Are you trying to launch a YouTube video in a new web browser tab, but it doesn’t open? Either YouTube is experiencing issues or your web browser has a problem. Luckily, there are a few ways to get around this problem, and open your videos in new web browser tabs on your computer. We’ll show you what those ways are.

Sometimes, YouTube doesn’t let you open videos in a new tab because your web browser has a faulty extension or adblocker, your web browser cache is corrupted, or your web browser configuration is faulty.

Use an Alternate Way to Open Videos in New Tabs

There isn’t only one way to launch YouTube videos in a new tab; you have at least two ways. When one method doesn’t work, use the alternate one.

The first method is to press and hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and Left-Click the video you want to open in a new browser tab. This key and click combination tells your browser to open the selected link (video, in this case) in a new tab.

If you’ve tried that method but to no avail, the alternate method is to right-click the video and select Open link in new tab. This launches the selected video in a new tab.

Turn Off YouTube’s Video Previews

If you’ve noticed, YouTube plays video previews when you hover over a video. Sometimes, this causes the site not to open videos in new tabs. In this case, turn off video previews and see if your issue is resolved.

1. Launch your web browser and go to YouTube.com.
2. Select your profile icon in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
3. Select Playback and performance in the left sidebar.
4. Turn off Video previews on the right pane.

5. Try launching a video in a new tab.

Use Another Web Browser

If the issue persists, try using another web browser on your computer and see if you can open videos in new tabs. This method can help you identify any problems with your current web browser.

If you’re currently with Edge, switch to Firefox, open YouTube, and see if you can open videos in new tabs. If the problem persists, use the following troubleshooting tips in your current and previous browsers.

Turn Off the Web Browser Extensions and Adblockers

If you’ve installed ad blockers and extensions in your web browser, they might interfere with YouTube and break some of the site’s functionality. Verify that by turning off all your browser’s installed extensions and adblockers.

In Google Chrome

1. Select the three dots in the top-right corner and choose Extensions > Manage Extensions.
2. Turn off the toggles for all the extensions.

3. Close and relaunch Chrome, then try opening a video in a new tab.

In Mozilla Firefox

1. Select the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and choose Add-ons and themes.
2. Disable all the installed add-ons.

3. Quit and re-open Firefox, then try launching a video in a new tab.

In Microsoft Edge

1. Choose the three dots in the top-right corner and select Extensions > Manage extensions.
2. Deactivate all the installed extensions.

3. Quit and relaunch Edge, then try accessing a video in a new tab.

Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies

If your web browser’s cache or cookies are corrupted, you might be unable to open YouTube videos in new tabs. In this case, clear the cache and cookies for YouTube and Google in your web browser.

In Google Chrome

1. Select Chrome’s address bar, type the following, and press Enter:
   chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
2. Select All time from the Time range drop-down menu, enable Cached images and files, and choose Clear data.
3. Open YouTube.com, select the View site information icon beside the address bar, choose Cookies and site data > Manage on-device site data, and select the trash can icon next to each entry in the Data from the site you’re visiting section.

4. Repeat the above step for Google.com.

In Mozilla Firefox

1. Open YouTube.com and select the padlock icon beside the address bar.
2. Choose Clear cookies and site data.

3. Select Remove in the prompt.

In Microsoft Edge

1. Launch YouTube.com, select the padlock icon beside the address bar, and choose Cookies.
2. Select a cookie on the list and choose Remove.

3. Repeat the above step until all cookies are cleared.
4. Go to Google.com and remove all the cookies.

Reset Your Web Browser

If your web browser’s configuration is faulty, that might be the reason you can’t open videos in a new tab. This usually happens when a browser option is misconfigured.

You can fix that by resetting your Chrome, Firefox, or Edge web browser. This will restore all the browser settings options to their default values.

Contact YouTube Support

If you still have the issue, reach out to YouTube’s support team to see if they can help.

1. Launch a web browser and head to the YouTube Help site.
2. Scroll down the page and select Contact us.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to send YouTube a message.

Temporary Workaround: Manually Paste the Video Link in a New Tab

A temporary workaround you can use to open videos in new tabs is to copy the video link and manually paste the link into a new browser tab. This launches your selected video in a new tab of your web browser.

You can copy a YouTube video’s link by right-clicking the video and selecting Copy link address. Then, open a new tab, select the address bar, paste the copied link, and press Enter.

Of course, this method isn’t as convenient as the Ctrl + Left-Click or the context menu method, but at least you have something to use until your issue is fixed.

Force YouTube to Launch Videos in New Web Browser Tabs

YouTube fails to load videos in new browser tabs for various reasons. If the issue persists, apply the methods outlined above to resolve the problem.

The post How to Fix It When YouTube Won’t Open in New Tab first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Don’t let your Discord profile changes disappear into the void. Discord may sometimes struggle to save your profile changes. This is especially frustrating if you spent hours crafting your profile section.

In this guide, we’ll explore what can be causing this issue and provide solutions for troubleshooting it in Discord.

Why Discord Fails Saving Profile Changes

While the problem with Discord not saving changes is often related to a buggy server, several factors could contribute to this problem. Here are some of the most common of them.

• Server Overload: Discord servers may sometimes experience heavy traffic or overload, resulting in delays or failures in processing profile changes.
• Network Issues: Poor internet connectivity or intermittent network disruptions can interfere with the communication between your device and Discord servers, preventing profile changes from being saved.
• Software Bugs: Like any software, Discord isn’t immune to bugs or glitches. An underlying software issue could be causing profile changes to fail to save properly.
• Cache and Cookies: Accumulated cache and cookies in your browser or Discord app may sometimes interfere with the saving process, preventing profile changes from being applied.
• Permissions: In some cases, restricted permissions or account settings may prevent you from saving certain profile changes, especially if they involve sensitive information.
  

How to Fix Discord Not Saving Profile Changes

Now that you understand potential reasons for Discord failing to save your profile changes, you can troubleshoot them more effectively. We recommend trying every method outlined below one by one, checking whether each of them solves the Discord issue.

1. Restart Discord

When Discord fails to save profile changes, a quick fix might be as simple as restarting the application. When you do it, you can establish a fresh connection to the Discord servers, potentially resolving any glitches or synchronization issues.

Here’s how to restart Discord on different devices:

• Windows: In the Windows taskbar, select the Show hidden icons button, then right-click on Discord, and choose Quit Discord.
• macOS: Go to the Discord menu and select Quit, or press Command + Q on your keyboard to quit.
• Android: Launch the Recent Items window and slide Discord from the edges of the screen to completely close it.
• iPhone: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, locate the Discord app, and swipe up to remove it and close the application.

After closing Discord, restart the app and check if the profile changes are saving correctly.

2. Update the Discord App

Keeping your Discord app updated is crucial for resolving errors like Discord not being able to save your profile changes, among others. Discord frequently releases updates to address bugs and glitches, including issues with account management.

Usually, Discord updates automatically each time you start the app. However, if you’re still encountering the error, manual intervention might be necessary.

If automatic updates fail to resolve the issue, you can manually download and install the latest version from the Discord website. This ensures you have the most recent fixes and improvements.

3. Switch to Another Device

If you’re encountering issues with Discord not saving profile changes, consider switching to another device as a potential solution. Sometimes, variations between the app and web versions can cause syncing problems, and using a different device can trigger a system refresh, resolving the issue.

Experiment with changing your profile theme or other settings on your mobile and desktop apps. That way, you can determine if one version of the app allows you to successfully save the changes.

4. Clear Discord’s Cache

Clearing Discord’s cache can often resolve issues like Discord not saving profile changes. The Discord app stores a significant amount of data, including messages, images, and links, in its cache folder. When this cache folder becomes too large, it can lead to performance issues.

Here’s how you can clear Discord’s cache on different devices.

On Mac or PC

On your computer, navigate to the dedicated Discord’s Cache folder and delete the contents of this folder.

On Android

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
   
2. Scroll down and select Apps or Applications.
   
3. Find and select Discord from the list of installed apps.
   
4. Select Storage or Storage & cache.
   
5. Select Clear cache to clear Discord’s cache.
   

On iPhone or iPad

Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct option to clear Discord’s cache on iOS devices. Your best option is to offload or delete the Discord app and reinstall it. Keep in mind that this will also remove any saved login credentials and app settings.

By clearing Discord’s cache, you can potentially resolve issues related to profile changes not being saved and ensure smoother performance of the app.

5. Disable Community Mode

Disabling Community Mode can be an effective solution if you’re encountering issues with Discord server settings. Despite being a longstanding feature, Community Mode may still interfere with server settings, causing users inconvenience.

If you find yourself unable to modify server settings, temporarily disabling Community Mode can provide a workaround. To disable Community Mode, follow the steps below. The instructions are the same for both mobile and desktop users.

