TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms, allowing users to create and share short videos.
One of its key features is the ability to upload multiple photos that users can then swipe through automatically while a video plays over them. This auto-swiping photo feature creates dynamic and engaging TikTok videos.
However, many users have reported issues with the auto-swiping function not working properly on both iOS and Android devices.
If your TikTok app is not automatically swiping between photos, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to try and fix the problem.
In this post, we’ll go over the common reasons the TikTok auto swipe feature may not be working and provide solutions to get it functioning again on your iPhone or Android phone.
Why Your TikTok May Not Be Auto-Swiping Photos
There are a few main reasons why TikTok might not automatically swipe between your uploaded photos:
Outdated App Version
One of the most common reasons is having an outdated version of the TikTok app installed on your device. TikTok frequently releases new updates that contain bug fixes and feature improvements.
If the app is not up to date, certain features like auto-swiping may not work properly. Make sure you have upgraded to the latest TikTok version available for your iPhone or Android.
Connectivity Issues
Any connectivity problems or weak internet signal can also affect the auto-swiping function. TikTok needs a stable internet connection to smoothly transition between photos. Check that your Wi-Fi or mobile data signal is strong when attempting to use the auto swipe effect.
Exceeding the Photo Limit
TikTok currently allows uploading a maximum of 10 photos for the auto swiping effect on both iOS and Android devices.
If you attempt to use more than 10 photos, the auto swiping may not initiate properly. Try reducing the number of photos to 10 or less.
Video Format Incompatibilities
The photo file formats supported by TikTok are .JPEG, .PNG, and .MP4. When uploaded photos are in other formats like .GIF or .WEBP, it can disrupt the auto swiping feature. Ensure your photos are in the supported formats before uploading.
App Caching Issues
Glitches in the TikTok app cache or temporary files may be interfering with the auto swipe functionality. Clearing the TikTok app cache and data can often resolve photo swiping issues.
Now that we’ve covered the major reasons your TikTok app may not be auto-swiping photos properly, here are the steps to fix the problem on both iPhone and Android devices:
How to Fix TikTok Auto-Swipe Not Working on iPhone
Update the TikTok App
First, make sure you have downloaded the most recent update of the TikTok app for iOS. Open the App Store on your iPhone and tap your profile icon in the top right.
On your profile screen, scroll down to see a list of any apps needing updates. If TikTok is listed there, tap ‘Update’ to download the latest version of the app.
Check Your Internet Connection
When auto-swiping fails to initiate, the likely culprit is an unstable internet connection. Open Settings > Wi-Fi and ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Alternatively, switch to mobile data if the Wi-Fi is slow. TikTok requires a fast, steady internet connection for auto-swiping to work properly.
Reduce the Number of Photos
Verify you have not exceeded TikTok’s current 10 photo limit per video. Photos uploaded over the limit may disrupt the auto swiping effect.
Open TikTok and check that you have 10 or fewer photos added to the post. Remove any extras over the limit.
Change Photo File Format
TikTok only supports photos in .JPEG, .PNG or .MP4 formats. If you have images in unsupported formats like .GIF or .WEBP, the auto swiping can fail.
Open the photos in your camera roll and edit or convert them into one of TikTok’s accepted file formats, then re-upload them.
You can use online image converters to convert images from .gift to .jpg, for instance.
Clear TikTok Cache and Data
Glitches and corrupted files in the TikTok cache could also be preventing proper photo swiping. To clear it out:
- Open iPhone Settings
- Select ‘General’
- Choose ‘iPhone Storage’
- Tap on ‘TikTok’ and wait for the storage management screen to load
- Tap ‘Offload App’ to clear cached and temporary files (your TikTok data will not be deleted)
- Then tap ‘Reinstall App’ to finish the process
Reinstall the TikTok App
If you are still encountering issues with auto swiping after trying the above steps, you may need to reinstall TikTok completely. To uninstall and reinstall:
- Hold your finger down on the TikTok icon until the menu appears
- Tap ‘Remove App’ to uninstall it
- Open the App Store and re-download TikTok
- Log in to your account again
- Test if auto swiping now works correctly
Reinstalling the app will ensure any corrupted files or lingering glitches are eliminated. This step often resolves persistent auto swiping problems.
How to Fix TikTok Auto-Swipe Not Working on Android
The troubleshooting process is very similar on Android phones if your TikTok app is not switching between photos automatically:
Update the TikTok App
Open the Google Play Store app and tap the hamburger menu icon in the top left corner. Select ‘My Apps & Games’ and swipe over to the ‘Updates’ tab.
If TikTok has a pending update available, tap ‘Update’ to download and install the latest Android APK version of the app.
