Are you trying to follow someone on TikTok but the follow button isn’t working or you keep getting an error message?
Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many TikTok users face this problem when the app blocks following activity, limits daily follows, or runs into temporary glitches.
TikTok has strict rules to prevent spam and bot-like behavior, which means you can’t always follow as many people as you want. Sometimes, the issue is related to TikTok’s daily follow limit, while other times it happens due to temporary account restrictions, shadowbans, poor internet connection, or even bugs in the app.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:
- Why you can’t follow people on TikTok
- Why you can’t follow people back
- Why you can’t follow more people even after refreshing
- How to fix TikTok’s “can’t follow” issue
- Best practices to avoid follow restrictions in the future
By the end of this article, you’ll understand the exact reasons behind this issue and learn simple fixes to start following people on TikTok without any problems.
Common Reasons You Can’t Follow People on TikTok
If you’re wondering, “Why can’t I follow people on TikTok?”, there are several possible reasons behind this issue. TikTok has strict rules and technical limits to prevent spammy behavior and keep the platform safe for all users. Below are the most common reasons why this happens:
TikTok’s Daily Follow Limit
TikTok sets a daily limit on how many accounts you can follow in 24 hours. If you exceed this limit, you’ll be temporarily blocked from following anyone else.
- Daily limit range: Usually between 200 to 300 follows per day for regular accounts.
- TikTok does this to stop bots and spam accounts from mass-following people.
- If you hit the limit, you’ll need to wait 24 hours before following more people.
Pro Tip: Spread out your follows throughout the day to avoid triggering this limit.
Temporary Account Restrictions
Sometimes, TikTok may place a temporary restriction on your account if it detects suspicious activity. This can happen if you:
- Follow too many people in a short period.
- Like, comment, or DM too quickly.
- Use third-party apps or bots to gain followers.
These restrictions can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. During this period, you won’t be able to follow new accounts.
TikTok Shadowban or Spam Detection
TikTok’s algorithm uses spam detection systems to identify unusual account activity. If it thinks your actions look like spam, you may face a shadowban.
- A shadowban means your actions are partially restricted without any clear notification.
- You might notice you can’t follow people, your videos get fewer views, or your engagement drops suddenly.
- Shadowbans usually last between 7 to 14 days but can be avoided by sticking to TikTok’s Community Guidelines.
Poor Network Connection or App Glitches
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with TikTok’s rules — it’s a technical issue. A weak internet connection or an app glitch can prevent you from following people.
How to fix it:
- Switch to a stable Wi-Fi or mobile network.
- Restart the TikTok app.
- Log out and log back in to refresh your session.
Using an Outdated Version of TikTok
If you’re using an old version of the TikTok app, it can cause bugs and syncing issues that stop you from following people.
Fix it easily:
- Go to the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Update TikTok to the latest version.
- After updating, clear the app cache for smoother performance.
Why Can’t I Follow People Back on TikTok?
If someone follows you on TikTok but you’re unable to follow them back, it can be frustrating. This issue usually happens because of TikTok’s follow limits, the other person’s privacy settings, or temporary restrictions on your account.
Following Too Many People Too Quickly
TikTok closely monitors how fast users follow others. If you follow too many people in a short period, the platform may temporarily block your ability to follow anyone else. This is TikTok’s way of preventing spam and automated mass-following. When this happens, you might notice that the Follow button doesn’t work or an error message appears. Usually, this restriction lasts for a few hours, but in some cases, it can extend up to a day. The best way to avoid this problem is to space out your follow actions and keep them natural.
Privacy Settings of the Other User
In some situations, the issue isn’t on your end at all. If the person you’re trying to follow has a private account with restricted settings, TikTok may not allow you to follow them back. There’s also a chance that the user blocked you after following you, which automatically prevents you from following them. Additionally, TikTok occasionally restricts following accounts that have been flagged for suspicious or inappropriate activity, even if they follow you first.
Temporary Action Blocks on Your Account
TikTok may place a temporary action block on your account if it detects unusual or spam-like activity. This can happen if you’ve followed too many people in a short time, used third-party apps to gain followers, or violated TikTok’s Community Guidelines. When an action block is active, you won’t be able to follow anyone back until the restriction is lifted. These blocks can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the severity. The only real solution here is to wait until TikTok automatically removes the block and avoid engaging in activities that may trigger future restrictions.
