TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps, allowing users to watch, create and share short videos. However, many users encounter the frustrating “Access Denied” error when trying to use the app on their iPhone or Android device.
This error prevents access to TikTok and means you can’t view content or post new videos.
Don’t worry – in most cases, the TikTok access denied error can be easily fixed with a few troubleshooting steps.
This guide will walk you through expanded details on how to troubleshoot and resolve the TikTok access denied issue on both iPhone and Android. We’ll cover:
What Causes the TikTok Access Denied Error
Before jumping into solutions, let’s first understand why you may see the access denied error on TikTok. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Outdated App Version
An outdated version of the TikTok app can trigger the access denied error. TikTok regularly releases new updates and bug fixes, so running an old version of the app may result in issues.
Always make sure to install the latest TikTok update from the App Store or Google Play.
Connectivity Issues
Problems with your internet connection can prevent TikTok from working properly. A weak WiFi signal, using mobile data when you have a poor connection, or an outage from your internet service provider can all lead to access denied errors.
Try disconnecting and reconnecting to WiFi, toggling Airplane mode on/off, and switching between WiFi and mobile data to rule out connectivity issues.
Regional Restrictions
In some countries, access to TikTok is limited or blocked entirely. If you are traveling or using a VPN that routes through one of these regions, you may encounter access denied messages.
Consider connecting to a different VPN server in an unrestricted area to bypass these geographic blocks.
Device Date/Time Incorrect
The date and time settings on your iPhone or Android must be correct for TikTok to work properly.
If your date or time is inaccurate, it can confuse TikTok and give the access denied error. Go into Settings and make sure the date, time zone, and time are all set correctly on your device. Also enable “Set Automatically” if it is disabled.
Banned Hashtags or Songs
Using hashtags or songs that have been banned by TikTok can result in your account or device being temporarily blocked from accessing TikTok.
Avoid using any hashtags or music that you know to be prohibited by TikTok’s rules and community guidelines.
Corrupt App Data/Cache
Issues with corrupted data or cache files associated with the TikTok app may require clearing the app data or cache to fix access denied errors.
On iOS, delete and reinstall the app. On Android, go into App Settings and tap Clear Data and Clear Cache.
Device Storage Full
If your iPhone or Android does not have enough available storage, it can cause problems with running and updating apps like TikTok properly.
Check your available device storage under Settings. Clear up space by deleting unused apps, photos, and media to resolve storage-related access denied issues.
Fixes for TikTok Access Denied on iPhone
If you see the TikTok access denied error on your iPhone, here are the top troubleshooting tips and solutions to resolve it:
Update the App in the App Store
The first step is to make sure you are running the latest version of TikTok. Open the App Store app, tap your profile icon in the top right corner, and select “Check for Updates”.
If an update for TikTok is available, it will show up here. Tap “Update” to install the newest TikTok update and then try opening the app again.
Check Internet Connection Strength
Make sure your iPhone is connected to a strong, stable WiFi or mobile data connection. You can view the connection strength in Settings > Wi-Fi or Settings > Cellular.
Switch between WiFi and mobile data to determine if one provides a stronger, more reliable connection for using TikTok. Restart your router if on WiFi to refresh the connection.
Try Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off
Toggling Airplane Mode on your iPhone briefly cuts off the network connection before turning it back on. To do this, open Control Center and tap the Airplane Mode icon to enable it. Wait 30 seconds, then turn Airplane Mode off again.
This forces your device to reconnect to the network which may resolve any temporary connection issues.
Restart Your iPhone
Restarting your iPhone will clear out any glitches or processes that may be interfering with TikTok. To restart, press and hold the Side/Power button on your iPhone until the “Slide to Power Off” prompt appears.
Swipe the slider to turn off your device completely. After 30 seconds, press and hold the Side button again to boot your iPhone back up. Then try opening TikTok.
Check Date & Time Settings are Correct
Go into Settings > General > Date & Time on your iPhone and confirm the date, time zone, and time displayed are all correct.
If not, tap to manually set the proper date, time zone for your location, and accurate time. Also, make sure “Set Automatically” is enabled so your iPhone syncs the time from the network.
Delete and Reinstall the TikTok App
If other troubleshooting steps don’t work, uninstalling and reinstalling TikTok can clear out any corrupted files or cache causing issues:
- Delete the TikTok app from your iPhone – hold the app icon until it jiggles, then tap the X.
- Restart your iPhone
- Reinstall TikTok from the App Store – search for TikTok and tap Install.
- Try opening TikTok again – the fresh install should resolve any app errors.
