Can't Follow Anyone on TikTok? 8 Causes and How to Fix Them
Short answer: if TikTok won't let you follow anyone, you have most likely hit the follow rate limit — wait a few hours to a day without following. If it persists, check whether you have reached the 10,000-following cap, verify your phone or email, update the app, and look for a restriction notice in your inbox.
Here are the common causes and how to fix each one:
1. Account Restrictions
TikTok might restrict your account from following users due to various reasons, such as violating community guidelines, spamming, or suspicious activity. If you've received warnings or notifications from TikTok, you should address them to regain your account's full functionality.
2. Following Limit
TikTok has a limit on the number of users you can follow within a specific time frame. If you've reached this limit, you won't be able to follow more users until the restriction is lifted. Wait for some time before attempting to follow more users.
There is also a hard cap: one account can follow at most 10,000 accounts. If you are at that number, unfollow some accounts first.
3. Technical Issues
Sometimes, technical glitches or bugs in the TikTok app can prevent you from following users. Try restarting the app, clearing the cache, or updating the app to the latest version to resolve any technical issues.
4. Network Connectivity
Poor network connectivity can also cause issues with following users on TikTok. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and try following users again.
5. Account Verification
If your account is not verified, TikTok might restrict certain functionalities, including following users. Verify your account by linking a phone number or email address to unlock all features.
6. Shadowban
If you've been shadowbanned on TikTok, your account's visibility and functionality might be limited, including following users. Check if you've violated TikTok's guidelines or community standards, and address any issues to lift the shadowban.
7. App Permissions
Ensure that the TikTok app has the necessary permissions to access your device's features, such as contacts, camera, and location. Grant the required permissions in the app settings to enable following users.
8. Server Issues
At times, TikTok's servers might experience downtime or issues, affecting various functionalities, including following users. Check TikTok's official social media accounts or support channels for any announcements regarding server problems.
If you've tried these solutions and still can't follow anyone on TikTok, you can reach out to TikTok's support team for further assistance. Provide details about the issue you're facing, and they might be able to help you resolve the problem.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I follow anyone on TikTok?
Most often you have hit TikTok's follow rate limit after following many accounts in a short time. Other causes are the 10,000-following cap, extra restrictions on new or unverified accounts, a community-guidelines restriction, an outdated app or a poor connection.
How long does the TikTok follow block last?
TikTok does not publish the exact duration. A temporary follow limit usually lifts by itself within a few hours to about a day. Stop following during that time; repeated attempts can keep the limit in place longer.
Is there a maximum number of people you can follow on TikTok?
Yes. A TikTok account can follow at most 10,000 accounts. Once you reach it, unfollow some accounts before you can follow new ones.
Why can't I follow anyone on a new TikTok account?
New accounts get tighter limits. Add and verify a phone number or email, complete your profile and use the account normally for a few days before following many people.