[Answer] Why Can't I Send Messages on TikTok?
I. Why Can't I Send Messages on TikTok? Causes
To understand the reason "Why can't I send messages on TikTok", we need to consider the possible factors causing this issue. Below are the common reasons identified by TikTok DL:
1. The two TikTok accounts have not followed each other
TikTok has a clear rule: the messaging feature only works if both accounts follow each other. This is one of the platform's most effective privacy protection measures, preventing unwanted or spam messages from strangers.
When you attempt to message someone who hasn't followed you back, TikTok will display a notification or block the message entirely. This feature is particularly helpful for users with a large following or those who wish to maintain their personal privacy.
Additionally, if one of the two accounts accidentally unfollows the other, the messaging feature will be immediately disabled. This is a common reason why you might be unable to send messages, even if you were able to communicate before.
2. Being Blocked on TikTok
One of the direct reasons why you cannot send messages to someone is that your account has been blocked by them. When someone blocks you on TikTok, the system automatically restricts all interactions between the two accounts, including messaging, commenting, or viewing each other's content.
In particular, TikTok does not notify you when you've been blocked, which can be confusing and difficult to understand. A sign that you've been blocked is that you can no longer find their account when searching, or the previous messages between the two of you have disappeared from your inbox.
The reason for being blocked may stem from misunderstandings, disputes, or simply the other person's desire to limit the number of people who can contact them. This is an important privacy feature provided by TikTok, helping users feel safer and have better control over their relationships on the platform.
3. TikTok's age restriction policy
TikTok enforces strict policies to protect minors from potential risks on social media. One such policy is the age restriction for the messaging feature. According to the rules, only users aged 16 and above are allowed to use this function.
This means that if your account or the recipient's account indicates an age under 16, you will not be able to send messages. TikTok automatically disables this feature to ensure the safety of younger users and limit their exposure to inappropriate content or interactions.
This is a common issue for young users or those who accidentally entered incorrect date of birth information when setting up their accounts. The system will automatically detect and apply this policy without any additional notification.
4. The recipient's account is set to "No messaging" mode

TikTok offers flexible privacy options, allowing users to control who can send them messages. One such option is a mode that permits messages only from friends or completely blocks messages from strangers.
If the recipient has enabled this mode, you won’t be able to send them messages, even if you both follow each other. This often happens with accounts that want to limit unwanted interactions or focus more on content creation rather than personal communication.
Users can also adjust their privacy settings at any time, so they may have changed their settings after the last interaction with you. This makes messaging suddenly unavailable without a clear reason.
5. The mobile phone number registered on TikTok has not been verified
TikTok requires users to verify their mobile phone numbers when registering an account or using certain important features, including messaging. If you haven’t completed this verification step, your account will have restricted access to some features, particularly communication functions.
Verifying your phone number is not only a necessary step to activate messaging, but it also helps TikTok ensure that users are real, reducing the occurrence of fake accounts or abuse of the platform. Failing to verify your phone number will make it difficult for you to interact with other users on TikTok, including sending messages.
6. No internet connection
A simple yet often overlooked reason is your internet connection. TikTok requires a stable network connection to perform all actions, from watching videos and posting content to sending messages.
If your network is weak or unstable, messages may fail to send, and you will notice interruptions in all activities on TikTok. In this case, the issue is not due to the app but rather the connection conditions at that moment.
7. TikTok app error
The TikTok app, like any other software, can experience errors or technical glitches during use. These issues often occur when you are using an outdated version of TikTok or when the app is overloaded due to a full cache.
Some common errors related to the messaging feature include messages not being sent, the interface not displaying the message button, or the app suddenly crashing when trying to send a message. These errors are not always obvious, but they often cause significant frustration for users.
II. How to Fix the Issue of Being Unable to Send Messages on TikTok

Once you understand the causes, let's explore how to resolve each specific issue. Below are the methods you can apply to fix the problem of being unable to send messages on TikTok.
1. Check and ensure that both accounts are following each other
This is the first and simplest step to fix the issue of being unable to send messages on TikTok. As mentioned, TikTok requires both accounts to follow each other in order to send messages. If you're unable to message someone, check whether you and the other person have followed each other.
How to Check and Follow an Account on TikTok:
- Step 1: Open the TikTok app and search for the account you want to message.
- Step 2: Tap on their profile picture to go to their profile page.
- Step 3: Check if you have tapped the “Follow” button. If not, tap the button to follow them.
- Step 4: Once the other person accepts the follow request and follows you back, you can try sending the message again.