience and enjoy connecting with your favorite accounts on the platform.
