Encountering issues when trying to expand your TikTok network by following other users can be frustrating. Whether you’re on the TikTok app or the website, several common reasons might be preventing you from hitting that follow button. These can range from TikTok’s built-in limitations and technical hiccups to privacy settings and internet connection problems.
Let’s explore the most frequent causes behind this issue and, more importantly, how to resolve them so you can get back to connecting with your favorite TikTok creators.
Hitting the TikTok Follow Limit
One of the most straightforward explanations for why you’re facing trouble following people on TikTok is that you might have reached the platform’s follow limits. To maintain a healthy ecosystem and combat spam and abuse, TikTok has implemented restrictions on user following behavior.
Specifically, TikTok users are limited to following a maximum of 200 accounts within a 24-hour period and a total of 10,000 accounts overall. These limits are in place to safeguard the TikTok algorithm and prevent automated or spam accounts from manipulating the platform.
If you’ve been on a following spree and attempted to follow more than 200 users in a single day, TikTok might temporarily block your ability to follow more accounts. In some cases, your follow attempts might even be automatically reversed. If you suspect you’ve hit this limit, take a break from following for a day and try again later.
Checking TikTok’s Server Status
If you’re confident that you haven’t exceeded the follow limits but are still unable to follow users, the problem could lie with TikTok’s servers themselves. Like any online platform, TikTok can experience server outages or technical issues that might affect various functionalities, including following other accounts.
The best way to check if TikTok is experiencing widespread issues is to visit their DownDetector page. DownDetector provides real-time status updates and user-reported problems for various online services and websites.
Visit DownDetector for TikTok Status
If DownDetector indicates widespread issues or a spike in reported problems, it’s likely that the problem is on TikTok’s end, and you’ll need to wait for them to resolve the server issues. If there are no significant issues reported on DownDetector, the problem likely lies elsewhere, and you can proceed to the next troubleshooting steps.
Resolving Technical Glitches and TikTok App Issues
Assuming the issue isn’t the follow limit or TikTok’s servers, the problem might stem from a technical glitch within the TikTok app or website itself. These glitches can arise from temporary software bugs or conflicts, and fortunately, they are often easily resolved. Here are several methods you can try to fix potential TikTok app or website issues:
- Restart TikTok: This is the simplest and often most effective first step.
- Reinstall TikTok: For mobile app issues, a fresh install can clear out corrupted files.
- Clear TikTok Cache: Cached data can sometimes cause conflicts; clearing it can resolve glitches.
- Update TikTok: Using an outdated app version can lead to compatibility issues.
Restarting TikTok
Restarting the TikTok app or webpage is a quick way to clear temporary glitches. If you’re on the TikTok website, simply refresh the page in your browser. If you’re using the mobile app, force close the app completely. On most mobile devices, this involves swiping the app away from your recent apps list. After reopening or reloading TikTok, try following a user again to see if the issue is resolved.
Reinstalling TikTok
If restarting doesn’t work, especially for mobile app users, reinstalling the TikTok app can be beneficial. Uninstall or delete the app from your device and then reinstall it from your device’s app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS). This process ensures you have a clean installation of the app, potentially removing any corrupted files or buggy installations causing the follow issue.
Clearing TikTok Cache
Clearing the TikTok app’s cache can also resolve issues related to temporary data conflicts. The method for clearing cache varies slightly depending on your device:
- Android: Go to your device’s Settings app, then navigate to “Apps” or “Applications Manager,” find TikTok in the list of apps, tap on it, and then select “Storage & cache.” Finally, tap “Clear cache.”
- iOS: For iOS, you generally need to uninstall and reinstall the app to clear the cache effectively. Some older iOS versions might have a “Clear Cache” option within settings, but this is less common now.
If you are using TikTok on a browser, you can also clear your browser’s cache and cookies. However, keep in mind that clearing browser cache and cookies will likely log you out of TikTok and potentially other websites you use in that browser.
Updating TikTok
Ensuring you’re using the latest version of the TikTok app is crucial for optimal performance and bug fixes. While most apps update automatically nowadays, sometimes updates can be stalled or missed. Check your device’s app store for any pending updates for TikTok. Updating to the latest version can resolve issues related to outdated software and compatibility.
tiktok contact support
Privacy Settings and Account Restrictions
If you’ve exhausted the technical troubleshooting steps and still can’t follow users, the issue might be related to privacy settings, either on your account or the account you’re trying to follow.
For instance, if your TikTok profile is set to private, some users might be hesitant to accept your follow request or may even soft block you. Soft blocking is when a user removes you as a follower if they are uncomfortable with you following them, often without you directly knowing.
Conversely, if the account you’re trying to follow is set to private, your follow attempt will not be immediately confirmed. Instead, the user will receive a follow request, and you will only officially become a follower once they approve your request. If the follow button appears to not be working for a private account, it’s likely that your follow request is pending their approval. Check your “Following” list; you may see the account listed under “Requested.”
Verifying Your Internet Connection
Another often-overlooked factor is your internet connection. A weak or unstable internet connection can interfere with TikTok’s functionality, including following users. Ensure you have a stable and strong internet connection, whether you’re using a wired connection or WiFi.
You can test your internet connection speed and stability using online speed test tools like Speedtest by Ookla. Alternatively, try using TikTok on a different device connected to the same network or a different network altogether to rule out any device-specific or network-specific issues.
Further Assistance from TikTok Support
If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and are still experiencing persistent issues with following people on TikTok, it’s recommended to reach out to the official TikTok support team for personalized assistance.
When contacting support, provide them with detailed information about the problem you’re encountering, including:
- Specific error messages (if any): Note down any error messages you see when trying to follow.
- Troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried: Inform them of the steps you’ve taken from this guide.
- Device and app version: Specify the type of device you are using (e.g., iPhone, Android, web browser) and the TikTok app version if applicable.
- Username of the account you are having trouble following (if applicable): This can help them investigate account-specific issues.
The more information you provide, the more efficiently the TikTok support team can assist you in resolving the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum number of users I can follow on TikTok?
TikTok allows users to follow up to 200 users per day and a total of 10,000 users overall.
Does TikTok have a policy against follow/unfollow behavior?
Yes, TikTok actively discourages spam-like behavior, which includes rapid following and unfollowing of accounts. Engaging in such behavior can result in temporary account restrictions or penalties. Building genuine connections is always preferred over artificial follower growth tactics. If you’re looking to grow your follower count authentically, consider focusing on creating engaging content or exploring strategies like buying TikTok followers to kickstart your growth with a base of engaged users.
How long do follow restrictions last on TikTok?
The duration of follow restrictions on TikTok can vary depending on the severity and nature of the violation. Restrictions can last from a few hours to several days.
Will TikTok users be notified if I unfollow them?
No, TikTok does not send notifications to users when they are unfollowed by someone. However, users might notice if they manually check their follower list, especially if they have a smaller follower count.
What does it mean if the follow button is greyed out?
If the follow button appears greyed out when you view a TikTok user’s profile, it could indicate a few possibilities: the person has blocked you, their account is private and you already have a pending follow request, or, in rare cases, it might be a temporary glitch.
How can I determine if I’ve been blocked from following someone on TikTok?
If you suspect you’ve been blocked, look for these indicators: you can’t find their profile in search, you can’t view their content even if you previously could, or the follow button is consistently greyed out. However, these could also be signs of a private account you don’t follow or an account that no longer exists. If you suspect a block, consider asking a mutual friend to check if they can see the account.
