Trying to figure out why videos are freezing on TikTok?
TikTok has recently been giving users a lot of headaches due to videos that keep freezing on the app. Since the app’s primary purpose is to stream videos from various content creators, this issue makes the app simply unusable.
Unfortunately, there’s no specific reason why videos are freezing on TikTok, and even their team can’t explain this unusual problem.
Based on what we know, videos that keep freezing on TikTok can be due to a slow internet connection. However, it can also be due to corrupted files, outdated app versions, or server-related issues.
Fortunately, troubleshooting the issue is straightforward. When pointed in the right direction, you should be able to enjoy your favorite TikTok videos in no time.
Today, we’ve decided to make a guide for fixing videos that are freezing on TikTok.
Let’s get started!
1. Check TikTok Servers.
When you encounter playback issues on TikTok, the first thing you should check is the status of the servers. Since TikTok is an online platform, all its content is coming from the servers.
To check the current status of TikTok, you can use third-party tools such as Downdetector.
If there’s an ongoing issue on the platform, the only thing you can do is wait since server-related problems can’t be addressed on your end. On the other hand, you can proceed to the next method below to start troubleshooting the issue on your device.
2. Restart TikTok.
Although this might sound very simple, restarting an application is actually one of the most effective ways to fix minor issues on any platform. If videos are freezing on TikTok, restart the app and see if the problem goes away.
If you are using an Android or iOS device, swipe upwards from the bottom of your screen to access the application switcher. After that, locate TikTok from the list and drag it upwards until it’s removed to stop it from running.
For older iOS devices, the application switcher can be accessed by tapping the Home button twice.
Once you’ve restarted TikTok, try playing random videos to check if the problem is solved.
3. Check Your Network Connection.
A slow or unstable internet connection could also be the reason why TikTok is freezing on your device. To confirm this, perform a test on your network using Fast.com to measure its current upload and download speed.
If the result indicates that your connection is slow, unplug your router from the outlet and wait 5 to 10 seconds before reconnecting it. This should reboot your router and refresh the link with your ISP’s servers.
Once done, re-run the test to check if the problem is solved. If not, contact your service provider and ask them to fix the issue with your connection.
4. Turn Off Your VPN.
Virtual private networks or VPNs are third-party services that protect your device and data from hackers and other entities online. They mask your IP address to keep your identity private and filter your data to hide sensitive information.
However, some VPNs are not efficient and could affect the quality of your network connection. If your videos keep freezing on TikTok, we suggest turning off your VPN.
On the other hand, you can try switching to a much more reliable provider such as PureVPN. Compared to other services, it keeps your network stable while protecting your data online.
PureVPN also works for users living in areas where TikTok is banned. It is also compatible with most streaming applications like Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix, and more.
5. Update TikTok.
An outdated version of the app could also cause the freezing issue on TikTok videos. The version installed on your device could have an underlying issue related to video playback, causing stutters and freezes.
For iOS users, follow the guide below to update TikTok:
- On your device, access the App Store and tap on your Profile.
- After that, locate the TikTok app from the list.
- Finally, tap the Update button next to TikTok to install the latest version.
If you are using an Android device, here’s what you need to do to update TikTok:
- First, go to your app drawer and open the Play Store.
- Next, tap on your Profile and access the Manage Apps & Device tab.
- Lastly, choose the Updates Available tab and press the Update button beside TikTok to install the update.
Once done, go back to TikTok and see if the playback issue is solved.
6. Clear TikTok Cache.
Caches are temporary data generated by your activity on a certain application, which are used to enhance the app’s performance. However, over time caches can accumulate or become corrupted.
When this happens, expect issues to occur on the platform. To fix this, clear your app cache to ensure that there is no corrupted data on your system.
See the steps below to clear TikTok’s cache on your device:
- First, launch the TikTok app and access your Profile.
- After that, tap on the Options button in the upper-right corner of your screen.
- Now, go to Caches & Cellular Data and tap on Free Up Space.
- Lastly, hit the Clear button under the Cache tab to start the process.
Restart TikTok after clearing its cache and see if videos still freeze on the app.
7. Reinstall TikTok.
If videos are still freezing or stuttering on TikTok, we recommend that you reinstall the app to ensure that there are no corrupted files or data. This will also ensure that the app is installed properly and you’re using the latest version possible.
Here’s how you can uninstall TikTok:
- Go to the home screen and locate the TikTok app.
- After that, press and hold TikTok’s icon until the selection screen appears.
- Finally, tap Remove App (iOS) or Uninstall (Android) to delete TikTok.
Once done, launch the App Store or Play Store on your device and reinstall TikTok from there.
8. Ask TikTok for Support.
If none of the solutions above worked for you, we suggest letting the professionals take over the situation.
Go to TikTok’s Help Center and get in touch with their team to report the issue you’re experiencing on the platform. While waiting for a response, you can also browse the other guides on their page and see if you can find viable solutions.
We hope that this guide helped you fix videos that are freezing on TikTok. If you have questions or clarifications, please leave a comment below, and we’ll do our best to respond as soon as possible.
If this guide helped you, please share it. 🙂