Why Can’t I Follow Back People on TikTok Even After Refreshing?
Sometimes, you try to follow someone back on TikTok, but the Follow button doesn’t work even after refreshing the app. This can be confusing and frustrating, but it usually happens due to cache-related issues or TikTok server problems rather than account restrictions.
Cache Issues Causing Sync Problems
TikTok stores temporary data in your app cache to make the app run faster. However, when the cache becomes overloaded or outdated, it can cause sync problems between your account and TikTok’s servers. This means that even if you tap the Follow button, the action may not register properly. Clearing the TikTok cache usually fixes this issue. You can do this by going into the TikTok app settings, finding the storage section, and selecting Clear Cache. Once the cache is cleared, restart the app and try following the person again.
TikTok Server Errors
If clearing the cache doesn’t solve the problem, there’s a chance the issue lies with TikTok’s servers. When TikTok experiences downtime or server overload, certain features — including the ability to follow people — may not work as expected. In such cases, refreshing the app won’t help until TikTok resolves the problem on their end. You can check TikTok’s official social media pages or third-party platforms like Downdetector to see if there are ongoing server issues. If it’s a server-side problem, the only solution is to wait until the platform restores full functionality.
Why Can’t I Follow More People on TikTok?
If you’ve been following a lot of accounts on TikTok and suddenly notice that you can’t follow anyone else, it usually comes down to TikTok’s maximum following limit or the platform’s spam detection system. TikTok sets strict rules to maintain healthy engagement and prevent users from abusing the platform’s follow feature.
TikTok’s Maximum Following Limit
TikTok has a hard cap on the total number of accounts you can follow. Currently, the platform allows users to follow up to around 10,000 accounts. Once you reach this limit, TikTok automatically blocks you from following more people, regardless of your account’s activity level. This restriction is designed to prevent spam and ensure that users only follow accounts they are genuinely interested in.
If you’ve hit this limit, the only solution is to unfollow some accounts that you no longer engage with. After making space, you’ll be able to follow new people without issues.
Signs TikTok Thinks You’re Spamming
Even if you haven’t reached the maximum follow limit, TikTok may still temporarily stop you from following more people if it detects spam-like behavior. For example, if you follow dozens of accounts within a few minutes, TikTok’s algorithm may assume you’re using automated tools or engaging in suspicious activity. When this happens, the platform blocks your follow actions for a few hours or even an entire day.
To avoid this, make sure you’re following people gradually and engaging naturally with their content. Keeping your activity balanced helps TikTok recognize you as a genuine user and prevents unnecessary restrictions.
How to Fix “Can’t Follow People on TikTok” Issue
If you’re unable to follow people on TikTok, don’t worry — in most cases, the problem can be solved with a few simple fixes. Depending on whether the issue is caused by TikTok’s restrictions, app glitches, or network problems, here are the best solutions you can try.
Wait for TikTok’s Temporary Ban to Expire
One of the most common reasons you can’t follow people on TikTok is a temporary action ban. TikTok places these bans when it detects spam-like activity, such as following too many people in a short period. Unfortunately, there’s no instant fix if this is the cause. The best thing you can do is wait. These bans usually last anywhere from a few hours to 24 hours, but in some cases, they can extend up to a week. Avoid following anyone during this time so TikTok doesn’t extend the restriction further.
Clear TikTok App Cache and Data
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with TikTok’s rules but with the app itself. If your app’s cache becomes overloaded, it can cause syncing issues that prevent you from following people. To fix this, go to TikTok’s settings, navigate to storage, and clear the cache. If the issue persists, you can also clear the app data, which resets TikTok to its default state. After clearing the cache or data, restart the app and try following people again.
Update or Reinstall the TikTok App
Using an outdated version of TikTok can lead to various glitches, including problems with following accounts. Check your device’s app store to see if an update is available. Updating ensures you have the latest bug fixes and performance improvements. If updating doesn’t resolve the issue, uninstall TikTok completely and reinstall it. A fresh installation often fixes hidden bugs that updates alone can’t handle.
Check Your Internet Connection
A weak or unstable internet connection can also prevent TikTok from processing your follow requests. If you’re on mobile data, try switching to Wi-Fi for a more stable connection. Alternatively, restart your router or enable and disable airplane mode to refresh your network. Once your connection is stable, open TikTok and try following people again to see if the issue is resolved.