1. Open the Discord app on your device.
   
2. From the list of server options, select your server and open Server Settings.
   

3. In the sidebar menu on the left side of the screen, find the Community section.
   
4. In the Overview tab, scroll down and select Disable Community.
   

5. Confirm the change by selecting the Save Changes button.
   

Once you’ve made the necessary adjustments to your profile, you can choose to re-enable Community Mode. However, if you frequently encounter issues with server settings, leaving Community Mode disabled permanently may offer a smoother Discord experience.

6. Try Enabling or Disabling VPN

Network issues can sometimes disrupt Discord’s ability to save changes effectively. If your server is unresponsive despite other troubleshooting methods, try using a VPN to see if it resolves the issue.

Enabling a VPN can provide a more stable network connection, potentially resolving any connectivity issues that may be hindering Discord’s functionality. At the same time, if you’re already using a VPN, try disabling it temporarily to see if it makes a difference.

Switching to cellular networks can also improve your chances of successfully implementing server changes. By changing your network environment, you may bypass any network-related issues that could be affecting Discord’s performance.

7. Check for Timeout

Frequent changes to server settings, such as altering the server icon or profile theme, can trigger a timeout mechanism within Discord. If you’re unable to save changes despite multiple attempts, it’s possible that your server has entered a timeout state.

If you’ve encountered a timeout, it’s best to wait for approximately 20 minutes before attempting to make further changes. This waiting period allows Discord to reset and mitigate any issues related to excessive modification attempts.

To avoid triggering a timeout in the future, avoid making multiple modification attempts in quick succession.

8. Contact Support and Submit a Bug Report

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting options and continue to experience issues with Discord not saving profile changes, submitting a bug report can help resolve the underlying problem.

Here’s how you can submit a bug report to the Discord support team.

1. Open a web browser and navigate to the Discord Support website.
   
2. In the upper-right corner, select the Submit a request option.
   
3. Under What can we help you with, open the dropdown menu and select Bug Reporting to report the issue.
   

4. Fill in the required details, including a detailed description of the problem you’re experiencing, any relevant error messages, and steps to reproduce the issue.
   
5. Once you’ve provided all the necessary information, select the Submit button to send your bug report to Discord support.
   

By submitting a detailed bug report, you’re helping Discord’s support team identify and address the issue more effectively, ultimately contributing to a smoother user experience for all Discord users, not just yourself.

Learn How to Fix Any Discord Issue

Encountering issues with Discord not saving profile changes can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue and get back to customizing your Discord experience.

Remember to stay patient and thorough in your troubleshooting efforts, and don’t hesitate to contact Discord support if necessary.

The post Discord Profile Changes Not Saving? 8 Fixes to Try Right Now first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Instagram’s Notes feature allows you to leave notes for your friends to read and reply to. If you don’t see this feature in Instagram on your iOS or Android device, your app may be faulty, or you may be using an old app version on your phone. A few other reasons you can’t access the Notes feature are that you’ve turned off Activity Status, you’re using a VPN on your phone, your recent app update was faulty, and more.

We’ll show you how to fix those issues and access the Notes feature.

Update Instagram to the Latest Version on Your Phone

When you can’t access a feature in your app, the first action to take is to update your app. Doing so allows you to get access to newer features in your app. This can fix your Notes not showing in the Instagram app.

On Android

1. Open Google Play Store on your phone.
   
2. Search for Instagram.
   
3. Select Update next to the app to update your version of Instagram.

On iPhone

1. Launch App Store on your phone.
   
2. Select Updates in the bottom bar.
   
3. Tap Update next to Instagram.

Clear Instagram’s App Cache on Android

If your Instagram app’s cache files are corrupted, that may be why you can’t access the Notes feature and create new notes. One way to fix your app’s bad cache is to remove the cache. Doing so doesn’t delete your account data, and your app will rebuild this cache as you use the app features.

Note that you can’t clear an app’s cache on an iPhone. You must remove and reinstall the app to delete the app’s cache.

1. Locate Instagram in your phone’s app drawer, tap and hold on the app, and select App info.
   
2. Choose Storage usage on the following screen.
   
3. Select Clear cache to delete the app’s cached files.

4. Launch the app.
   

Enable Activity Status to Fix Instagram Notes Not Appearing

Activity Status in Instagram allows your friends to see when you’re online and also lets you see when your friends are online. User reports suggest that enabling this feature can help restore the Notes option in the app.

1. Launch Instagram on your phone.
   
2. Select your profile icon in the bottom bar.
   
3. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
   
4. Select Messages and story replies on the following screen.
   
5. Tap Show activity status.
   
6. Turn on Show Activity Status.

Turn Off the VPN on Your Phone

If you’re using a VPN on your smartphone, turn that feature off and see if Instagram’s Notes feature works. This is because the app may have restricted your access to the feature due to the VPN usage.

You can turn off your VPN service by launching your VPN app and toggling off the main toggle. Then, launch Instagram and see if you can access the feature.

Sign Out and Back Into Your Instagram Account

If your Instagram login session has a problem, that can cause certain app features not to work. In this case, log out and back into your account in the app to possibly fix your issue.

You’ll need your Instagram logins to log back in, so keep those details handy.

1. Open Instagram on your phone.
   
2. Select your profile picture in the bottom bar.
   
3. Choose the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
   
4. Scroll to the bottom and tap Log out [Username].

5. Sign back into your account.
   

Uninstall Instagram’s App Updates on Android

If you had access to the Notes feature, but you lost access after updating the app, your recent app update was faulty. In this case, roll back the update, and your issue should be resolved.

Note that you can only remove app updates on Android; the iPhone doesn’t allow you to do that.

1. Tap and hold on Instagram in your app drawer or home screen and select App info.
   
2. Select the three dots in the top-right corner and choose Uninstall updates.

3. Select OK in the prompt.
   
4. Launch the app.
   

Remove and Reinstall Instagram on Your Phone

If you still can’t use the Notes feature, your app may be faulty. This can make various app features unavailable to users. In this case, uninstall and reinstall the app to fix your issue.

Note that you don’t lose your account data when you reinstall the app.

On Android

1. Tap and hold on Instagram in your app drawer and select Uninstall.
   
2. Choose Uninstall in the prompt.

3. Open Google Play Store, find Instagram, and select Install.
   

On iPhone

1. Tap and hold on Instagram on your home screen.
   
2. Select Remove App > Delete App in the menu.
   
3. Open App Store, find Instagram, and tap the download icon.
   

Wait Until Instagram Rolls Out the Feature in Your Region

If you can’t access the Notes feature despite following all the above troubleshooting tips, Instagram may have yet to roll out the feature in your region. The platform states on its website that Notes isn’t available to everyone.

In this case, wait until the platform makes the feature available in your region.

Use Instagram Notes Feature on Your iPhone or Android Phone

If you see your friends sharing notes on Instagram but you don’t have access to that feature, use the methods outlined above to gain access to the feature. Tweaking a few options here and there should make the feature available to you.

We hope the guide helps you access the feature so you can start sharing your thoughts with your friends on this social media network.

The post How to Fix Instagram Notes Not Showing first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Don’t waste your time looking for a magic button that will hide followers on Instagram—it doesn’t exist. Instead, we’ll show you all the workarounds you can use to hide your followers and the following list from other people, depending on whether you have a public or private account on Instagram.

Can You Hide Your Followers on Instagram?

Currently, Instagram does not provide an official “hide followers” feature for general Instagram users. However, there have been reports and indications that Instagram might be in the early stages of testing a new feature, particularly for verified Instagram profiles with blue checkmarks. Some users report that they’ve seen a message stating, “Only (username) can see all of their followers” when viewing certain celebrity and video game company profiles.

Note that this testing phase seems limited and is not universally applicable. The majority of Instagram accounts, even those with verification status, don’t have the option to hide their followers. Additionally, many users can still access the follower lists of those accounts participating in this test.

How to Hide Followers & Following List on Instagram

For those who care about their account privacy – aside from your list of followers, you can hide likes & views from your Instagram posts and your activity status from others even if you don’t have a private Instagram account.

If “hide my followers” is your only goal, here are a few ways you can try to hide them from specific users.

1. Make Your Account Private

The easiest way to limit the visibility of the list of people who follow you on Instagram is to set your account to private. This ensures that these followers lists are accessible only to those who follow you, enhancing your privacy on the social media platform.

Follow this step-by-step guide to making your Instagram account private. The instructions are the same for iOS and Android users.

1. Open Instagram on your smartphone.
2. Tap the profile icon located at the bottom-right corner of the Instagram app to open your profile page.
3. Open the Settings menu by tapping the three horizontal lines at the top-right corner of the screen.

