Encountering issues when trying to follow other users on TikTok can be frustrating. Whether you’re using the TikTok app or website, several common reasons might prevent you from expanding your TikTok network. These can range from TikTok’s built-in limitations to technical glitches and account-specific settings.
Let’s explore the primary reasons why you might be facing this issue and how to resolve them.
TikTok’s Follow Limits: Are You Over the Daily or Total Limit?
One of the most straightforward explanations for follow issues on TikTok is hitting the platform’s follow limits. To maintain platform integrity and combat spam, TikTok has imposed restrictions on user following behavior.
TikTok users are limited to following a maximum of 200 accounts per day and a total of 10,000 accounts overall. This measure is in place to safeguard the TikTok algorithm and prevent misuse by spam or bot accounts engaging in excessive following.
If you’re attempting to follow more than 200 users within a 24-hour period, TikTok may temporarily block your ability to follow, and any follow attempts might be automatically reversed. Keep track of your following activity to ensure you’re within these limits.
Is TikTok Down? Check Server Status
If you haven’t exceeded the daily or total follow limit but are still experiencing problems, the issue might stem from TikTok’s servers or the app itself. Like any online platform, TikTok can experience server outages or technical difficulties that disrupt normal functionality.
To check if TikTok is experiencing widespread issues, you can visit a website like DownDetector. DownDetector provides real-time status updates and user-reported problems for various online services.
Person holding a smartphone with the TikTok logo displayed, suggesting troubleshooting for TikTok app issues
If DownDetector indicates no significant problems with TikTok’s servers, the issue likely lies elsewhere, and you can proceed with other troubleshooting steps.
Common TikTok App and Website Issues and Fixes
If server issues and follow limits are ruled out, the problem might be related to the TikTok app or website on your device. Technical glitches and minor software bugs can sometimes interfere with TikTok’s features. Here are several methods to address these potential issues:
Restarting TikTok
A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches. If you’re using the TikTok website, refresh the page in your browser. For the mobile app, force close the application completely and then reopen it. After restarting, try following a user again to see if the problem is resolved.
Reinstalling TikTok
If restarting doesn’t work, especially with the mobile app, consider reinstalling TikTok. Uninstall the app from your device and then download and install the latest version from your device’s app store. Reinstalling can eliminate corrupted files or software bugs causing the follow issue.
Clearing TikTok Cache
Accumulated cache data can sometimes lead to app malfunctions. Clearing the TikTok app cache can resolve these problems. You can usually clear cache through your device’s settings in the “Apps” or “Application Manager” section. Locate TikTok in the app list and find the option to clear cache. Note that clearing browser cache will log you out of TikTok on the web and possibly other websites.
Updating TikTok
Using an outdated version of the TikTok app can also cause compatibility issues and glitches. While most devices automatically update apps, ensure you have the latest version of TikTok installed. Check the app store on your device for any pending updates for TikTok and install them if available.
Privacy Settings and Account Restrictions: Could This Be the Reason?
If technical issues aren’t the cause, consider privacy settings and account restrictions as potential reasons why you can’t follow someone on TikTok.
If your own profile is set to private, some users might proactively block or remove followers they are not comfortable with. While this doesn’t directly prevent you from following, it reflects the importance of user preferences regarding privacy.
More directly, if the account you’re trying to follow is private, your follow request will remain pending until the account owner approves it. You won’t be considered a follower until they accept your request. The follow button might appear greyed out or indicate “Requested” in such cases.
Internet Connection Problems: Is Your Connection Stable?
A weak or unstable internet connection can also disrupt TikTok functionality, including following users. TikTok requires a stable connection to communicate with its servers effectively.
Verify your internet connection stability using an online speed test service. Alternatively, try accessing TikTok from a different device on the same network to see if the issue persists. If your internet connection is consistently weak or dropping, resolve these issues to ensure smooth TikTok usage.
Still Can’t Follow? Contact TikTok Support
If you’ve exhausted all the troubleshooting steps above and are still unable to follow users on TikTok, reaching out to TikTok support is advisable.
Contact the TikTok support team directly and provide them with detailed information about the issue you’re experiencing. Include the steps you’ve already taken to resolve it and any relevant details about your account or the accounts you’re trying to follow. The more information you provide, the more efficiently they can assist you in resolving the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum amount of users you can follow on TikTok?
TikTok users can follow up to 200 accounts per day and a total of 10,000 accounts overall.
Does TikTok have a policy for follow/unfollow behavior?
Yes, TikTok discourages spam-like behavior, including rapidly following and unfollowing users. Such actions can lead to temporary account restrictions.
How long do follow restrictions last on TikTok?
The duration of follow restrictions varies depending on the reason for the restriction and can range from a few hours to several days.
Do TikTok users get a notification if you unfollow them?
No, TikTok does not notify users when they are unfollowed. However, they might notice if your username disappears from their following list.
What does it mean if the follow button is greyed out?
A greyed-out follow button can indicate several scenarios: the user has blocked you, their account is private and you have a pending follow request, or it could be a temporary glitch.
How can I tell if I’ve been blocked from following someone?
If you cannot find a user’s profile or view their content, and the follow button is greyed out, it’s possible you have been blocked by that user.