Switch Between Wi-Fi and Mobile Data
Weak internet connectivity via Wi-Fi or mobile data is one of the top reasons for TikTok auto-swiping failure on Android.
Try toggling your internet connection by turning off Wi-Fi and using mobile data instead (or vice versa). A strong, consistent internet signal is required.
Use 10 or Fewer Photos
As mentioned, TikTok allows a maximum of 10 photos currently for the auto swiping effect. Reduce the number of photos you have added to 10 or below and see if that allows the swiping to initiate properly again.
Convert Photos to .JPEG, .PNG, or .MP4
Unlike iOS, Android allows a few additional photo formats like .WEBP. But it’s still best practice to convert any non-standard formats to .JPEG, .PNG or .MP4 before uploading to ensure compatibility with the auto swiping feature.
Clear TikTok App Cache and Data
Corrupted cache and temporary data can disrupt the TikTok app functionality. Here’s how to clear it out:
- Open your Android Settings
- Tap ‘Apps & notifications’
- Select ‘TikTok’
- Tap ‘Storage & cache’
- Tap ‘Clear cache’ and then ‘Clear storage’ to delete the cache and data.
- Return to the main Settings menu and force stop the TikTok app
Uninstall and Reinstall TikTok
If your Android phone is still having issues with TikTok auto swiping, uninstalling and reinstalling the app typically resolves it.
Here’s the process:
- Hold your finger down on the TikTok app icon
- Drag it up to ‘Uninstall’ in the menu
- Open the Google Play Store and search for ‘TikTok’
- Download and install it again
- Log in to your TikTok account
- Test if auto swiping works correctly now
Reinstalling the TikTok app helps eliminate any lingering software bugs disrupting the photo swiping feature.
TikTok Auto Swipe Troubleshooting Tips
Beyond the steps outlined above to fix non-working auto swipe, here are some additional tips when troubleshooting the feature on TikTok for iOS and Android:
- Force close and reboot the TikTok app – this can reset any glitches
- Toggle airplane mode on/off to refresh internet connectivity
- Delete and re-upload your photos to reset caching issues
- Use photos taken directly with your device’s camera rather than downloaded
- Adjust video duration to allow enough time for all photos to swipe
- Make sure your device software is updated to the latest OS version
- Check TikTok’s status page for any known app issues
- Report the problem directly to TikTok via in-app support
The TikTok auto swiping effect for photos is an awesome tool for creating dynamic video content easily. With any luck, the troubleshooting techniques outlined above should have you up and auto swiping properly again on your iPhone or Android in no time.
Just be sure to keep the TikTok app updated, reduce photos below the limit, check your internet connection, and clear out any corrupted files or glitches in the app. Reinstalling TikTok as a last resort usually resolves any lingering issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About TikTok Auto-Swipe Not Working
Here are answers to some common questions about fixing TikTok’s auto-swiping photo feature when it’s not working properly:
Why does TikTok limit auto-swiping to only 10 photos?
TikTok limits the auto-swiping feature to 10 photos to ensure optimal performance across different devices and connectivity speeds. More than 10 photos can cause lagging, longer load times, and other technical issues.
Can I auto-swipe photos on TikTok if I have a poor internet connection?
No, a strong and stable internet connection via Wi-Fi or mobile data is required for TikTok to auto-swipe smoothly between photos in a video. Weak or unstable connections will disrupt the feature.
Do Live Photos work with TikTok’s auto-swiping effect?
No, TikTok does not currently support Apple’s Live Photos feature for auto-swiping. You will need to convert Live Photos to standard JPEGs before uploading to TikTok.
How do I know if I have the latest version of TikTok installed?
Open your device’s app store and check if TikTok has any pending updates available for download. If not, you should have the newest version already installed. TikTok releases frequent updates so it’s important to keep it updated.
Can I recover photos after clearing TikTok’s cache and data?
No, clearing the TikTok cache and data results in permanent deletion of that information. Your photos themselves are not deleted, only their cached copies used by TikTok. You can simply re-upload your photos.
How can I provide feedback to TikTok about the auto-swiping problems I faced?
You can report technical issues directly to TikTok via the in-app reporting option. Tap your profile, then the three-line menu, Support, Report a Problem to submit feedback and bug reports to help improve the feature.
Conclusion
When TikTok fails to automatically swipe through your photos, it can disrupt the videos you’re trying to create.
With the app troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve any issues with the auto-swiping feature not working on either iPhone or Android devices.
The key fixes include updating the TikTok app, clearing cached data, ensuring strong internet connectivity, reinstalling TikTok if necessary, and providing feedback to TikTok on any bugs you encounter.
Following the tips provided here should get your TikTok app back to smoothly swiping photos automatically in no time.
