How to Update TikTok on iPhone and Android (and When It Won't Update)

TikTok's own troubleshooting pages tell you to make sure you're on the latest version before almost anything else. So if a filter won't load, LIVE looks different or a new feature hasn't appeared, updating is the first fix to try.

Update TikTok on iPhone

1. Open the App Store.
2. Tap your account picture at the top right.
3. Scroll to the list of apps with updates. Tap Update next to TikTok, or Update All.
4. If TikTok isn't listed, pull down on the screen to refresh the list.

Turn on automatic updates on iPhone

Apple says apps update automatically by default. If yours don't, go to Settings, then Apps, then App Store, and turn on App Updates. Older iOS versions put this under Settings, App Store directly.

Update TikTok on Android

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap your profile icon at the top right.
3. Tap Manage apps & device.
4. Under Updates available, tap See details.
5. Tap Update next to TikTok.

Turn on automatic updates on Android

In Google Play, tap your profile icon, then Settings, Network preferences and Auto-update apps. You can choose Wi-Fi only if you're watching your data. To auto-update TikTok alone, open its page in Play, tap the three dots and switch on Enable auto update.

Why TikTok won't update

Problem	What to try
Update stuck on pending	Check you're on Wi-Fi, pause other downloads and restart the store app
Not enough storage	Clear TikTok's cache inside the app or delete videos you've already posted from your phone
No Update button at all	You may already be on the newest version; refresh the update list
Phone software too old	Update your phone's operating system first, then TikTok
Downloaded from outside the store	Delete it and reinstall from the App Store or Google Play

I'd never install TikTok from a website offering a 'new version' file. Unofficial copies are a common way to spread malware and steal logins. The App Store and Google Play are the only places I'd update from.

I updated, but the new feature still isn't there

This is the bit that confuses most people. TikTok often rolls features out gradually, to certain countries or accounts first, and many of its Help Center pages say a feature 'isn't currently available everywhere'. Updating gives you the latest app, but it doesn't switch on every feature for every account. Give it a few weeks, and check that the feature is offered in your country.

If the app is misbehaving after an update, clearing its cache often sorts it out. Our guide on clearing your TikTok cache shows you where to find it, and why TikTok notifications stop working covers the other common post-update glitch.

Do you lose anything when you update TikTok?

No. Your account, videos, drafts and messages are tied to your account, not the app version, so updating doesn't remove them. Drafts are the one thing to be careful with if you delete and reinstall instead of updating, because drafts are stored on your phone. Update in place and they stay.

How to check which version of TikTok you have

In TikTok, go to Profile, tap the Menu, then Settings and privacy, and scroll to the very bottom. The version number is shown there. Compare it with the version listed on TikTok's page in the App Store or Google Play. If the store shows a newer one, you're behind.

Updating TikTok Lite and TikTok on a tablet

TikTok Lite is a separate app with its own updates, so updating the main TikTok app doesn't update Lite, and the other way round. If you use both, check each one in the store. On iPads and Android tablets the steps are the same as on phones. If you're not sure which app you've got, our guide on what TikTok Lite is explains the differences.

Updating on a computer

If you use TikTok in a web browser, there's nothing to update. The website always runs the latest version, though a hard refresh can help if it looks broken. The desktop app, where you have it, updates through your computer's app store.

Should you join a beta version?

You'll sometimes see people talking about getting features early by joining a test version of an app. That's offered through official app store programmes when it's offered at all, and test versions can be less stable. For an account that matters to your business, I'd stay on the normal store version. Losing a draft to a buggy test build isn't worth seeing a new sticker a few weeks early.

And once more, because it's the one that causes real damage: never download a 'TikTok update' from a link in a message, comment or pop-up. TikTok updates only come through the App Store and Google Play.

My advice

Switch on automatic updates and forget about it. Then, whenever something on TikTok stops working, the order to try is simple: update, clear cache, restart your phone. That fixes most problems before you need to contact support.

Frequently asked questions

How do I update TikTok on my iPhone?

Open the App Store, tap your account picture and tap Update next to TikTok in the list of available updates.

How do I update TikTok on Android?

Open Google Play, tap your profile icon, Manage apps and device, See details, then Update next to TikTok.

Will I lose my drafts if I update TikTok?

Updating doesn't remove drafts. Deleting and reinstalling the app can, because drafts are stored on your phone.

Why is a new TikTok feature still missing after updating?

TikTok rolls out many features gradually, and some aren't available in every country, so an update doesn't always switch them on.

Is it safe to update TikTok from a link?

No. Only update TikTok through the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android. Links offering a new version file are a common way to spread malware and steal logins.