4. In the Settings menu, tap Privacy or select Settings and privacy (depending on the app version you have).
5. Scroll through the privacy settings and select Account privacy.

6. Toggle the switch next to Private Account to activate it and make your profile private.

By setting your account to private, you create a more closed network where only your approved followers can see your followers and those you follow. One downside is that you’ll need to manually approve every new follower request after you set your account to private, which can be time-consuming.

2. Remove People From Your Instagram

After making your Instagram account private, you have the ability to control who sees your followers. If there’s a particular user in your followers list whom you’d prefer not to have access to this information, you can easily remove them.

To remove followers from your Instagram, follow the steps below.

1. Open Instagram and tap your profile photo at the bottom right of the Instagram app.
2. Navigate to the Followers section at the top.
3. Scroll through the list and locate the specific person you want to remove.
4. Select Remove next to the username of the person you wish to remove.

5. Confirm your action by tapping Remove again.

By following these steps, you effectively remove the selected person from your followers list. This restricts their access to your follower and following lists, Instagram Stories, and posts. However, they can see the follower count on your Instagram profile (the number of followers you have). This method provides a level of control over who has insight into your account activities while maintaining your privacy preferences.

This is an effective solution for maintaining a level of privacy, but it works best with private personal accounts. If you’re a content creator, an influencer or a brand aiming for broader exposure, it may be more beneficial to have a public account. If that’s your case, try another solution to hide your followers on Instagram.

3. Block People on Instagram

If you have a business account or if you’re working on increasing your reach on Instagram, turning your account private might not be a great option.

In this case, the only way to hide followers on a public Instagram account is by blocking specific people.

This is an alternative approach for those looking to control who can view their followers and following lists without going completely private on the app. The obvious downside here is that you cannot hide your followers from everyone at once. Instead, you’ll have to go to each individual profile and block them.

Here’s how you can block a user on Instagram.

1. Open Instagram and navigate to the profile of the user you want to block.
2. On their profile page, tap the three dots icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.

3. From the options, select Block. Instagram will provide you with the option to block only this specific account or all accounts that may be created by the user. Choose the appropriate option and tap Block again.

Once blocked, the user won’t be able to find your page, and consequently, your followers, following lists, and content on Instagram will be hidden from them. It’s important to note that blocking one account also extends to all accounts linked to the same email or number.

While this method effectively hides your followers, keep in mind that a determined user can create a new account using a different email or phone number. Blocking someone on Instagram not only conceals your followers but also prevents them from accessing your posts, stories, or reels, and the ability to contact you. This is a practical solution for selectively restricting access without making your entire account private.

If you later change your mind, you can simply go to their page and unblock them.

Keep Your Instagram Followers Private

Even though Instagram doesn’t offer a direct way to hide followers and following lists on Instagram from other users, several workarounds will help you do just that.

Whether you opt to make your account private, remove specific followers, or use the blocking feature, the goal is to maintain your Instagram privacy according to your preferences. Each method has its advantages and considerations, so choose the approach that aligns best with your online presence and social media objectives.

The post How to Hide Followers on Instagram and Protect Your Privacy first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Whether you’re recording your first TikTok video or you’re eager to explore trending challenges, encountering the dreaded “no internet connection” error can quickly put a damper on your TikTok experience. But don’t worry, we’ll delve into the underlying causes behind this error to offer you practical solutions and troubleshooting steps to get you back to scrolling, creating, and sharing without interruption.

1. Check Internet Connection

The most obvious, and common reason behind the “No Internet Connection” error on TikTok is an inactive, or unstable internet connection. That’s why before taking any other action, you should check what’s the status of your internet connection. It could be that your internet is slow, or the connection got interrupted.

The quickest way to check if your internet is acting up is to open a web browser on your device and try loading any website. If it loads, your internet is fine and the error is coming from somewhere else. But if the website won’t load, your internet is not working properly. Try connecting to another WiFi network, or reconnect to your mobile network by turning the airplane mode on your phone on and off again.

2. Check if the TikTok Server Is Down

If your internet is working but you still receive a “No Internet Connection” error when you try to load a video on the TikTok app, you should check if the platform’s server is down. If TikTok servers are down they can’t deliver the content to your device.

Visit Downdetector and type TikTok in the search bar. Then hit the enter button on your keyboard, or the search button on the website and wait for the results.

Once you get the results for your search, you’ll see if the TikTok servers are down and if other users are reporting server problems.

If Downdetector shows that the TikTok server is down, you can’t do anything about it. Wait for some time and see if the app will work properly in an hour. Platforms like TikTok or Facebook might shut down their servers due to maintenance, or because they’re experiencing a major glitch.

3. Relaunch the TikTok App

If your app is having technical problems, it could display a “No Internet Connection” error. Various errors and bugs can easily prevent the TikTok app from working properly on your device. If this is the case, the solution is easy. All you have to do is close the app and relaunch it. However, you’ll want to do a hard reboot of the app. It could solve many minor issues your app is experiencing.

To do a TikTok app reboot on an Android device:

1. Press the Recents button to access all the recently opened apps.
2. Scroll to the right until you find TikTok.
3. Swipe up to close the TikTok app.

To reboot it on iPhone:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, but stop in the middle.

2. Find the TikTok app, and swipe up to close it.

Once the app is closed this way, open it as you would normally. Now your app will start afresh and the “No Internet Connection” error might disappear.

4. Restart Your iPhone or Android Phone

Sometimes, it’s not the app that’s experiencing a glitch, but your phone. Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android, it doesn’t matter. All mobile devices are prone to errors which can influence how your apps are working. Restarting allows your device to start its iOS or Android operating system fresh. Rebooting your phone can resolve many other issues you might be having with your apps.

To restart an Android phone:

1. Press and hold the power button until a menu appears.
2. Select Restart from the menu.

3. Wait until your phone turns off and on again.
4. Once the system is up, open TikTok and see if this resolves your issue.

For iPhone users:

1. Press and hold down the Volume Up + Side button, or Volume Down + Side button, depending on the model.
2. Once the slider shows up on the iPhone’s screen, drag it to turn off your phone.

3. Press and hold the side button to turn on your phone. Release the button once the Apple logo shows up.
4. Launch the TikTok app and see if the “No Internet Connection” message disappeared.

5. Clear TikTok Cache Files

Apps store temporary files on your device that help them load content faster every time you use them. However, these temporary files can get corrupted and prevent the apps from functioning properly. TikTok is no exception. If you suspect a corrupted cache file is causing the “No Internet Connection” error to appear, you can simply clear cache files from your device and see if this fixes the issue.

To clear TikTok cache files on Android and iPhone:

1. Launch the TikTok app and tap the Profile icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.

2. Select the lines menu at the top right corner.

3. Select the Settings & Privacy option from the menu.

4. Scroll down until you find the Cache & Celular section. Tap Free up space.

5. Tap the Clear button next to Cache.

Note that clearing TikTok cache files won’t delete any of your videos or saved app settings. It’s completely safe to clear the cache.

6. Update the TikTok App

If you’re using the old version of the TikTok app, it could be why you’re seeing the “No Internet Connection” error message. The new version of the app comes with fixes for known bugs and glitches that TikTok users reported over time. One of the bugs that the developers fixed could be causing you to experience the error. So go ahead and update your TikTok app. Here’s how:

1. If you’re an Android user, open the Google Play Store and find the TikTok app. Tap the Update button next to the app.

2. If you’re an iPhone user go to the App Store. Find TikTok and tap the Update button next to it.

7. Reinstall the TikTok App on Your Device

If none of the above methods works for you, and you’re still experiencing the “No Internet Connection” every time you try to watch a TikTok video, the issue might be within the app’s system files. These files can also get corrupted, but clearing them is not as easy as clearing the cache. That’s because you’ll have to completely remove the app from your device, and install it again. Reinstalling the app this way will delete all the potential problematic files.

Reinstalling the app won’t delete any videos you might have uploaded on your profile. However, you’ll lose all the draft videos, so make sure you either publish them or save them somewhere else on your device.

To remove the TikTok app from an Android phone:

1. Find TikTok on your home screen, or in the app drawer.
2. Tap and hold the icon of the app until a menu appears.
3. Select Uninstall.

4. Tap OK when prompted.

5. Visit the Play Store and reinstall the TikTok app.

For iPhone users:

1. Find the TikTok app on your Home screen.
2. Tap and hold the app.
3. Select the Remove app option.

4. Tap Delete app to confirm.

5. To reinstall it, visit the App Store, and select the Get button next to the TikTok app.

8. Use a VPN Service

The “No Internet Connection” error might also appear if TikTok finds your geographical location or the IP address conflicting with the app. You can resolve this issue by downloading and installing a VPN.

