TikTok has exploded in popularity, amassing over 1 billion monthly active users. A key feature allowing users to connect is TikTok‘s direct messaging functionality. However, many users face issues sending and receiving messages.
If TikTok‘s messaging is not working for you, it can be incredibly frustrating. But don‘t delete the app just yet! In most cases, there are fixes you can try to get messaging running smoothly again.
This comprehensive guide dives deep on why TikTok messaging may fail and the top solutions to troubleshoot problems. I draw on my extensive experience as a social media marketing expert to provide actionable tips to unlock messaging. Follow along to learn how to fix TikTok direct messages not working.
Why You May Be Unable to Send Messages on TikTok
Let‘s first understand the root causes of TikTok messaging problems:
Age Restriction
In April 2020, TikTok introduced an age restriction for using direct messaging, requiring users to be 16 or older. This age limit aims to increase safety for younger users.
If your account is registered with an age under 16, you will not have access to send or receive messages. According to TikTok‘s Community Guidelines, messaging is considered a "limited feature" reserved for older users.
Not Mutual Followers
TikTok has a default privacy setting called "Who can send you direct messages?" This is set to "Friends" by default, meaning only mutual followers (users you follow who also follow you back) can directly message each other.
If you try messaging someone who doesn‘t also follow you, TikTok blocks the message and shows the error "Only friends can send messages to each other." This restricts messaging between non-mutual followers.
User Has Messages Set to "No One"
Within the "Who can send you direct messages?" setting, users can also select "No One." This prevents any user from sending direct messages to that account. So even if you follow each other, messaging will fail.
Top Solutions for Fixing TikTok Messaging
If TikTok messaging isn‘t working, there are a few proven ways to troubleshoot and fix the issue:
Create a New TikTok Account
For users under 16, the simplest fix is to create a new TikTok account with an older birthday. This grants access to messaging.
Step 1) Open TikTok and sign up for a new account
Step 2) Enter your birthday when prompted, setting your age to 16 or older (for example, January 1, 2000)
Step 3) Complete the rest of the sign-up process
On your new account, you can now send direct messages. Just tap the paper airplane on a user‘s profile.
The downside is losing your current followers and videos. But messaging will instantly work on the new account.
Adjust Privacy Settings
If you follow each other, but your messages fail due to privacy settings, tweak the options:
Step 1) Open your TikTok profile and tap the three-dot menu
Step 2) Select "Privacy and Safety"
Step 3) Tap "Who can send you direct messages?"
Step 4) Change from "Friends" to "Everyone"
This allows messaging between any users, even non-mutual followers.
Alternatively, ask the user you‘re messaging to adjust their settings to "Everyone" so you can reach them.
Contact TikTok Support
If you have an established TikTok account under 16, contact TikTok support to change your birthday:
Step 1) In TikTok, go to your profile
Step 2) Tap the three-dot menu and select "Report a Problem"
Step 3) Choose "Account and Profile Issues" then "Editing Profile" then "Other"
Step 4) Explain you registered with the wrong birthday and need your birthday changed to 16 or older (e.g. January 1, 2005)
Step 5) Submit the request
TikTok will review and update your birthday if it meets criteria. Once changed, you gain messaging access. Wait 2-7 days for a response.
What to Try if TikTok Messages Still Don‘t Work
If you‘ve checked your age, settings, and followers, but messaging fails, here are more troubleshooting tips:
- Log out and back into your TikTok account
- Force close and relaunch the TikTok app
- Update TikTok to the latest version
- Clear the TikTok app‘s cache and data
- Try messaging from mobile app and desktop
- Connect to different WiFi or cellular networks
- Contact TikTok support if issues continue
Resetting the app and changing networks can resolve temporary glitches blocking messaging. TikTok support can also further investigate and fix account-specific problems.
How to Use TikTok Direct Messaging
Once messaging is working again, here is how to send and receive messages:
-
Send a Message: Navigate to a profile and tap the paper airplane icon to compose a message. Hit send to deliver it.
-
Read Messages: Tap the inbox icon on your profile to view message threads. Select a thread to read the full conversation.
-
Reply to Messages: Open a thread, type your reply in the text box, and tap the airplane icon to send it.
-
Delete Messages: In a thread, tap and hold a message, then choose "Delete." Delete the entire thread to remove the conversation.
-
Turn Off Notifications: In your inbox, tap the gear icon to toggle off "New Messages" and disable notifications.
And that covers the messaging basics! With the right troubleshooting steps, you can get TikTok direct messaging functioning again.
FAQs About Resolving TikTok Messaging Issues
Here are answers to common questions about fixing TikTok messaging problems:
Why can‘t I find the messaging button on someone‘s profile?
Your account is likely under 16 or you are not mutual followers and their settings don‘t permit messaging non-friends. Follow the solutions above to enable messaging access.
Why does the user‘s profile show "Add Friend" instead of "Message"?
"Add Friend" replaces "Message" when you follow that user but they don‘t follow you back. Get them to follow you, or change privacy settings to allow messaging non-mutual followers.
How long does TikTok take to change my birthday after a request?
It takes 2-7 days on average for TikTok to review and process birthday change requests. Wait patiently as response times vary.
What if TikTok rejects my birthday change request?
If rejected, create a new account with an older birthday. TikTok may deny requests if you appear under 16 in videos.
Can I message someone who blocked me?
No, you cannot message users who have blocked you. And you won‘t receive messages from any users you‘ve blocked.
Key Takeaways on Fixing TikTok Messaging
Direct messaging is a great TikTok feature for communicating with fellow users. If messaging isn‘t working, solutions include:
-
Making a new account with an older birthday
-
Following users back and adjusting mutual privacy settings
-
Contacting TikTok support to update your age
-
Resetting the app, changing networks, updating TikTok
With the right mix of age verification, privacy settings, and troubleshooting, you can get TikTok messaging running smoothly. Use the tips in this guide to connect with friends and fans on one of the world‘s hottest social platforms.