Contact TikTok Support
If none of the above methods work, the problem may be account-specific and require assistance from TikTok’s support team. You can report the issue directly through the app by going to Settings → Report a Problem and explaining the situation. TikTok’s support team will review your account and provide guidance or remove any unnecessary restrictions if applicable.
Best Practices to Avoid TikTok Follow Restrictions
If you frequently face issues where TikTok blocks you from following people, it’s important to adjust the way you use the platform. TikTok has strict guidelines to detect spam and automated behavior, so following best practices can help you avoid temporary bans and keep your account safe.
Follow People Gradually Instead of Mass-Following
TikTok closely monitors how many accounts you follow within a short period. Following too many people at once can trigger TikTok’s spam detection system, which may temporarily block your follow actions. To avoid this, follow people gradually and spread out your activity throughout the day. Engaging naturally with content by liking videos, leaving comments, and watching posts before following someone helps TikTok recognize your account as genuine and reduces the risk of restrictions.
Avoid Using Third-Party TikTok Tools
Many third-party apps promise to increase followers instantly, but using them can put your account at serious risk. TikTok’s security system can detect when you’re using unauthorized tools, bots, or automation to perform mass actions. When detected, TikTok may temporarily or permanently restrict your account from following others. To stay safe, avoid using any third-party follower apps and stick to TikTok’s built-in features to grow your account organically.
Keep Your Account Verified and Active
Maintaining a healthy and active TikTok account can also help you avoid follow restrictions. Regularly post original content, engage with other users authentically, and keep your profile information updated. If possible, verify your email and phone number to build trust with TikTok’s system. An active, verified account is less likely to face frequent blocks compared to inactive or suspicious profiles. Consistent engagement signals to TikTok that you’re a genuine user, reducing the chances of unnecessary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Not being able to follow people on TikTok can be frustrating, but in most cases, it’s caused by simple issues like daily follow limits, temporary account restrictions, app glitches, or TikTok’s spam detection system. The good news is that this problem is usually temporary and can often be fixed by clearing the app cache, updating TikTok, improving your internet connection, or simply waiting for restrictions to expire.
To avoid facing this issue repeatedly, make sure you follow people gradually, avoid using any third-party automation tools, and keep your account active and verified. By using TikTok responsibly and following its community guidelines, you can enjoy a smoother experience without unnecessary follow restrictions.
If none of the fixes work and the problem continues for an extended period, contacting TikTok Support is the best way to resolve account-specific issues. With the right approach, you’ll be able to follow people again and grow your TikTok network without interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why can’t I follow people on TikTok right now?
You may not be able to follow people on TikTok due to daily follow limits, temporary account restrictions, spam detection, or app glitches. TikTok sets these limits to prevent automated or suspicious activity. If you’ve followed too many people recently, you might need to wait 24 hours before trying again.
Why can’t I follow people back on TikTok?
If you can’t follow someone back, it could be because you’ve followed too many accounts too quickly, TikTok has temporarily blocked your follow actions, or the other person’s privacy settings prevent you from following them. In some cases, if the user blocked you, you won’t be able to follow them at all.
Why can’t I follow more people on TikTok?
TikTok has a maximum follow limit of around 10,000 accounts. If you’ve reached this limit, you won’t be able to follow anyone else unless you unfollow some accounts first. Additionally, following too many people within a short time may trigger a temporary block.
How long does TikTok block you from following people?
TikTok’s temporary follow bans usually last between a few hours and 24 hours, depending on the severity of the activity that triggered the restriction. However, in some cases, blocks can last up to 7 days. It’s best to wait for the restriction to expire before trying to follow people again.
How do I fix “can’t follow people” on TikTok?
To fix this issue, try clearing the TikTok app cache, updating or reinstalling the app, and checking your internet connection. If you’ve hit TikTok’s follow limit or received a temporary block, you’ll need to wait until the restriction is lifted. If the problem persists, contact TikTok Support for further assistance.
Is there a daily follow limit on TikTok?
Yes, TikTok has a daily follow limit to prevent spam. While the exact number isn’t publicly confirmed, most users report a limit of 200 to 300 follows per day. Spreading out your follows and engaging naturally helps you avoid hitting this limit.