The VPN services will hide your actual IP address and replace it with a new one. By doing this, you’ll bypass certain internet restrictions set by your provider. Select the country where TikTok is not banned and the app will consider the new IP address appropriate. Now you can proceed to use TikTok normally.

Remember, persistence and patience are key as you work through each step, and don’t hesitate to reach out to TikTok’s support team if needed or leave us a comment in the comment section below.

The post 8 Ways to Fix TikTok “No Internet Connection” Error first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Do you find the content Instagram shows you on the Explore page annoying or boring? Like the app never actually shows you anything you’d find interesting? The good news is that you can control what you see on this page and trick the Instagram algorithms into showing you more of what you like.

Follow our guide to find out how to reset your Instagram Explore Feed and get more interesting content shown to you on the app.

How to Reset Your Instagram Explore Feed

Instagram creates your Explore page based on your activities. Consistently liking, commenting, following, searching, or sharing similar content shapes what you see, creating a personalized experience.

Yet, sometimes, you might encounter content that is not aligned with your preferences. This could be influenced by interactions with users who have different preferences or region-specific viral content. Instagram’s intricate algorithms also play a role, suggesting content based on what you do and what type of content you view when you use the app.

See too many posts you dislike on your Explore page? No worries – we’ve got your back with a complete guide on resetting your Instagram Explore page. Use the following methods to completely reset your Explore page and get fresh content on Instagram.

Regularly Refresh the Explore Page

If you keep getting the same posts and Reels on the Explore page and want to check out something new, you can use the following quick method to refresh your Explore content.

To refresh the Explore page on Instagram, follow the steps below. The instructions are the same for both Android and iOS users.

1. Open Instagram on your smartphone and select the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen to open the Explore page.

2. Pull down from the top of the page. This simple action clears out your Explore page, creating a fresh batch of new posts and Reels.

Remember, though, that while this method refreshes your content, it might not change the type of content Instagram suggests to you.

So, you might still come across content similar to what you’ve seen before. For a more tailored approach, check out the following methods to improve your Explore page for a more tailored approach.

Personalize Instagram’s Algorithm

If your Explore page is cluttered with unwanted content, you can let Instagram know what you don’t want to see. While it may take a while for the algorithm to catch on, marking posts as Not Interested is an effective method for refining your recommendations.

Here’s a quick guide on how to use the Not Interested option to reset your Explore page on Instagram.

1. Launch Instagram on your smartphone and select the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the page.
2. Choose the post you want to remove, select it, and tap the three dots icon above it.
3. Then select Not interested.

Instagram will immediately hide this particular post and try not to show you similar posts in the future. You’ll also see a box with suggestions, from which you can choose: Don’t suggest posts with certain words, Manage suggested content (more about this option in a bit), and This post made me uncomfortable. Feel free to choose any of these options to tailor your Explore page content even further.

By doing this, Instagram learns your preferences gradually, improving your content suggestions. If similar content keeps appearing, repeat the process for those posts. Consistently marking posts as Not interested sends a clear signal to Instagram’s algorithm that you’re not a fan.

While the change may not be instant, this method proves to be the most effective for resetting your Explore page. The more you continue marking posts as Not Interested, the more tailored and enjoyable your Explore experience becomes.

Clear App Data & Cash

The next method you can try to reset your Instagram Explore feed is to clear the data and cache on your smartphone. Before you do it, keep in mind that clearing data will most likely change the type of posts that you see on your Explore page. However, this action will also wipe all your saved data and log you out of the Instagram app, so you’ll need to sign in again.

If you don’t want to clear all your saved data, you can only clear the cache. This will not remove your account’s data but might improve your Explore page content.

Clear Data & Cache on Android

Follow the steps below to clear your Instagram data and cache on an Android.

1. On your Android smartphone, open Settings, scroll down and locate Apps.
2. Find Instagram in the app list or use the search bar to find the app and select it.
3. Select Storage usage.

4. Then select Clear data and/or Clear cache.

These instructions differ slightly for various Android devices, but the options should be similar.

After you finish, restart the Instagram app and check the Explore feed for fresh content.

Clear Data & Cache on iPhone

Unfortunately, iOS lacks a direct data/cache clearing option. Instead, you’ll need to delete and reinstall the app to clear Instagram data and cache. To do that, follow the steps below.

1. On your iPhone, go to Settings and select General.

2. Scroll down and select iPhone Storage. Here, you’ll see a list of apps using up storage on your device.

3. Find Instagram in the list of apps and select it.
4. Select Delete App and follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.

After you’re finished, reinstall the app from the App Store and sign in again to check if the content on your Explore page changed.

Clear Your Instagram Search History

Another method you can use is erasing your Instagram search records. Clearing your Instagram search history will also give you a fresh start regarding the content you see on your Explore page.

To clear your Instagram search history, follow the steps below.

1. Open Instagram on your device and select your profile icon at the bottom to open your profile page.
2. Select the hamburger menu icon in the upper-right corner of the screen and select Settings and privacy.
3. Select Accounts Center from the menu.

4. Next, under Account settings, select Your information and permissions from the options.

5. Select Search history.

6. Finally, select Clear all searches at the bottom of the page.

For a more selective approach, you can manually delete searches by tapping your account under Your accounts & profiles. After you choose an account, it’ll open your Search history and you can manually delete individual search entries from the list that you don’t want to have effect on your Instagram suggestions.

Additionally, you can select the Keep searches for option and pick a duration: 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, or Default which stores your Facebook searches for a year and your Instagram searches for 30 days.

Clearing your search history is the ultimate way to ensure a fresh Explore page based on your evolving interests.

Control Your Suggested Content

If your Instagram is up to date, you can use the newly added functionality that allows you to control what type of content Instagram suggests for you.

1. Open the Instagram app on your device and go to your profile page.
2. Open the hamburger menu and find the What you see section. Select Suggested content.

3. There you’ll find five different options to control your Suggested content. Here’s what all five of them represent.

Interested

This section has all the posts you’ve marked as Interested in the past 30 days. If you remove a certain post from this list, Instagram will take a note and show you less of similar content.

To remove a post from the Interested section, tap Select in the upper-right corner of the screen, choose one or multiple posts you don’t want to see and select Remove.

Sensitive Content

Sensitive content is not something that goes against Instagram Community Guidelines, but instead it’s the content that some people don’t want to see.

Here, you can choose between the three options: More, Standard, or Less. If you find the posts on your Instagram Explore feed inappropriate, select Less to see less sensitive content.

Snooze Suggested Posts In Feed

Aside from the Explore page, Instagram also shows you suggested content from accounts you don’t follow on your Home feed. This option temporarily hides these suggested posts from your feed for 30 days.

If you never want to see this content, you can return to this setting every 30 days and switch on the toggle to hide the suggested posts.

Not Interested

This section contains the posts that you’ve previously marked as Not interested. If you decide to remove a post from this list, Instagram will take a hint and start suggesting more similar content to you.

1. Tap Select in the top right corner of the screen.
2. Choose posts that you want to restore in your Explore feed.
3. Select Remove at the bottom of the screen.

Specific Words And Phrases

In the last section, you can input words, phrases, and even emojis you don’t want to encounter on Instagram. As a result, Instagram will filter out the content containing these specific words and phrases, and you won’t see them displayed in your feed anymore.

These controls provide a unique opportunity to shape your Instagram experience. By using these options, you can actively control content that resonates with your preferences, ensuring your Explore page aligns with your interests.

Make the Instagram Explore Feed Great Again!

Turning your Instagram Explore into a personal haven is about tweaking and tuning. From clearing the app’s cache, to marking interests, to handling sensitive stuff – you’ve got the power to mold your Explore feed the way you like.

The post How to Reset Your Instagram Explore Feed first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

While Instagram encourages swift responses, you don’t always want people to know whether you’ve read their messages already or not.

Until recently, Instagram didn’t have a direct way to turn off read receipts. Now they’ve implemented this feature, but not in the most convenient way – you have to go through all of your chats to turn off read receipts for them individually. In this article, you’ll find out how to turn off read receipts using the new feature as well as how to use different workarounds to read direct messages on Instagram without alerting the sender.

Related: Learn how to hide followers on Instagram to better protect your (and their) privacy.

How to Turn Off Read Receipts on Instagram

Instagram finally came up with a feature that allows you to read messages on Instagram without the app sending the read receipt to the sender.

For now, this function is only available on the Instagram mobile app for Android and iOS users, and not on the Instagram web. You also have to make sure your Instagram app is up to date before you go searching for the new function.

To update your Instagram app on Android, open the Play Store, search for Instagram in the search bar, and select Update next to Instagram.

To update the Instagram app on iPhone, open the App Store, search for Instagram, and select the Update option next to it. Then wait for a few minutes for the app to update and launch it again.

