Tech Reference

How to update TikTok if your phone hasn't done it automatically

TikTok
You may need to manually update TikTok if your phone hasn't made an automatic update. Thomas Trutschel/Getty Images
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The TikTok app is updated frequently, and with each revision comes new features along with better performance and fewer bugs. Whether you have an Android or iPhone, your phone should automatically install updates for all your apps on a regular basis, TikTok included. But if you aren't sure when your phone last updated your apps or there's a critical update you want to install right away, you can update TikTok with a few taps. 

How to update TikTok on iPhone

1. Start the App Store on your iPhone.

2. Tap your account icon at the top of the screen.

3. In the Available Updates section, scroll to see the apps with updates waiting to be installed. Look for TikTok, and if you see it in the list, tap Update. If you prefer, you can tap Update All to update all your pending apps at once. 

Updating apps in the App Store on iPhone.
To manually update the TikTok app, find it in the list of apps awaiting update in the App Store.  Dave Johnson/Insider

The app should update and, after a few moments, it will be ready to start. 

How to update TikTok on Android

1. Start the Play Store app on your Android.

2. Tap your account icon at the top of the screen.

3. Tap Manage apps & device.

4. With the Overview tab selected, tap Updates available.

5. Look for TikTok, and if you see it in the list, tap Update. If you prefer, you can tap Update all to update all your pending apps at once.

Updating apps in the Play Store on Android.
You can manually update TikTok by finding it in the list of apps with updates in the Play Store.  Dave Johnson/Insider

After the update is complete, you can start TikTok to run the latest version with the new updates. 

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Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.