Clear Safari Browser Cookies and Data
The TikTok website uses cookies and site data that could also become corrupted. To fix this on iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data
- Tap “Remove All Website Data” to clear cached cookies and data.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Try accessing TikTok in Safari web browser.
Contact TikTok Customer Support
If you still see the access denied error after exhausting all troubleshooting methods, reach out to TikTok’s customer support team through the app.
They can investigate your account and determine if there are restrictions needing removal or other issues causing the problem.
How to Fix TikTok Access Denied on Android
For Android users encountering TikTok access denied errors, here are expanded details on resolving this problem:
Update TikTok in Google Play Store
Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device and tap the profile icon in the top-right corner. Tap My Apps & Games > Installed > TikTok.
If an Update option shows, tap it to download and install the latest version of TikTok.
Check Mobile Data and WiFi Connection Strength
Verify you have a strong, stable internet connection through mobile data or WiFi before attempting to access TikTok.
Check the connection strength under Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > (your network). Switch between WiFi and mobile data to test which provides the best connectivity.
Restart Your Android Device
Sometimes restarting your Android can clear up temporary glitches causing TikTok access issues. To restart, press and hold the Power button on your device until the Power off prompt appears.
Tap Power off and let your device fully power down. Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold Power again to restart your Android.
Enable Airplane Mode for 30 Seconds
Quickly toggling Airplane mode on and off forces reconnection to the network, fixing potential connectivity problems.
Open your Android’s Quick Settings menu and tap the Airplane mode tile to turn it on. Wait 30 seconds with Airplane mode enabled, then turn it off again.
Clear TikTok App Cache and Data
Corrupted data/cache could be causing the access denied error. To wipe the cache and data, go to Settings > Apps > TikTok > Storage.
Tap “Clear Cache” then “Clear Data” to remove any corrupted files.
Reopen TikTok – clearing the data should resolve app crashes or freezes.
Uninstall and Reinstall the TikTok App
If you still can’t access TikTok, uninstall and reinstall the app:
- Delete TikTok – press & hold the icon, then drag it to Uninstall
- Restart your Android device
- Open Google Play Store, search for TikTok, and reinstall it
- Try opening the freshly installed app
Reinstalling can wipe any lingering bugs and ensures you have the latest TikTok version.
Use a VPN to Bypass Regional Restrictions
If TikTok seems blocked in your area, connect to a trusted VPN app that routes your traffic through another country. Once connected to the VPN, try accessing TikTok – this masks your location and gets around geographic blocks.
Contact TikTok Support
If you still can’t get TikTok working, reach out to their support team through the app’s reporting options.
They can check your account status and determine if your region is restricting access or if there are other problems needing resolution.
Preventing Future Access Denied Errors
Once you’ve resolved TikTok access denied, here are some tips to avoid it reoccurring:
- Always keep TikTok updated
- Maintain a strong, stable internet connection
- Don’t use banned tags/songs that violate TikTok rules
- Clear TikTok’s cache/data occasionally
- Avoid outdated APK installs from outside Google Play
- Enable automatic date/time syncing on your device
- Monitor your device’s storage space
Following best practices for app, device, and internet stability will help prevent frustrating TikTok access denied errors!
TikTok Access Denied FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about resolving TikTok access problems:
Why does TikTok keep saying access denied?
The most likely reasons TikTok denies access consistently are an outdated app, weak internet connection, inaccurate device date/time settings, banned content usage, or repeatedly reinstalling the same old APK. Running the latest TikTok version and checking settings usually fix persistent access errors.
Does deleting TikTok remove all my videos?
Yes, deleting the TikTok app erases all locally stored app data, including your videos, profile info, settings, etc. Before uninstalling, backup your videos and data either to cloud storage or your device’s storage. Then you can restore them after reinstalling TikTok.
How do I contact TikTok to remove any restrictions?
You can contact TikTok’s support team through the in-app reporting options or by emailing [email protected]. Explain your access denied issue and what troubleshooting you’ve tried. They can review restrictions on your account and region that may require removal to grant access.
Does access denied on TikTok mean my account is banned?
Not necessarily. Technical glitches usually cause access denied errors rather than a ban. But if your account was banned for violating TikTok guidelines, you’ll see a notice about the ban reason when opening the app. You can appeal the ban with TikTok support.
Conclusion
Getting hit with a TikTok access denied error can certainly be annoying, but carefully working through troubleshooting solutions will help resolve it quickly.
With the detailed steps provided in this guide, you should now have a clear understanding of how to fix TikTok access issues on both iPhones and Android devices.
Just be patient and methodical in isolating the cause, then apply the appropriate solution. And reach out to TikTok’s support if problems continue. With your new knowledge, you’ll be happily viewing and posting TikTok videos again in no time!