If you have the latest updates already installed, you won’t find the Update option next to the app’s name, but see an option to Open it instead.

After making sure the app is up to date, follow the steps below to turn this feature on in your Instagram chats.

1. Open the Instagram app on your smartphone.
2. Open the list with your chats and select the chat where you want to turn off read receipts.

3. Inside the chat, select the username on top of the screen. This will open the chat menu.

4. Select Privacy & safety.

5. On the Privacy & safety page, toggle the switch next to the Read receipts to turn them off.

That’s it, as long as this setting is off, the person in this particular chat won’t see the Seen notification when you read the messages they send you. This is a handy way to avoid people getting upset when you read their messages and don’t reply straight away.

Other Ways to Turn Off Read Receipts on Instagram

The only problem with this new feature is that you can only turn it on for each individual chat. This means that if you want to turn off Read Receipts on Instagram completely, you’ll have to go through each of your chats and toggle this option off. If you’re an active Instagram user, this process can get pretty tedious after you do it for the first few conversations.

If you want to avoid Instagram sending that Seen notification to more than one person on the app, here are a few other ways you can use to disable those Read Receipts.

Read Instagram Messages From Notification Panel

One of the easiest ways to read Instagram messages without the app sending the read receipt to the sender is via your smartphone’s notification panel. This is the only method that doesn’t require any other manipulations with the app at all.

Reading Instagram messages without triggering read receipts is a simple trick, and here’s how to do it using your notification panel.

1. When you receive an Instagram message notification, resist the urge to click on it immediately. Opening the message directly activates the Seen receipt. If this is the only new notification you have, you may be able to read the whole message from the notification. If not, proceed to the next step.

2. Open the Instagram app and select the chat icon in the upper-right corner of the Home page.
3. Refresh your Inbox. After you see the new messages appear on top of the screen, swipe down from the top of your phone screen to access the notification panel.
4. Disconnect from the internet. You can do it by switching off Wi-Fi or your mobile data (or both).
5. While the internet connection’s off, you can click on the Instagram message you want to read from the notification panel. This way the sender won’t receive the Seen notification (yet).

This method is simple but comes with one downside – it’s a temporary solution. Once you reconnect to the internet, the sender will receive the Seen notification and know that you’ve read their message.

Disable Instagram Notifications to Avoid Triggering Read Receipts

As we mentioned before, when you click on the Instagram message from the notifications panel with your internet connection on, the sender receives the Seen notification showing them you’ve read the message. One way to avoid doing that by accident is to turn off the Instagram message notifications completely.

To disable message notifications on your Instagram app, follow the steps below. The instructions are the same for both Android and iOS mobile apps.

1. Open the Instagram app and select your profile icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
2. On your profile page, open the hamburger menu in the upper-right corner.

3. From this menu, select Settings.
4. In the Settings menu, scroll down and select Notifications.

5. In the Notifications section, select Messages and calls.

6. Find the Messages from individual and group chats section and select Off to turn off the notifications. You can also turn off the Message requests if you want to avoid sending read receipts to new followers as well.

Now, message and message request notifications won’t interrupt your phone, reducing the risk of accidentally opening messages and triggering read receipts. You can keep your read status under control on Instagram with this straightforward method, or try one of the following techniques as well.

Use Airplane Mode to Read Instagram Messages Without Read Receipts

The next solution is to use Airplane Mode on your smartphone. You can temporarily dodge Instagram read receipts by using the Airplane Mode trick.

Before toggling the Airplane Mode on your phone, open the Instagram app to load messages but refrain from opening them. This method allows you to read messages discreetly, as read receipts won’t be triggered until you reconnect to the internet. This simple trick allows you to keep your Instagram reads incognito.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide for iPhone and Android on how to turn on Airplane mode.

On iPhone:

• Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Control Center.
• Select the Airplane Mode button to disconnect from the internet.
• Alternatively, you can go to Settings, toggle on Airplane Mode, and disable Wi-Fi.

On Android:

• Swipe down to open the notifications area.
• Select the Airplane mode icon to activate it.
• Ensure Wi-Fi is off by selecting the Wi-Fi button.

Disable Your Activity Status on Instagram

Another way to get rid of the read receipts for all chats is to turn off your Activity Status on Instagram. The app has a Show Activity Status option, and when this setting is on people you follow and anyone you message on the app will see when you were last active or if you’re currently active on Instagram.

You can turn your Activity status off at any time. In that case, people won’t be able to see whether you’re active on Instagram or not. Accidentally, this also turns off read receipts, but only for you. Meaning, that if the other person has their Activity Status on, they’ll still see read receipts and get the Seen notification when you read their messages.

However, if you know for sure that the person you’re messaging has their activity status off, then you can actively disable read receipts for both of you by turning your Activity Status off as well.

Here’s how you can disable your Activity Status on Instagram in a few easy steps.

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile page.
2. Open the hamburger menu in the top right corner, then select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the How others can interact with you section. Select Messages and story replies.

4. Under Who can see you’re online, select Show activity status.
5. Switch the toggle next to Show Activity Status off to disable the feature.

Now, your activity status won’t be visible, and other users won’t be notified when you’re active on Instagram. This ensures discreet messaging without revealing your online presence.

Restrict the Sender

One drastic measure you can take to keep your read receipts hidden is restricting the sender (temporarily) on Instagram.

Here’s how to keep the read receipts on Instagram off by restricting the sender.

1. Open the Instagram app and navigate to the profile of the message sender.
2. Select the three dots icon in the top right corner of the screen.

3. From the options menu, select Restrict.

Once the person’s restricted, check your Inbox. You’ll find the message you’re looking for in the Message Requests folder. Restricted users need your permission to send a DM. This way, you can read their messages without triggering read receipts.

If you want to reply to the message, go back to the sender’s profile and select Unrestrict from the options. This little manipulation ensures you control when read receipts are activated.

Keep Your Reads Under Wraps

These handy methods allow you to navigate your Instagram messages discreetly. Whether toggling airplane mode or managing notification settings, you can read messages at your convenience.

Think of it as maintaining your privacy and controlling the timing of your responses. Give these techniques a spin, and revel in a more relaxed Instagram experience without the worry of instant-read receipts.

The post How to Turn Off Instagram Read Receipts first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Are you trying to post a comment, but Instagram doesn’t let you do that? There are various reasons this issue occurs, from your app being outdated to your comment going against the platform’s guidelines. We’ll show you how to fix those and a few other items to resolve your problem and post your comment successfully. Let’s get started.

Check Your Phone’s Internet Connection

When you can’t post a comment, check and ensure your phone’s internet connection is working. Instagram requires an active internet connection to allow users to add comments.

You can check your phone’s internet connection status by opening a web browser and launching a site. If your site doesn’t open, your connection is faulty. In this case, toggle off and back on your cellular data, disconnect and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network, or restart your router. If your issue isn’t fixed, reach out to your internet service provider.

Check if Instagram Is Down

After checking your internet connection, ensure Instagram isn’t down. The platform’s servers being down can cause your comment not to go live.

You can check if the platform is down by visiting the Instagram page on Downdetector. This site tells you if an online service is facing an outage. If you find that Instagram is down, wait until the company fixes the issue and brings the service back up.

Update the Instagram App on Your Android or Apple iPhone (iOS)

Instagram recommends updating the app version if you can’t add a comment on the platform. This is because the app’s bugs might be preventing your action, which a newer version of Instagram can fix.

On Android

1. Launch Google Play Store on your phone.
   
2. Find Instagram.

3. Tap Update next to Instagram to update the app to the latest version.
   

On iPhone

1. Open the App Store on your phone.
   
2. Tap Updates in the bottom bar.
   
3. Find Instagram on the app list and choose Update next to the app.

Make Sure Your Comment Adheres to Instagram’s Community Guidelines

Instagram has specific community guidelines that each comment must follow. If your comment goes against these rules, the platform will prevent you from adding that comment.

The guidelines say that your comment must not have more than five mentions. The comment must not contain more than 30 hashtags. You can’t post the same comment multiple times (including emoji). In addition, your comment must not contain words blocked by the platform.

You can tweak your comment if it doesn’t meet the guidelines to fix your posting issues.

Clear Instagram’s Cache on Your Android Device

Instagram’s cache files allow the app to improve your experience by preloading certain content. It’s possible this cache has become corrupted, causing you to be unable to post comments. In this case, clear the app cache to resolve your issue. Note that you don’t lose your account data when you do this.

You can only clear an app’s cache on Android; the iPhone doesn’t allow you to do that.

