How To Fix TikTok Messages Not Working
October 31, 2024
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Fixing TikTok Messages
TikTok encourages its users to share creative clips and entertain their audience. Although the primary purpose of the platform isn’t messaging, the feature is still available for users to communicate with each other. In some cases, messages might not work as expected, hindering your ability to send or receive correspondence. To address this issue effectively, you need to uncover the source of the problem and resolve it.
This article aims to assist you in this process by outlining the most common reasons why TikTok messages may fail and offering potential solutions.
Here are a few potential culprits for malfunctioning TikTok messages.
Bugs or Glitches
If your TikTok messages are not functioning properly, the most likely cause is a bug or glitch on the platform. Fortunately, this issue is usually temporary and can be resolved quickly by following some straightforward 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.
In the list below, the steps provided will help resolve issues with messaging in TikTok:
– To free up space, simply scroll down and tap on the Free up space button.
– Next, click on the Clear button next to Cache.
– Then, select Clear from the confirmation window.
– Finally, restart the app to check if messaging functionality has been restored.
Should troubleshooting not resolve the issue, consider adjusting your privacy settings to regulate who can send you direct messages on the platform. You can select from Friends, Everyone, or No one. Opting for Friends or Everyone will likely be the simplest solution.
To tweak the privacy settings:
1. Open the app and tap on the Me icon at the bottom of the screen.
Server Error
If TikTok messages are malfunctioning due to server errors besides glitches, bugs, or restrictive settings, you might encounter an “Unable to Send” notification when trying to send messages.
If the server is causing the issue, you’ll need to await resolution by the support team. Confirm this by checking the server status on the Downdetector website. This platform provides updates on TikTok’s status based on user reports. An unusually high number of reports may indicate server downtime or maintenance.
You’re Under 16
Being under 16 can prevent you from messaging on TikTok, as age restrictions were implemented later to enhance safety by removing direct messaging for users under 16 upon platform launch. To communicate, contact users via their bios on Instagram or other platforms.
You’re Texting TikTokers Who Aren’t Your Friends
Messaging on TikTok requires mutual following; without this, messages cannot be sent or received.
Here’s how to ensure both you and the recipient follow each other.
- Open the app.
- Go to the recipient’s profile.Under the Follow option, tap to enable messaging if available. If you find Unfollow on their page, consider one of the solutions.
- For the issue of TikTok messages not sending, there could be a few reasons leading to this situation.
You may receive TikTok messages but are unable to send them for unknown reasons.
Unstable or Slow Internet Connection
The most common reason for being unable to send TikTok messages is an unstable or slow internet connection. A faster network leads to a smoother app experience, while a slower network raises the chances of encountering issues.
To check if your internet connection is causing the problem, visit the Fast website to test your current network speed. If the results suggest poor network performance, proceed with the following steps.
- Restart the modem or router to renew the connection with your provider.
- Try unplugging the router.
- Plug the device back in after letting it sit for 10-15 seconds.
- Ensure better internet by checking Fast.com. If problems persist, contact your provider to rectify the connection.
Unverified Phone Number
To send messages on this platform, you must verify your phone number. If you’re a new user unable to text others, verify your phone number to troubleshoot.
- In the Profile section, select Settings and privacy
- Click on Manage Account.
- One option is to tap the button for Phone Number and then choose your region or country.
- Your phone number must be entered.
- Expect a code from TikTok. Finish the verification by entering it.
- After the phone number is verified, go back to your DMs and attempt to send a message.
Improper Recipient Preferences
Have issues sending messages to specific users on TikTok? Try reaching out to different users as messaging features might be turned off for the user you’re trying to contact if they’re not your friend.
Issues with TikTok Messages Display
If you can’t seem to send or receive messages or view your DMs, several situations could be causing this problem.
- Age restriction – Initially, TikTok allowed all users to send and receive messages, but due to safety concerns for underage users, this feature is now limited to users 18 and older. If you need to correct your birth year, you must reach out to TikTok’s support team for assistance.
- Unverified phone number – Ensure your phone number is verified in the account settings to access messaging functionalities.
- Privacy settings – TikTok’s settings allow you to control who can send you messages, and setting it to the strictest level may prevent messages from appearing in your inbox.
- Network issues – Slow internet connections can delay message display. Restart your router and modem to resolve this problem.
- Bugs – Clear the cache to resolve any glitches causing messages not to display.
- Server problems – Check Downdetector to see if there are issues with TikTok’s servers affecting message delivery.
If none of the above solutions work, consider updating the TikTok app, as older versions may have unresolved bugs affecting messaging features and display of messages.
Follow these steps to check for updates:
- Visit the Google Play Store or App Store based on your device.
- Search for TikTok in the search bar.
- Go to the TikTok page.
- For any available updates, click on Update and allow the platform to install the new version.
- Verify if your messages are visible by returning to your inbox.
Proceed With Troubleshooting to Get Back on Track
There are instances where TikTok messaging issues can self-resolve. If you encounter server problems or the app is in maintenance, no action can be taken. However, for issues within your control, immediate steps are required. It might involve some investigation, but it will be beneficial if it brings back your direct message functionality.
How frequently do TikTok message problems arise for you, and how do you tackle them? Have you ever reached out to the support team for assistance? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section below.
- For any available updates, click on Update and allow the platform to install the new version.
- Restart the modem or router to renew the connection with your provider.