11 Quick Ways to Fix TikTok Lag on Videos, Comments, & More

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Make TikTok run smoother on the app or website

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: May 23, 2025 Fact Checked

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TikTok Lag Fixes

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Reasons for Lag

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Video

Is your TikTok laggy? If your comment history is laggy or if your videos keep buffering, you can usually fix it by checking your app, device, and internet connection. Here's how to fix TikTok lag on your Android, iPhone, iPad, or computer, and how to keep it running smoothly.

Quick Steps

Force-restart the TikTok app.
Make sure the TikTok app is up to date.
Clear your TikTok cache.
Uninstall TikTok and download it again.
Check your internet connection.
Restart your device.

Section 1 of 2:

Fixes for TikTok Lag

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To make sure TikTok is fully closed, swipe up on the app (or double-press the Home button on older iPhone models, or press the Recents button on Android), and then swipe up on the app. Wait a few seconds, and then open TikTok again.
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Update the TikTok app. If you're running an older version of TikTok, you may run into issues that are fixed in an updated version. For the best experience, enable automatic updates for the App Store or Google Play Store. This will make sure you're running the newest version of TikTok.
- If you don't have automatic updates turned on, you'll need to visit the TikTok app page in your device's app store and then manually update it there.
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Clear your TikTok cache. The cache contains temporary files, and it may include your recent searches. You can clear your TikTok cache within the app on your Android, iPhone, or iPad. Do the following:
- Tap Profile.
- Tap the menu icon.
- Tap Settings and privacy.
- Tap Free up space.
- Tap Clear next to Cache.
- Optional: tap Clear next to Downloads.
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Clear your TikTok app cache. If you're using an Android phone or tablet, you have a built-in feature to clear an app's cache. To clear the cache for the TikTok app, go to Settings > Apps > TikTok > Storage > and select Clear cache.^{[1]
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- If you have an iPhone or iPad, skip to the next step instead.
- If you're using a web browser on a computer, you'll need to clear your browser's cache.
You can completely uninstall TikTok and download it again if you have corrupted files. If you're using an iPhone or iPad, you'll need to reinstall TikTok to clear the app's cache.
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Fix the refresh rate (Android only). Some Android devices are capable of running at 120 Hz, but TikTok may force it to run at a lower refresh rate. Some users reported that using an Android app in the background can force TikTok's refresh rate higher.^{[2]
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Research source} Do the following:
- Open the Timer app.
- Start a timer for a few hours.
- Minimize the Timer app and open TikTok.
- Use TikTok normally.
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Restart your device. If it has been a while since you turned off your device, you may be due for a restart. This can usually be done from your settings, but you can also use the physical buttons on your device. Do the following:
- On an iPhone: Press and hold the side button (or side button + Home button) until the screen turns black and you see the Apple logo.
- On an iPad: Press and hold the top button (or top button + Home button) until the screen turns black and you see the Apple logo.^{[3]
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- On Android: Hold down the Power button, and select Power off from the menu. Wait 30 seconds, and then hold the Power button to turn your device on again.
8
Check your internet connection. If you're having trouble loading videos or the comments, make sure you have a stable internet connection. It's not recommended to use cellular data with TikTok, as this can drain your data and cause loading problems.
- You can troubleshoot your internet connection and try using TikTok again.
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Restart your router and modem. This can be done easily by disconnecting your router from your modem (unless they're combined) and then unplugging the modem. Wait about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in again. It may take a few minutes for it to start up again.
- Some internet providers allow you to restart your router from the provider's app.
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Update your device. If the TikTok app is installed properly, it may be your device that needs an update. On a phone or tablet, do the following:
- On iPhone and iPad:
  - Open the Settings app.
  - Tap General.
  - Tap Software Update.
  - Tap Update Now.
- On Android:
  - Open the Settings app.
  - Tap System.
  - Tap Software update.
  - Tap Update.
If there's an issue on TikTok's end, you can check Downdetector. This website allows other users to report issues with the server connection, login, and other app issues. If there's a spike in reports, it's likely there's an issue with TikTok's servers. You'll need to wait for TikTok to resolve this issue internally, which can take a few hours or a few days.

Section 2 of 2:

Why is TikTok lagging?

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If your TikTok is slow, you may have an outdated version or corrupt files. This is usually solved by downloading the latest available update. You can also completely uninstall the app and then reinstall it again. If you have an Android, you can clear the app's cache in your device's settings.
Videos and comments may be unable to load if you have an unstable internet connection. While you can allow your device to use cellular data for TikTok, it's recommended to use a stable internet connection to prevent buffering and loading.
If your device is having issues, you may have problems with apps on your device. You may have an outdated version, hardware issues, or improper settings.