1. Tap and hold on Instagram in your app drawer or home screen and choose App info to open the app settings.
   
2. Select Storage usage on the following screen.

3. Choose Clear cache to delete the app’s cached content.

4. Relaunch the app on your phone.
   

Log Out and Back Into Your Instagram Account

If your issue is unresolved, sign out and back into your account in the app to fix your issue. This is because the Instagram app might have a login-session problem, which you can resolve by signing out and back in.

Keep your Instagram logins handy, as you’ll need those credentials to log back into your account.

1. Launch Instagram on your phone.
   
2. Select your profile icon in the bottom bar.
   
3. Choose the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
   
4. Scroll to the bottom and select Log out [Username].

5. Sign back into your account.
   

Fix Instagram Comment Issue by Using a VPN

One reason Instagram restricts your comment is that the platform has banned your IP address. This usually happens when the platform detects malicious activity from your IP. To verify this, toggle your phone’s VPN on or off.

If you’re already using a VPN, your VPN’s IP might be banned. In this case, turn off your VPN service and see if you can post your comment.

If you aren’t using a VPN, get a VPN app and turn on the service. Then, see if Instagram allows you to add your comment. Enabling a VPN service hides your IP address from Instagram, lifting the platform’s restrictions on your IP, if any.

Note that Instagram doesn’t keep an IP address blocked forever. So, if your IP is banned, the platform should unblock it in a few days.

Remove and Reinstall Instagram on Your Phone

If Instagram still doesn’t let you post a comment, your app itself might be faulty. In this case, remove and reinstall the app to resolve your issue. Uninstalling the app deletes all the app files, some of which might be faulty and causing your problem.

Note that you don’t lose your account data when you remove the app. The app syncs back your data when you sign into the app.

On Android

1. Tap and hold on Instagram in your phone’s app drawer.
   
2. Select Uninstall in the menu.

3. Choose Uninstall in the prompt.
   
4. Open Google Play Store, find Instagram, and tap Install.
   

On iPhone

1. Tap and hold on Instagram in your app drawer.
   
2. Select Remove App > Delete App in the menu.
   
3. Launch the App Store, find Instagram, and tap the download icon.
   

Wait for 48 Hours Before Trying to Post a Comment

If the above methods fail to fix your issue, Instagram might have restricted your account. In this case, you have no option but to wait about 48 hours until the company lifts the restrictions from your account.

There are various reasons Instagram restricts an account. You might have posted content that Instagram deems spammy, resulting in a temporary ban.

Troubleshooting Instagram’s Comment Issue

Not being able to post comments means not being able to share your thoughts about specific posts on the platform. If Instagram restricts your comments and you don’t know why, the guide above lists the possible reasons and offers ways to get around the problem.

Once you’ve followed the methods in the guide, your issue should be resolved. You can then post your comments without problems on this social media network.

The post Can’t Post an Instagram Comment? Here’s How to Fix It first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Snapchat’s My AI chatbot allows you to ask questions and get answers right inside the app. This chatbot is powered by ChatGPT and boasts some great artificial intelligence. It’s quick and easy to access and use My AI in Snapchat on your iPhone, Android phone, or computer. We’ll show you how.

Once you access the chatbot, you can start asking questions, change the chatbot’s outfit and behavior, remove it from your Chat feed if you don’t want the tool there, and even clear your data stored with it.

Access My AI in Snapchat for iPhone and Android

Accessing My AI in Snapchat on an iPhone or Android phone is as easy as starting a chat with a friend. Here’s how you get access to the chatbot.

1. Launch Snapchat on your phone.
2. Tap the Chat option (a speech bubble icon) in the bottom bar.
3. Choose My AI on the Chat page.

Access My AI on Snapchat’s Website

You can access and use My AI on a Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chromebook computer from the Snapchat web version.

1. Launch your preferred web browser on your computer and open Snapchat for Web.
2. Log in to your Snapchat account on the site.
3. Select My AI in the left sidebar to start interacting with the chatbot.

How to Customize My AI’s Outfit and Behavior

Snapchat allows you to customize My AI’s look and behavior, letting you make the chatbot truly yours. You can change the chatbot’s avatar, tweak various skin features, apply various clothing options, and even change how the chatbot behaves. The ability to change My AI’s behavior is only available to Snapchat+ subscribers, though.

Change My AI’s Appearance

1. Launch Snapchat on your phone and select Chat in the bottom bar.
2. Choose My AI and select My AI at the top.
3. Select Customize and choose Avatar.

4. Select your preferred avatar. Certain appearance changes are only available for specific avatars.
5. Use the various on-screen customization options to change My AI’s appearance. Then, save your changes by tapping Save in the top-right corner.

Change My AI’s Behavior

If you have a Snapchat+ subscription, you can change how My AI behaves. You can add a bio to My AI telling the chatbot what personality to use. For example, you can ask the chatbot to be a serious person, and the chatbot will then seriously answer your questions.

1. Launch Snapchat on your phone, select Chat, choose My AI, and select My AI at the top.
2. Select the Bio option on My AI’s profile page.
3. Tap the Bio box and enter the instructions for how My AI should behave. For example, you can type “You are a serious person” if you want the chatbot to be serious when answering your queries.

4. You can get a random bio by tapping the Random Bio option if you want.

What Can You Ask Snapchat’s My AI?

You can ask Snapchat’s My AI various questions. You can ask the chatbot trivia questions, get suggestions for gifts, ask for advice about various life events, get trip and food-related suggestions, and more.

As My AI is powered by ChatGPT, there are lots of things you can do with the chatbot. As long as your questions don’t violate Snapchat’s community guidelines, you will get answers from the chatbot.

What Should You Do If You Don’t Find My AI in Snapchat?

If you don’t find My AI on Snapchat’s Chat page, your app version might be outdated, or the company might not have rolled out the feature in your region. In the former case, you can update your app version to possibly bring My AI.

On Android

1. Launch the Google Play Store on your phone.
2. Find Snapchat.

3. Tap Update next to the app.

On iPhone

1. Open the App Store on your phone.
2. Tap Updates in the bottom bar.
3. Choose Update next to Snapchat on the list.

If you still don’t find My AI, wait until Snapchat rolls out the feature in your region.

How to Unpin My AI on Your Snapchat Chat Screen

If you’re a Snapchat+ subscriber, you can unpin My AI from your Chat screen so the chatbot doesn’t appear at the top of your feed.

1. Launch Snapchat and tap the Chat icon in the bottom bar.
2. Tap and hold on My AI and select Chat Settings.
3. Choose Unpin Conversation to unpin the chatbot on your Chat page.

How to Delete Your Data With Snapchat My AI

Snapchat’s My AI chatbot keeps your conversations stored until you manually delete that data. If you’d like to erase the data My AI has on you, here’s how you do that.

1. Launch Snapchat on your phone.
2. Select your profile icon or Bitmoji in the top-left corner.
3. Choose Settings (a gear icon) in the top-right corner.
4. Scroll down to the Account Actions section and tap Clear My AI Data.

5. Select Confirm in the prompt.

Enhance Your Snapchat Experience With My AI Chatbot

Snapchat’s My AI chatbot aims to improve your app experience by letting you ask questions and get those questions answered from within the app. There are a plethora of questions you can ask the chatbot. The chatbot is free to use, and you can add it to your app by following a few steps, as explained above.

We hope you enjoy your time with this AI-enabled chatbot in Snapchat on your phone.

The post How to Access and Use My AI in Snapchat first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Can’t add captions to Instagram posts? Either your captions don’t meet the platform’s guidelines, or your app has a problem. You’ll have to fix the underlying faulty item to resolve your issue, and we’ll show you how to do just that on your iPhone (iOS) or Android phone.

Some reasons you can’t post captions on Instagram are that your app’s cache is corrupted, your app is outdated, your login session in the app is faulty, and more.

Ensure Your Captions Meet Instagram’s Guidelines

Before applying fixes, ensure your caption text meets Instagram’s rules for posting content. Your caption may not be meeting these rules, causing the platform to reject your captions.

The first rule is that your caption must not have more than 2,200 characters. You must also not use more than 30 hashtags in your post, which is the hashtag limit. In addition, the caption must follow the platform’s community guidelines.

If your caption doesn’t meet the above rules, tweak the caption.

Refresh Your Instagram Feed

It’s possible you’ve successfully added your caption to your post, but Instagram’s feed isn’t correctly refreshed. This causes the app to display an older version of your post. In this case, refresh your feed to fix your issue.

You can do that by accessing your home screen or profile screen in Instagram and pulling down from the top of the feed. You’ll then see your post with your captions.

Related: Learn how to troubleshoot why you can’t post a comment on Instagram.

Edit the Post and Re-Add the Caption

If the caption is still missing, edit your post and add the caption again. It’s possible Instagram failed to save your text the previous time, leading to a published post without captions.

