What does "account not found" on TikTok mean? Possible causes and solutions

What does "account not found" on TikTok mean? Possible causes and solutions

You may encounter an "account not found" error message on TikTok due to multiple reasons. It could be displayed when TikTok servers are down, the account is deleted, the user has blocked you, or the account has been banned. Whenever the message is displayed, it is important to diagnose the issue and possibly find a solution. Discover reasons for missing accounts on TikTok.

TikTok logo displayed on a black surface
Account not found on TikTok error message is displayed when the account is inaccessible or unavailable on the platform. Photo: NurPhoto (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • You encounter the "account not found" error on TikTok if you cannot access the user’s account.
  • The error may appear if you are blocked, the account is deleted or banned, or there is a problem with TikTok servers.
  • Not all causes of the error can be solved.
  • If other users see the error message when they search for your username, check if you accidentally changed the settings and if not, contact TikTok customer support for help.

Read also

How to tell if someone blocked you on Instagram or deleted their account (with photos)

The meaning of "account not found" on TikTok

Often, when you see an "account not found" message on TikTok, it means the user account is unavailable and inaccessible. There are several reasons why you can't see someone's account on TikTok. Here are possible explanations for why you cannot access the account.

A lady accessing TikTok on a smartphone
"Account not found" on TikTok may be displayed if you are blocked, the account is deleted or banned, or there is a problem with TikTok servers. Photo: Picture Alliance
Source: Getty Images

1. The account was deleted

If a TikTok user decides to opt out of the platform and delete their account, their profiles and content are all removed. Therefore, if you try to visit a page that was deleted, you will encounter an error message informing you the account is not found.

2. The account was banned

Most social media platforms have usage guidelines. If a user violates TikTok community guidelines, they are likely to be banned and their accounts removed from the platform. Such guidelines may include sharing inappropriate content, harassment, and other prohibited activities.

3. You have been blocked by the user

Read also

How to block someone on TikTok: step-by-step guide (with photos)

Sometimes, you may be the only one unable to view a TikTok user’s account, usually because they have blocked you. The user may have done this for various personal reasons.

4. The user changed their name

TikTok users can change their usernames whenever they want. If an account changes its username, and you search for the old username, you will encounter an account not found error message.

5. Server issues

Sometimes, social media platforms like TikTok experience technical issues such as server errors and glitches. When TikTok servers are down, you may encounter challenges viewing some user profiles and will have to wait until normal service is restored.

6. Inactive account

If a TikTok user does not log in to their account or use their account for a significant period, the account becomes inactive, and the username is changed. TikTok has an inactive policy of 180 days and if the user you are searching for has not used their account for a longer period, the username does not exist.

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What should I do if I encounter an ''account not found'' error on TikTok?

A person viewing content of a TikTok user
Not all causes of the error can be solved. If an account is deleted, banned, or inactive, you cannot solve it. Photo: Picture Alliance
Source: Getty Images

There are several possible solutions for the "account not found" issue on TikTok, depending on the cause. Here are some ways to resolve the problem based on different reasons behind it.

  • If blocked, ask a mutual friend to request an unblock.
  • If the username changed, check liked or saved content to find the new name.
  • For server issues, wait for restoration or restart the app/phone.

Why does someone's TikTok say "account not found"?

The "account not found" message may appear on TikTok if you search for an account that does not exist. Several reasons may lead to an account being unavailable, including a ban, deletion, username change, server issues, and user block.

How do I know if someone deleted their TikTok or blocked me?

If someone deleted their account on TikTok, you will not see their profiles when you search their usernames and their content will no longer appear on your "For You" page. If you are blocked, you will not access the user’s content, but others will view the user’s profile and access their content.

Read also

What does GYATT mean? A popular TikTok slang term explained

What Should I do if my account displays “account not found” to others?

If your account displays the error message to other TikTok users, you probably set it to private, or it has been deleted or deactivated. In such a case, you should first check whether you made accidental changes to your account and if not, contact TikTok customer support for assistance.

How do I know if my TikTok account is banned?

If your account is banned, you will get a banner notification when you try accessing the platform, informing you of the reasons for the ban. If you feel the ban is unfair, submit your appeal by following the instructions in the ban notification.

How do I block someone on TikTok?

If you want to block someone on TikTok follow these steps:

  1. Log in to the application.
  2. Search for the person’s username.
  3. Tap the share button at the top.
  4. Click Block to confirm.

Read also

What does WYLL mean on Snapchat or text and how to respond

The "account not found" error on TikTok isn't always due to an unavailable or non-existent username. It can also occur if the user has blocked you, deleted their account, been banned, or if there are server issues. While some causes may have solutions, others are permanent.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

Legit.ng recently published an informative article about how to remove a private number on Android and iPhone. Most phones can hide and unhide caller numbers and sometimes, you can activate the feature accidentally. You may find yourself calling people with private numbers and do not know how to remove them.

Whether you have an Android device or iPhone, deactivating the private number feature is simple. However, if you do not know how to do it, it can be a nuisance. Read this article for a step-by-step guide on removing private number on iPhone and Android devices.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Muhunya Muhonji avatar

Muhunya Muhonji (Lifestyle writer) Muhunya is a graduate of Agricultural Economics from Egerton University, Class of 2014, with a passion for storytelling and content creation. Since joining Legit.ng as a writer in July 2021, he has covered diverse topics such as entertainment, technology, business, and biographies. His journalism journey has seen him complete multiple professional courses, including the AFP Digital Investigation Techniques course (2023), the Google News Initiative course (March 2024), and Fact-Checking and Research training (September 2024). Email: muhunyah@gmail.com

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