Why Does TikTok Keep Buffering & How to Fix TikTok Lagging

In this post from MiniTool video editing software, we’ll discuss possible reasons behind the TikTok lagging issue and learn about relevant methods to fix this annoying problem.

Why Does TikTok Keep Buffering?

Even though TikTok is a popular video-sharing platform, sometimes it still encounters issues that affect your experience, such as no internet connection errors and app crash problems. In today’s post, we’ll discuss the latest TikTok lagging issues.

This month (August 2024), some users reported lag, freezing, and buffering problems when watching videos on TikTok. When this issue happens to you, you must want to know “Why is my TikTok lagging” or “Why does TikTok keep buffering”. So, what are the causes for TikTok lagging?

One of the main reasons why TikTok is lagging so badly could be technical issues with the app itself, including server issues, bugs in the app, corrupted cache files, or other technical glitches.

Additionally, a poor and unstable internet connection is a common culprit for choppy and laggy video playback on TikTok. A good internet connection is a must to play videos smoothly.

Apart from this, outdated devices or running multiple apps at the same time can also affect the performance of the app and cause lag or buffering in TikTok.

How to Fix TikTok Lagging Issue?

TikTok lagging is an annoying problem, but fortunately, there are several ways you can take to resolve this issue.

#1. Force Close the TikTok App

Force closing an app helps reset the app and clear temporary glitches. Likewise, you can force close the TikTok app and relaunch it to try to fix the lag issue.

#2. Delete TikTok Cache and Data

Every app accumulates cache files to speed up loading times, and TikTok is no exception. In addition to common information such as TikTok profile, another important cache in TikTok is the videos and pictures you have watched. If you have never deleted these cache files, it can cause application performance issues, such as persistent buffering when playing videos. As a result, you need to clear the app cache to resolve the TikTok video lag issue.

To clear cache in TikTok:

Go to your profile in the TikTok app.
Tap the three-line menu at the top and select Settings and privacy.
Tap Free up space, click Clear next to Cache, and choose Clear again to confirm.

#3. Reconnect Your Network

You should use a stable and fast internet connection to play videos smoothly on TikTok or other apps. Reconnect your Wi-Fi network or re-enable your cellular network to see if that resolves TikTok lagging issues.

Additionally, if you suspect that the app lag issue may be caused by a slow Wi-Fi connection, try restarting your router and modem to fix it.

#4. Restart Your Device

Sometimes, a simple restart can solve the app problem by refreshing the system. Try restarting your smartphone or tablet when you suffer from the lag issue on TikTok.

#5. Update the TikTok App

Make sure you’re using the latest version of the TikTok app. To fix the TikTok buffering issue, you can go to the Play Store or App Store to update the TikTok app as an app update usually brings performance improvements and bug fixes.

#6. Reinstall TikTok

Alternatively, you can try to uninstall and reinstall the app to fix TikTok lagging on phone. Delete the app from your device and go to the app store to get it again.

#7. Check the Status of TikTok Servers

However, if none of these methods resolve TikTok buffering issues, then it’s time to check the status of TikTok servers. You can visit the Downdetector website to see if any outages or issues have been reported.

#8. Go to TikTok.com

When TikTok keeps buffering on your phone, you can go to the TikTok website on your PC to watch videos, upload videos, send messages, etc.

Tips:

If you want a video editor to edit, create, and convert videos for uploading to TikTok, MiniTool MovieMaker is recommended here. It’s easy to use and offers rich features. By the way, it supports the 9:16 aspect ratio.

MiniTool MovieMakerClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Conclusion

The TikTok lagging issue could be attributed to several factors. Regardless of the exact cause, this problem can be solved with the above methods. Try these solutions to fix buffering issues and enjoy smooth video playback on TikTok.

About The Author

Cora Follow Us

Position: Columnist

Cora works as an editor at MiniTool for many years, writing articles about video editing, video conversion, and screen recording. She also writes articles about Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter. During her spare time, Cora loves reading, traveling, and watching movies.