With over 3 billion installations and millions of global users, TikTok is a prominent social media platform where users can enjoy an endless stream of videos. Despite its numerous benefits, users often encounter the frustrating issue where "TikTok couldn't play video". This error can stem from technical glitches, internet connectivity problems, data and cache corruption, a government ban on TikTok, and more. Fortunately, these issues are resolvable! Below, we present the best solutions to fix TikTok video playback problems on both iOS and Android devices.

Method 1: Check TikTok's Server Status

Often, TikTok encounters issues when its servers are undergoing routine maintenance or have crashed. You can easily check on the DownDetector outage map to see if others are also experiencing similar problems with TikTok. In such cases, the best solution is simply to be patient, as the TikTok server will typically be restored shortly.

Check TikTok Server Status

Method 2: Clear Junk Data and Cache on TikTok

TikTok accumulates more cached data stored in the phone's memory. Since there's limited space for storing this on the phone, TikTok videos begin to lag, and issues like freezing and crashing may occur. Hence, the primary solution to this issue is to clear the TikTok app's data and cache. The steps to clear junk data and cache are as follows:

Step 1. Open the "TikTok" app.

Step 2. Go to your profile page.

Step 3. Choose one of the three options represented by the three dots.

Step 4. Following this, choose the option to clear caches.

Clear data and cache on TikTok

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Method 3: Enable Background Data Usage Permission

Background data, also known as background syncing, enables applications to stay updated with the latest social media content and notifications. If TikTok is unable to play videos, it's recommended to grant permission for background data usage.

The steps to enable background data usage permission on iOS:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" and tap on "General."

Step 2. Choose "Background App Refresh."

Step 3. Enable "Background app refresh" for every application. 这一步的翻译是: 第三步. 对每个应用启用“后台应用刷新”功能。

Step 4. Enable it for the individual TikTok app.

turn off data usage permisson

The steps to enable background data usage permission on Android:

Step 1. Open "Settings," then tap on "Apps & Notifications."

Step 2. Search for the TikTok application and select "Mobile data & Wi-Fi."

Step 3. Enable "background data."

Method 4: Fix TikTok Not Working by Using a VPN

Utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential if TikTok is restricted in your region. The simplest solution is to switch your actual IP (Internet Protocol) address to a virtual one through a VPN service. There are various VPN options available, some of which are free for users, though they might not provide the same level of security as paid ones. A VPN can also come in handy when you encounter issues with videos not uploading to Facebook.

utilize vpn

Method 5: Update Android/iOS Version

Another crucial step is to update your device's operating system. Before making any significant changes to the OS, it's recommended to back up your device. Here's how you can update the iOS or Android OS on your device to resolve the issue of TikTok not being able to play videos:

    For iOS, go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update." For Android, navigate to "Settings" > "System" > "System Update."

Method 6: Reinstall or Update TikTok

Lastly, you should reinstall or update TikTok to resolve the issue of videos not playing and the problem of TikTok not functioning on Android. To uninstall the TikTok application, follow these steps:

Step 1. Launch the "Google Play Store" on Android devices or the "App Store" on iOS devices.

Step 2. Search for and locate the "TikTok" app.

Step 3. Click the "Uninstall" button.

Step 4. Tap the "Download" button after uninstalling.

Step 5. Restart your device after downloading, and open the "TikTok" app.

Reinstall or Update TikTok

Bonus Tips: How to Fix Corrupted Videos Downloaded from TikTok

Over the years, many people have encountered situations where they had well-maintained records, but eventually, the data became damaged and could no longer be accessed. In such cases, they resorted to using an MP4 Video Repair Tool, like the one found here. However, after going through the entire process, they discovered that the video still wouldn't play. Likewise, for repairing corrupted videos downloaded from TikTok, it is recommended to utilize Fixo Video Repair tools.

Using this tool, you can easily 修复损坏的文件 with just a few clicks. To understand the capabilities of video repair software in resolving video issues, here are its key features:

  • Compatibility: This tool can repair MP4, MOV, M2TS, MKV, MTS, 3GP, AVI, FLV, M4V, and many other video formats.
  • Flexibility: Its versatility stems from its capability to fix corrupted videos from diverse sources, such as smartphones, NAS servers, dashcams, cameras, drones, and other monitoring devices.
  • Simplicity: Even a computer beginner can accomplish the task of video repair by following the simple steps outlined below.

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FAQs on "TikTok Video Not Playing"

These are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) to consider to gain a better understanding of the topic:

1. Why are my videos not performing well on TikTok?

You need to ensure your device is connected to the internet to use TikTok. If your computer or phone has a stable internet connection, try reloading or refreshing the TikTok app. Videos not playing on TikTok could be due to connectivity issues or a poor network.

2. How do you know if your TikTok account is Shadowbanned?

If you notice a significant or sudden drop in views, likes, or shares, it's likely a 99% chance that you've received a shadowban strike.

3. Why can't I play videos on TikTok?

If you're unable to play videos on TikTok, you need to verify your internet connection. It's crucial to have a stable Wi-Fi or network connection.

Final Words

Our guidance on resolving the "TikTok couldn't play video" issue has concluded. As you can see, numerous approaches are outlined above if you're determined to get your TikTok functioning again. Carefully go through each method, and if you need to fix corrupted videos downloaded from TikTok, consider using the Fixo Video Repair tool.