If you’re tired of choppy video playback and slow comment loading, this guide will walk you through the most effective ways to fix TikTok lag. These problems can be caused by issues with the app, your device, or your internet connection, and we will cover solutions for all of them to restore a smooth scrolling experience.
A guide to solving TikTok lag and buffering issues
Follow these methods, starting with simple app-level fixes and moving to device and network troubleshooting, to get your TikTok running smoothly again.
Method 1: Basic app troubleshooting
- Force-restart the TikTok app by fully closing it. On most devices, you can do this by swiping up from the bottom of the screen to see open apps, then swipe the TikTok window away.
- Update the TikTok app to the latest version. Go to the App Store or Google Play Store, search for TikTok, and tap the Update button if it is available.
- Clear your TikTok cache from within the app. Navigate to your Profile, tap the three-line menu icon in the top corner, and select Settings and privacy. Scroll down and tap Free up space, then tap the Clear button next to Cache.
- Clear the app cache from your device settings. This option is typically only available on Android.
- If you are using Android: Open your device’s Settings app, go to Apps, find and select TikTok, then tap Storage and finally Clear cache.
- Reinstall TikTok to fix any corrupted files. Uninstall the app from your device and then download it again from your app store. Warning: This will log you out and may delete any saved video drafts.
Method 2: Device and network solutions
- Restart your device. Press and hold the power button and select the option to Restart or Power Off. Wait a moment before turning it back on to clear temporary system glitches.
- Check your internet connection. Videos often lag on a slow or unstable connection. If possible, switch from cellular data to a stable Wi-Fi network for better performance.
- Restart your router and modem. Unplug both devices from their power source, wait for at least 30 seconds, and then plug them back in.
- Update your device’s software to the latest version.
- On an iPhone: Go to Settings, select General, and then tap Software Update.
- On an Android: Go to Settings, scroll to System, and tap Software update or System update.
- For Android users only: Some users report that keeping the native Timer or Clock app running minimized in the background can help the system maintain a higher screen refresh rate, making TikTok feel smoother.
Method 3: Checking for external problems
- Verify if TikTok’s servers are down. Visit a site like Downdetector to see if other users are reporting widespread outages. If so, the only solution is to wait for TikTok to resolve the issue.
Understanding the root cause of TikTok lag is key to enjoying the platform without interruption. The app is designed for quick, seamless video consumption, and any buffering or stuttering completely disrupts that experience. By knowing whether the problem is with the app, your device, or the network, you can quickly pinpoint the issue instead of guessing.
Learning these simple maintenance steps not only fixes your current problem but also empowers you to keep your device and apps running optimally. Regular cache clearing, software updates, and network resets are healthy habits that can improve the performance of many other applications, not just TikTok.