1. Launch Instagram on your phone and tap your profile icon in the bottom bar.
2. Choose your post on your profile page, select the three dots in the top-right corner, and choose Edit.
3. Tap the caption field and type your text.

4. Save your added caption by tapping the checkmark icon in the top-right corner.
5. Pull down from the top of your profile feed to see the updated post.

Fix Instagram’s Caption Problem by Closing and Relaunching the App

Closing and relaunching Instagram helps fix many minor app glitches, which can help resolve issues with the captions feature.

On Android

1. Tap and hold on Instagram in your app drawer or home screen and select App info.
2. Choose Force stop on the following page.

3. Select Force stop in the prompt.
4. Tap Instagram on your home screen or app drawer to relaunch the app.

On iPhone

1. Swipe up from the bottom of your phone’s screen and pause in the middle.
2. Find and swipe up on Instagram in the app switcher to close the app.

3. Relaunch the app by tapping the app’s icon on your home screen.

Clear Instagram’s Cache on Android

Instagram caches various files to optimize your app experience. Sometimes, these cached files become corrupted, leading to multiple functionality problems in the app. In this case, you can clear the app cache to resolve your issue.

Clearing your Instagram cache doesn’t delete your account data or log you out of your account. Your phone will rebuild this cache as you use the app. Note that you can’t clear an app’s cache on an iPhone.

1. Tap and hold on Instagram in your app drawer or home screen and select App info.
2. Choose Storage usage on the following screen.
3. Select Clear cache to remove the app’s cached data.

4. Relaunch the app.

Update Instagram on Your Phone

If your Instagram version is outdated, that might be the reason you can’t add captions to your posts. Older app versions are known to have bugs, and you can patch those bugs by updating your app. Updating the app also possibly adds new features.

On Android

1. Launch Google Play Store on your phone.
2. Find Instagram.

3. Tap the Update button to update the app.

On iPhone

1. Open App Store on your phone.
2. Select the Updates tab in the bottom bar.
3. Choose Update next to Instagram.

Sign Out and Back Into Your Instagram Account

A login session problem in your Instagram app can cause various issues. This is rare, but it happens. In this case, log out and back into your account in the app to fix your problem.

Keep your Instagram username and password handy to sign back in quickly.

1. Launch Instagram on your phone.
2. Select your profile icon in the bottom bar.
3. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
4. Scroll to the bottom and choose Log out [Username].

5. Log back into your account.

Remove and Reinstall Instagram

If your Instagram app itself is faulty, that might be why you can’t add captions. In this case, the only solution you can use is to uninstall and reinstall the app on your phone. Doing so deletes all the app’s problematic files and brings new working files.

You don’t lose your account data when you do that.

On Android

1. Open your phone’s app drawer, tap and hold on Instagram, and select Uninstall.

2. Choose Uninstall in the prompt.
3. Open Google Play Store, find Instagram, and tap Install.

On iPhone

1. Locate Instagram on your phone’s home screen.
2. Tap and hold on the app and choose Remove App > Delete App.
3. Launch App Store, find Instagram, and tap the download icon.

Use Instagram on the Web

If Instagram’s mobile app doesn’t let you add captions no matter what, use Instagram’s web version to create or edit posts and add captions. You’ll need a Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chromebook computer to do this.

1. Launch your preferred web browser on your computer and open Instagram.com.
2. Log in to your account on the site.
3. Select Create in the left sidebar to create a new post with your content. Or edit an existing post on your profile page.

4. Select Next twice to reach the caption screen.
5. Select the Write a caption box, type your caption, and choose Share.

Resolve Your Instagram Caption Issue With Ease

If you think your Instagram posts are incomplete without captions and the app doesn’t let you add text, the methods above will help you fix the problem. Various items can cause the social media app not to save your captions, but you have ways to solve the problem. Enjoy!

The post Can’t Add Captions to Instagram Posts? Here’s How to Fix It first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

If you use Instagram to keep in touch with friends and family and share funny reels, recipes, or other content, it can be pretty frustrating to discover you can’t reply to Instagram messages. Below, we’ll help answer the question, “Why can’t I reply to messages on Instagram?” as there could be several factors causing the problem. We’ll also talk you through eight fixes to try so you can get back to messaging.

Why Can’t I Reply to Messages on Instagram?

You might have been blocked, you could be logged into the wrong account, or perhaps something else is happening. Here are some fixes to try if you find you can’t reply to messages on Instagram.

1. Check You Haven’t Been Blocked

If you’ve recently disagreed with somebody, chances are they might have blocked you if they no longer want to communicate with you. One surefire way to find out if this is the case is if your messages sent aren’t marked as delivered. Don’t jump to conclusions though — if you’re also unable to tag them in a post, they may have blocked you. If it’s somebody you’re close to, you could always reach out to them via a phone call or message to see if that’s the case.

2. Check Instagram’s Server Status

Before assuming somebody has blocked you, make sure that Instagram isn’t at fault. It could be that Meta’s servers are down due to connection problems, maintenance, or bugs. The easiest way to check if Instagram’s servers are down is to use a site like Downdetector.

3. Check You’re Logged Into the Right Account

If you use multiple Instagram accounts and often switch between accounts, make sure you’re logged into the right one! It may sound obvious, but it’s incredibly easy to be logged into the wrong account and try to message somebody who has a private profile, that you don’t follow with your other account.

Related: Learn how to troubleshoot why you can’t post a comment on Instagram and how to turn off Instagram read receipts.

4. Sign Out and in Again

Sometimes Instagram just… glitches, like any other app. If the glitch is related to your account, signing out of your account and back in again might just solve the issue. Plus, you’ll ensure you’re signed into the right account. Here’s how to sign out of your account:

1. Tap your profile picture at the bottom right to go to your profile.
2. Tap the More Info icon (three stacked lines), then tap Settings and Privacy.
3. Scroll down to the bottom and under Login, choose Log Out (Account Name) or Log Out of All Accounts.
4. To log back in, just enter your account credentials.

5. Update Instagram

On that note, have you tried updating the app? Perhaps the being unable to reply to messages issue is the result of an app bug. Ensuring you’re running the latest version of Instagram could resolve this. You can update your app manually in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, though if you’ve got automatic updates turned on, this should happen without you needing to worry about it.

6. Restart Instagram/Clear the Cache

Restarting the app by force-quitting it could help fix the problem, or you could try clearing the app cache, the data stored by the app on your device. On Android devices, you can do this manually, and here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Storage > Apps and select Instagram (on some devices such as Samsung phones, you just need to go to Settings > Apps).
2. Tap Storage (or Storage & Cache) > Clear Cache.

Depending on the phone you’re using, these options might vary slightly, but you’ll usually find what you’re after in the App Storage Info section.

7. Restart Your Phone

It might be that the issue isn’t with Instagram but with your phone, particularly if you’ve noticed other apps behaving strangely. Restarting your phone can often help with any issues you’re experiencing, so if you restart it and then open Instagram, you might find you’re now able to reply to messages as usual.

8. Get Some Support

If none of the above fixes are working for you, it’s probably time to reach out to Instagram support, who should hopefully be able to help you resolve the problem. You might find the advice you’re looking for in the Help Center, or you can contact Instagram for help through the app or web version. To report a problem via the app, just follow the below steps:

1. Tap your profile picture in the bottom right.
2. Then, tap more options (the three stacked lines) in the top right.
3. Choose Settings and Privacy.
4. Scroll down to More Info and Support, then tap Help.
5. Select Report a Problem.
6. You can either go back to where the problem occurred and then shake your phone to report the issue, or (and this might be easier), tap Report Problem Without Shaking.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to report your issue to Instagram.

Hopefully, one of these fixes will work to resolve your issue. If all else fails, you can get in touch with Instagram support. They’re sure to get back to you soon and fix the issue, so you won’t be left wondering, “Why can’t I reply to messages on Instagram?”

The post Can’t Reply to Messages on Instagram? 8 Fixes to Try Right Now first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer eager to expand your network, understanding why you can’t follow someone on TikTok is crucial to unlocking the full social potential of the app.

This tutorial explores the intricacies of TikTok’s follow mechanics to help you seamlessly connect with the vibrant community that makes TikTok an engaging platform.

1. Private Account or You Were Blocked By a User

If you try to follow someone and receive a message, “You can’t follow this account due to privacy settings of the user,” it means that the account is private. Private account owners need to accept your request to follow them. It’s similar to how a friend request on Facebook or other social media platforms works.

Similarly, if the user you’re trying to follow blocks you, you won’t be able to follow them. TikTok doesn’t inform you if you get blocked by someone. There’s no telling if you can’t follow someone because you were blocked or there’s a glitch with your app. If this is the case, you won’t be able to do anything about it. Not even TikTok support will be able to help you. Those are TikTok rules, and you’ll have to abide by them.

