TikTok encourages its users to share creative clips and entertain their audience. The primary purpose of the platform isn’t messaging, but the feature is still there so users can talk to each other. Sometimes, the messages don’t work, keeping you from sending or receiving correspondence. If this is the case, you’ll want to get to the bottom of the issue and solve it.
This article will help you do so. We’ll list the most common reasons TikTok messages don’t work and provide potential solutions.
Fixing TikTok Messages
Here are a few potential culprits for malfunctioning TikTok messages.
Bugs or Glitches
The most common reason your TikTok messages aren’t working is a bug or glitch on the platform. Fortunately, this is a temporary problem you can fix quickly with simple recovery steps.
- Open your TikTok.
- Tap your “Profile” button in the lower-right section of the display.
- Press the menu symbol in the upper-right corner that resembles three lines.
- Choose “Settings & Privacy.”
- Scroll down and tap the “Free up space” button.
- Click the clear button beside cache.
- Select “Clear” from the confirmation window.
- Restart the app and see if messaging is back up and running.
Privacy Settings
If troubleshooting for bugs or glitches doesn’t do the trick, you may need to adjust your privacy settings. These can be customized so you can determine who can send you DMs. The users can choose from Friends, Everyone, or No one. If you’ve selected the final option, other users won’t be able to text you.
The easiest solution is to change the settings to Friends or Everyone.
- Launch the app and click the “Me” symbol in the lower menu bar.
- Click the three vertical lines in the upper-right section.
- Choose “Settings & Privacy.”
- Choose “Privacy,” followed by “Direct Messages.”
- Select “Everyone” or “Friends.”
Server Error
Besides glitches, bugs, and restrictive settings, your TikTok messages may also malfunction due to server errors. In this case, you should probably see the “Unable to Send” notification when trying to send your messages.
If the server is the culprit, you’ll need to wait until the support team resolves it. You should verify this by checking the server status using the Downdetector web page. This website informs you of the current TikTok status by collecting reports from other users. If the number of reports is larger than usual, the server is probably down or under maintenance.
You’re Under 16
Another problem that keeps you from messaging on TikTok is that you’re under 16. There were no age restrictions when the platform was initially launched. However, this was changed when the developers removed the DM option for users younger than 16 to improve safety. The only workaround is to text users on Instagram or other platforms from their bio.
You’re Texting TikTokers Who Aren’t Your Friends
One of the main requirements for texting someone on TikTok is that you need to follow each other. Otherwise, you won’t be able to send or receive messages.
Here’s how to make sure you and your recipient follow each other.
- Start the app.
- Visit the recipient’s profile page.
- Look for the “Follow” option. If it’s there, tap it to enable messaging. If you see “Unfollow” on their page, try one of the above solutions.
TikTok Messages Not Sending
You might be able to receive TikTok messages, but for some reason, you can’t send them. A few issues could be at play.
Poor Internet Connection
An unstable or slow internet connection is the most common reason users can’t send TikTok messages. The faster your network, the smoother the experience you’ll have on the app. The slower the network, the more likely you are to experience problems.
To diagnose if your internet connection is the culprit, use the Fast website to measure the current speed of your network. Take the following steps if the results indicate your network is poor.
- Reboot the modem or router to reestablish the internet connection with your provider.
- Disconnect the router.
- Let it sit for 10-15 seconds and plug the device back in.
- Check Fast.com to make sure your internet is working better. If not, contact your provider and have them fix the connection.
Unverified Phone Number
Another requirement for sending messages on this platform is being able to verify your phone number. If you’re a new user and can’t text other people, you should check your verification status.
- Navigate to the “Profile” section and from the menu choose “Settings and privacy”
- Access “Manage Account.”
- Tap the “Phone Number” button and select your region or country.
- Enter your phone number.
- TikTok should now send you a code. Type it in to finish the verification.
- Once you’ve verified your number, return to your DMs and try to send a message.
Improper Recipient Preferences
If TikTok doesn’t let you message specific users, try texting a different user. You could be trying to communicate with a user who’s turned off the messaging feature. Alternatively, you may not be their friend.
TikTok Messages Not Showing Up
Besides not being able to send or receive messages, you may also have trouble seeing your DMs in the inbox. If so, any of these scenarios might be the problem.
- Underage – As previously mentioned, TikTok initially allowed everyone to send and receive messages. But after several instances where underage users were harassed through DMs, this feature was restricted. You can now only access it if you’re 18 or older. If you’ve accidentally set your birth year wrong, the only way to solve the issue is to contact TikTok’s support team. They’ll ask you to prove your birth year before changing your account information.
- Unverified phone number – Your phone number must be verified if you want to send, receive, and see your messages. If you’ve registered for the platform with your email address, visit your account info and verify the number so you can check out DMs.
- Strict privacy settings – TikTok enables you to set whether followers, everyone, or friends can send you DMs. Using the strictest stetting prevents other users from sending you messages. Therefore, there’s nothing to see in the first place.
- Poor network – Your DMs may not show up due to your slow internet connection. Restart the router and modem before refreshing the page to see if this is the problem.
- Bugs – Glitches and bugs can keep messages from showing up in your inbox. Clear the cache to deal with them.
- Server error – Use Downdetector to check the status of the TikTok server. If it’s down, wait for it to come back up.
If none of this does the trick, you may need to update the app. Previous versions may have some bugs that can’t be eliminated by clearing the cache. Updates help ensure the messaging feature is bug-free and all DMs appear in your inbox. Moreover, newer versions address other issues, such as accounts that promote fake followers and likes through messages.
This is what you need to do to check for updates.
- Start Play Store or App Store, depending on your device.
- Type in “TikTok” in the search box.
- Access the TikTok page.
- Check for available updates. Choose “Update” if available, and wait for the platform to install the new version.
- Return to your inbox to check if your messages are visible.
Get Back on Track With Troubleshooting
Sometimes, TikTok messaging problems resolve themselves. There’s nothing you can do if you’re facing server issues or the app is under maintenance. But if you’re dealing with something you can solve on your own, take immediate action. You may need to do some digging, but it’s well worth it if it restores your DM functionality.
How often do you have problems with TikTok messages? How do you solve them? Have you ever contacted the support team? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
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