The TikTok record button not working is a common issue that many users face. It can be frustrating when you want to record a video for TikTok but the record button simply won’t work no matter what you try.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through all the possible reasons why the TikTok record button may not work and provide detailed troubleshooting steps to fix it.
Why Is the TikTok Record Button Not Working?
There can be several reasons why the record button is not functioning on TikTok:
Software Glitches
Like any app, TikTok is susceptible to minor software glitches that can cause certain features to malfunction temporarily. A bug in the app code could be preventing the record button from working properly.
Outdated App Version
If you don’t have the latest version of TikTok installed, the record feature may be broken or unavailable in your current version. Always ensure you are running the most updated release of the TikTok app.
Permissions Denied
For TikTok to access your camera and microphone to record videos, it requires certain permissions. If you have denied access to the camera or mic in your phone settings, the record button will not work.
Background App Optimization
Some Android devices enable battery optimization for apps running in the background. This can restrict TikTok’s access to the camera when it’s not actively being used.
Storage or Cache Issues
Low storage space or corrupted app cache/data can interfere with TikTok’s ability to access the camera and microphone to record videos.
Device Compatibility Problems
In rare cases, there may be device-specific compatibility issues that affect TikTok’s capability to record videos properly. This is more common on lower-end or older smartphones.
Account Restrictions
If your TikTok account has been restricted for violations of community guidelines, the app may disable certain features like recording videos during the restriction period.
Internet Connectivity Problems
Unstable internet connections can make it difficult for TikTok to initiate and main a recording session. Check that your Wi-Fi or mobile data signal is strong.
Now that we understand what causes the TikTok record button to fail, let’s go through some step-by-step troubleshooting methods to get it working again.
How to Fix TikTok Record Button Not Working
Follow these solutions in order until the problem is resolved:
1. Check Internet Connection
The first thing to check is your internet connection. TikTok requires a stable internet connection to start and maintain a recording session.
There are effective online tools you can use to test your internet connection. Popular options include Speedtest.net, Fast.com by Netflix, and Google’s own speed test at speed.googlefiber.net.
These websites measure your download, upload, and ping speeds. Just open the website, click “Go” and wait for the results.
Make sure you are connected to a strong Wi-Fi network or have decent cellular data coverage if using mobile data. Switch networks or move closer to the Wi-Fi router if the connection is weak.
Restart your router if necessary. Also, check if other internet-connected apps are working properly on your device. If you have internet connectivity problems, TikTok will struggle to initiate recording.
2. Restart the TikTok App
The simplest solution is to force close and restart the TikTok app. Apps can experience minor technical glitches that get resolved when they are restarted.
On iPhone – Swipe up from the bottom edge to bring up the app switcher. Find TikTok in the list of recent apps and swipe it upwards to close it completely. Then reopen TikTok.
On Android – Open Settings > Apps. Find TikTok in the list and tap Force Stop. Then reopen the app.
Restarting the app resets it and reloads the code, essentially refreshing it. This can fix minor bugs that are preventing the record button from functioning normally.
3. Restart Your Device
If restarting the app did not work, the next step is to restart your Android device or iPhone. Rebooting the device will clear out any corrupted memory or glitched operating system processes that could be affecting TikTok’s performance.
To restart an iPhone, press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons together until you see the power off slider. Drag the slider to turn off the phone. Wait 30 seconds then power the iPhone back on.
For Android devices, press and hold the Power button and tap Restart when prompted. The device will reboot and restart.
Once your phone or tablet has restarted completely, open TikTok and see if the record button works.
4. Check for App Updates
Another reason the TikTok record button may not function correctly is if your app is outdated and missing bug fixes or features from the latest version.
On iPhone – Go to the App Store > Tap your profile icon > Check for available updates. Install any updates available for TikTok.
On Android – Open the Play Store > Menu > My Apps & Games > Check for TikTok update and install it.
Updating to the latest version can fix recording issues caused by bugs in old versions. The developers are constantly improving the app and adding fixes.
5. Clear TikTok Cache and Data
Corrupted app cache and data are common technical problems in apps like TikTok. Clearing the cache and app data can fix recording errors.
On iPhone:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on General.
- Tap on iPhone Storage.
- Scroll down and find TikTok in the list of apps.
- Tap on TikTok then proceed to tap on Offload App.
- Tap on Offload App again to confirm.
On Android:
- Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
- Head to the three-line menu icon in the top right corner and select “Settings and privacy” from the menu.
- Scroll down to the “Cache and Cellular Data” section and tap “Free up space.”
- Tap the “Clear” button next to “Cache.”
This wipes the existing TikTok app data and cache and reloads a fresh copy when you open the app again. Any glitches will be removed.
6. Grant Microphone and Camera Permissions
If you have denied TikTok access to the phone’s microphone or camera in the app permissions settings, it cannot initiate recording when you tap the record button.
To fix this, you need to manually enable microphone and camera permissions for TikTok:
On iPhone:
- Settings > Privacy > Camera > Enable TikTok access.
- Settings > Privacy > Microphone > Enable TikTok access.
On Android:
- Settings > Apps & Notifications > TikTok > Permissions > Enable Camera and Microphone access.
Granting permissions lets TikTok utilize the camera and mic when you tap the record button.
7. Disable Battery Optimization
On some Android devices, battery optimization features can interfere with TikTok’s ability to access the camera in the background.
Disabling battery optimization for TikTok can fix recording problems:
- Settings > Apps & Notifications > Advanced > Special App Access > Battery Optimization > TikTok > Don’t Optimize
This exempts TikTok from battery optimization that may be blocking camera access in the background when you hit record.
8. Reinstall the App
If none of the above steps worked, reinstalling TikTok is the next logical troubleshooting method. This essentially resets the app to a clean state.
Uninstall TikTok first, restart your phone, then reinstall TikTok from the app store. When you open the freshly installed app and sign into your account, check if the record button works normally.
A clean reinstall can eliminate any corrupt app files that may be disrupting the record feature in the old installation.
9. Try Another Device
To confirm whether the problem is isolated to just one device, attempt recording on another phone or tablet.
Install TikTok on another device and try to record using the same account. If the record button works fine on the other device, then the issue is likely device-specific.
You may need to reset your original device to factory settings if reinstalling the app did not help. Backup your data first before resetting the device.
If the record button does NOT work on other devices as well, then your TikTok account itself may be affected.
10. Use a Different TikTok Account
Some users have reported the recording failures only occur with one TikTok account, while other accounts on the same device can record just fine.
Attempt signing out of your problem account and into another TikTok account on the same phone. Test if the record button works with the other account.
If recording works with the other account, then your original account may be restricted from recording or could have a technical glitch. You will need to contact TikTok support for help with that specific account.
11. Contact TikTok Support
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps above and the TikTok record button still does not work, you should directly contact TikTok support for further assistance.
In the TikTok app, go to your profile > Settings and Support > Report a Problem. Tap Record and Camera Issue > Record Button Not Working.
Describe the problem in detail and what troubleshooting you have attempted so far. The TikTok support team can then investigate your specific account and device issue to identify and resolve the problem.
Following the step-by-step guide above should help you isolate and correct the problem. The most common fixes are restarting the app, updating TikTok, clearing cache, enabling permissions, disabling battery optimization and reinstalling the app.
If the solutions do not resolve the recording problem, you can contact TikTok’s customer support team for individual assistance. Being persistent with the troubleshooting process will eventually pinpoint why the TikTok record button is not working for you.
