Have you ever tried to log into TikTok by scanning a QR code, only to find that it doesn’t work? This frustrating issue can prevent you from accessing your TikTok account.
The good news is that there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to get the TikTok QR code login working again.
In this post, we’ll go over the common reasons why your TikTok QR code login may not be working and provide actionable tips to fix it.
Why Your TikTok QR Code Login May Not Be Working
There are a few common reasons why your TikTok QR code won’t scan or allow you to log in:
Poor Internet Connection
One of the most common reasons is a poor or unstable internet connection. TikTok requires a steady internet connection to scan the QR code from their server and log you into the app properly.
If you’re connected to a bad WiFi network or have only one or two bars of cellular data connectivity, chances are high you’ll run into issues.
TikTok Servers Down
TikTok’s servers may be overloaded or temporarily unavailable, making it impossible for the app to scan your QR code and validate your login request. Issues like this tend to be temporary and widespread.
App Issues
Sometimes glitches, conflicts, or temporary errors with the TikTok app on your smartphone can interfere with QR code login functionality. For example, certain cache or data files may become corrupted.
Closing and restarting the app or forcibly closing it can often resolve app-specific issues like these.
Outdated versions of the TikTok app may also contribute to the problem if they have unpatched bugs. Updating to the latest version can clear those up.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing TikTok QR Code Login
If your TikTok QR code isn’t working, don’t panic. Follow these troubleshooting steps, in order:
1. Check Your Internet Connection
First things first: check your internet connection. Open a web browser or other internet-connected app on your smartphone to verify you have a strong, steady connection.
If the internet is sketchy, move closer to your WiFi router or toggle Airplane Mode on and off to grab a fresh cellular signal. Scan the QR code again once you have at least three bars and decent speeds.
There are several ways to check your internet connection to determine if it’s causing the TikTok QR code login issue:
One of the methods is to run a speed test using online tools like Speedtest.net or Fast.com. Compare your results to your internet service provider’s advertised speed.
Aim for at least 5 Mbps download speed for smooth video streaming and general browsing.
Also, ensure your Wi-Fi is enabled and connected to the correct network. You can also try restarting your router and modem.
2. See If TikTok Servers Are Down
If you have solid internet connectivity but still can’t scan your TikTok QR code properly, navigate to the TikTok System Status on Down Detector page from another device like your computer or tablet. This page tracks performance issues impacting TikTok globally.
You’ll be able to see live stats on server uptimes and any service incidents currently being investigated by TikTok’s engineers that may be interfering with logins.
If services show degraded performance or an outage, you’ll have to wait until fixes have been implemented.
3. Force Close and Restart the TikTok App
A temporary glitch or bug in the TikTok app itself could be the culprit if services show normal status but your QR code still fails.
Close TikTok completely by swiping it away from your open recent apps list. Then restart fresh from the smartphone’s home screen icon.
Try logging in via QR immediately upon restart before using any features. This clears out any corrupted temporary data that might disrupt authentication.
4. Update the TikTok App
Make sure TikTok is fully updated to take advantage of the latest fixes for bugs—including QR code login issues.
- Open your device’s App Store or Google Play Store app
- Enter “TikTok” in the search box
- Select the TikTok entry
- If an Update option appears instead of Open or Install, tap it to upgrade.
Once updated, restart and scan your QR. The latest version may have addressed any bugs interfering with correct functionality.
5. Clear TikTok’s Cache and App Data
If your app is up-to-date but problems persist, try wiping its temporary cached files and login data then starting fresh.
- Open your device’s Settings app
- Select Apps (or Applications/Application Manager on some devices)
- Choose TikTok.
- Tap Storage.
- Select Clear Cache.
- Confirm clearing
- Restart phone
With caches and data erased, launch TikTok again and immediately try the QR code once more upon startup. Corrupted files often cause issues like login failures.
6. Uninstall and Reinstall TikTok
If no other troubleshooting steps have worked, completely removing TikTok then reinstalling may do the trick:
- Delete TikTok from your Apps menu
- Visit the Play Store/App Store and re-download TikTok
- Upon the first launch, scan your QR code.
A clean reinstallation forces TikTok to rebuild any corrupted files completely fresh, often resolving persistent glitches.
7. Try Logging In on a Different Device
At this point if your QR code still fails, it’s worth trying to log in from another smartphone or tablet device if you have one available just to rule out issues with your primary gadget.
Borrow a friend or family member’s device, install TikTok fresh if not already present, and attempt scanning right away.
If the QR works fine on another phone or tablet, then something is likely misconfigured with your usual device or the app itself, warranting investigation from TikTok’s support team.
8. Disable VPN if You Use One
Virtual private networks, or VPNs, allow you to route your internet traffic through external servers for privacy, security or content access. However, VPN connections can also sometimes disrupt proper functioning of apps relying on location services or authentication protocols.
If you have a VPN enabled on the device exhibiting QR code login failure, disable it completely then attempt to scan once more. If it suddenly works, contact your VPN provider to ensure TikTok traffic is not incorrectly routed or blocked.
9. Contact TikTok Customer Support
If you’ve tried every troubleshooting step and recommendation to no avail, you’ll need to enlist help from TikTok’s customer support team:
- Go to your profile page in the TikTok app.
- Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. Select “Settings and Privacy” > “Report a Problem.”
- Choose the category “Account and profile.”
- Choose “Login” and tap on “Other.”
- Describe your QR code login issue in detail and include any relevant information like screenshots or error messages. Tap “Submit” to send the report.
TikTok staff should respond with additional tailored troubleshooting tips or an acknowledgment of a wider issue requiring app updates to address fully.
Alternative Login Methods
While waiting for TikTok customer service to resolve your QR authentication problems, you may want to explore alternative login methods to regain access to your TikTok account:
- SMS Code Login – This option texts a one-time passcode you can enter instead of scanning a QR code. Enable this feature under your account Settings.
- Password – If you originally signed up with just an email/username and password combination, try entering those details on the login screen after tapping “Use other methods.”
- Facebook – You can also log into TikTok using your credentials if you previously connected social accounts.
While waiting for issues with your QR code login to be resolved, you may want to check out our guide on logging into TikTok with a QR code which explains the process in more detail.
That article provides an overview of how the QR code login method works when functioning properly, so you’ll know exactly what to expect once your troubleshooting efforts successfully restore functionality.
Conclusion
We hope this comprehensive troubleshooting guide has given you plenty of steps to resolve temperamental TikTok QR code login problems. Nine times out of ten, app resets, updates, reinstalls or clearing temporary data will get things working again in just a few minutes.
But for persistent issues seemingly isolated to just your device, TikTok’s customer support experts can provide customized suggestions tailored to your unique situation.
Leveraging alternative login methods also lets you access your treasured TikTok account as you await confirmation QR issues are fully resolved across the platform.
With so many creative TikTok videos awaiting your viewing pleasure, don’t let login headaches keep you away!
