5 Ways to Fix TikTok Not Letting You Follow Someone

Basic Fixes

• Check TikTok servers: If TikTok servers are down, you may not be able to follow accounts. You can check if the servers are down by visiting Downdetector. In case of an outage, wait for a while and then try following accounts.
• Sign out and sign back in: Sometimes, a simple fix like signing out of the app and signing back in can fix paltry issues like these.
• Use TikTok on the web: Instead of the app, use TikTok on the web to see if you’re able to follow accounts.

Fix 1: TikTok Has Recognized Your Actions as a Bot

Did you like too many videos or shared dozens of comments in a short time? Your quick actions may flag you on TikTok and may label your account as a bot or someone performing suspicious activities. You’ll need to slow down and try after some time.

Fix 2: Your Account Is Shadowbanned

Social media apps come with rules and community guidelines to follow. When you break such rules by posting irrelevant content, the company may shadowban your account temporarily. You must wait for a day or two and let the company lift the ban from your account.

Also Read: How to reset TikTok algorithm

Fix 3: It’s a Private Account

Some TikTok users may lock their profile to keep prying eyes away. When you try to follow such private accounts, the recipient needs to approve it. Until the person approves you, you can’t glance over their TikTok account.  

Fix 4: Disable VPN

TikTok has been in the crosshairs of many regions around the world. The Chinese-owned company has had difficult times with regulators and several governments. As a result, TikTok is banned in several countries worldwide.

If you use a VPN network and connect to another region where TikTok is banned, you may face issues with following someone. You need to disable the VPN and try again.  

Fix 5: Clear TikTok Cache

TikTok collects cache files in the background to load videos on your home feed quickly. Sometimes, TikTok collects corrupt cache, which often leads to issues like ‘can’t follow someone’. It’s time to clear the TikTok cache and start from scratch.

Step 1: Launch TikTok and tap your profile icon at the bottom-right corner. Then tap the hamburger menu at the top-right corner and choose Settings and privacy from the pop-up.

Step 2: Scroll to the Cache & Cellular section and select Free up space. Then tap the Clear button next to Cache from the following menu.

Android users can clear the cache after opening the App Info menu of the TikTok app.

Step 1: Long-press on TikTok and tap the ‘i‘ icon to open the App Info menu.

Step 2: Select Storage and cache and tap Clear cache from the following menu.