2. You Reached Your TikTok Following Limit

New users simply don’t know that TikTok has a daily limit on how many people you can follow. The latest statistic shows you can follow up to 140 accounts daily and only 30 per hour.

If you follow this number of accounts, you’ll be temporarily restricted from following more. There’s no solution to this problem. It’s how the TikTok app works, and you’ll have to wait for the next hour or even the next day to follow more people.

3. TikTok Server is Down

TikTok servers can experience an issue or go through regular maintenance that’ll cause them to go down. If your TikTok app or website is not working properly, it might mean the server has a problem. You can check the server status by going to the Downdetector webpage.

If there’s a problem with the TikTok server and you cannot follow someone, you’ll have to wait until the server is working.

4. Your Account Has Been Shadowbanned

Perhaps you unknowingly broke one of TikTok’s policies and got shadowbanned. If this happens, your account will have less exposure and be restricted. One such restriction is not being able to follow other accounts.

You can quickly get banned for breaking community guidelines. For example, reasons can include promoting illegal products, uploading violent content, or using hate speech.

Did you know you can also get shadow-blocked if you follow and unfollow the same account multiple times? If this is the case, TikTok will consider that you used their features in a wrong manner.

5. TikTok Considers You a Bot

If TikTok’s algorithm categorizes you as a bot, you won’t be able to follow other users anymore. It mostly happens if you connect to a public network and too many people appear with the same IP address, leading to TikTok suspecting bot activity.

To avoid being labeled a bot by TikTok’s algorithm, use a private connection and change your password regularly. Once the doubt about your account is cleared, you’ll no longer be considered a bot and regain the ability to follow TikTok accounts.

6. You’re Following Too Fast

TikTok can restrict you from following accounts if you do it too fast. You shouldn’t follow more than one account every 5 to 15 minutes. If you do, TikTok says, “The following feature has been disabled.”

This issue typically solves itself in several minutes. And you can continue following people as before. However, if you continue following after receiving the message, TikTok will consider you spammy and block your account for considerably longer. Following other TikTok users too fast is regarded as suspicious activity.

7. The App is Experiencing Technical Issues

The TikTok app, just like any other app, can be a buggy mess at times. It could also be that your app needs to be updated. It could restrict you from following, liking, or commenting on other people’s content.

If this is the case, there are several fixes you could try, and we’ll describe them all in the next section of this article.

How to Fix the Can’t Follow Someone on TikTok Issue

As you can see, there are various reasons why TikTok won’t allow you to follow someone. If this happens to you, don’t worry. There are some things you could try to resolve this issue. Which one will work for you depends on why you can’t follow someone. But you can try these fixes even if you’re unsure what’s causing the issue.

1. Try Using the TikTok Website to Follow Someone

Although some users aren’t even aware there’s a TikTok website, it’s also important to know that it has a different code than the mobile or desktop TikTok app. If your app is experiencing issues, simply log into the web version of the TikTok platform and enjoy all the features it has to offer until the app issues are resolved.

2. Be Patient

When you notice you can’t follow someone on TikTok, the best action is to take no action for some time. Wait a few hours, or even one day, and try again. This could be the simplest solution if your account is restricted from following because it reached the daily limit.

However, if you still can’t follow TikTok users after a day or two, look for other solutions.

3. Update the TikTok Application

Like most apps, TikTok uses regular updates to fix known errors and bugs. If you’re experiencing the following restrictions, you could try to fix them by installing the latest app version.

To update TikTok on the iPhone, visit the App Store, and select Update next to the TikTok app.

If you’re using an Android, go to Google Play Store, find TikTok, and tap the Update button.

4. Clear the TikTok App Cache

TikTok stores various temporary files on your device to improve your experience of the app. These temporary files help the app load faster each time you revisit it. However, the build-up of these files can cause issues with the TikTok app. Also, these files can become damaged over time or even corrupted. When this happens, you may experience various problems with the app, including restriction to the following feature.

That’s why you should occasionally clear the TikTok cache, even if you’re not sure if this is what’s causing your problem. To remove cache files directly in the TikTok app (both for iPhone and Android users):

1. Open the TikTok app.
2. Go to Profile at the bottom of the screen.

3. Tap the three horizontal lines and select Settings and privacy from the menu.

4. Tap Free up space under the Cache & Cellular section.

5. On the next page, find Cache and tap Clear next to it.

Android users can also clear TikTok’s system cache. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Scroll down to Apps.

3. Select TikTok from the list of installed apps.

4. Find and tap Storage.

5. Tap Clear Cache in the bottom right corner of the screen.

Unfortunately, this option is not available for iOS users.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall the TikTok App

If clearing the cache files from your TikTok app didn’t resolve the issue, it could be that the app’s core files are corrupted. If this is the case and the reason behind the restriction to follow someone, you’ll have to uninstall the TikTok app and install it again on your device.

If you delete the app from your smartphone, you won’t lose any saved TikTok videos, bookmarks, or any of the data related to TikTok. However, if you saved some unpublished videos in drafts, they’ll be lost, and you’ll have to upload them again.

To uninstall the TikTok app from your iPhone, tap and hold the app on your home screen, and then select Remove app. Confirm by tapping Delete.

Then, proceed by installing it again from the App Store. This process is the same as when you first installed it on your iPhone.

If you’re an Android user, find the TikTok app in your app tray, tap and hold it. Select Uninstall, and then tap OK when prompted.

Go to the Google Play Store, find TikTok, and install it again on your Android device.

6. Disable VPN on Your Device

VPNs are a great way to protect your online privacy. However, VPNs sometimes can cause trouble for internet-enabled mobile apps such as TikTok. If you suspect this is causing the issue with following someone on TikTok, simply turn off the VPN installed on your device.

If turning the VPN resolves the issue, you can set up a different location in your VPN app and turn it back on. If this doesn’t fix the problem, it’s possible TikTok banned all the IP addresses your particular VPN is using. You can try installing another VPN service or keep it disabled while using the TikTok app.

7. Contact TikTok Support

If you tried all of the above fixes and still can’t follow people on TikTok, contact their support team via email. Your email address depends on whether you run a personal or a business account.

Private accounts have three options to choose from:

• info@tiktok.com
• legal@tiktok.com
• privacy@tiktok.com

If you’re a business user, you can contact support via:

• business-servicesupport@tiktok.com

By addressing privacy settings, clearing caches, updating the app, and exploring alternative methods, you can quickly resume following other TikTok users.

The post What to Do When You Can’t Follow Someone on TikTok first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Finding new ways to safeguard your online privacy has become crucial in today’s digital era. Meta, the parent company of Instagram, recently introduced a major update to its Accounts Center.

Now, you have the power to halt Instagram’s tracking practices on various websites beyond the app itself. This new ability to change settings in the Account Center allows users to foil third-party tracking methods typically employed for personalized ad targeting on the platform.

If you’re not a fan of Instagram and Facebook monitoring your activities across social media apps and websites, you need to learn how to use this update. Follow this article to find out how to stop Instagram and Facebook from tracking your online activity.

New Meta Feature in a Nutshell

Meta recently introduced a fresh privacy tool known as Activity Off-Meta Technologies. It aims to give users control over shared data with the company through apps and websites.

Meta changed how Accounts Center works. Allegations of invasive data tracking practices, where user online activities were tracked and utilized for targeted advertising, have plagued the platform’s reputation.

Now, you can control tracking from both Facebook and Instagram. Before, you could only manage it for Facebook. But now, by using a new feature called Activity Off-Meta Technologies, you can stop tracking your online activity on both platforms.

With this tool, you can check which businesses share your info with Meta. You decide what activity they can track, and you can stop certain businesses from sharing your data.

You can also stop all businesses from sending your info. This stops Instagram from using your activity to show you ads. For instance, if you check out a product online on Amazon, you won’t see ads for it on the Instagram app.

Stopping Instagram tracking on other apps is quick, but finding the settings might take a while. Here’s a quick guide to help you find them faster.

How to Stop Instagram from Tracking Your Online Activity

Before you can tweak your off-Meta technologies settings, you need to access your Accounts Center in the Instagram app.

Here’s how to find the Accounts Center in your Instagram account. The instructions are the same for both iOS and Android users, so both Android and Apple iPhone users can follow the steps below to find the Accounts Center on Instagram.

1. Launch the Instagram app and select your profile icon at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
2. Then, select the three-line settings icon at the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings and privacy.

4. Under Your account select Accounts Center.

Once you’ve found the Accounts Center, you can access the off Meta technologies settings by following the path Your information and permissions > Your activity off Meta technologies.

From the Your activity off Meta technologies page, you can stop Instagram from tracking your activity online, as well as other apps and sites. To do that, follow the steps below.

1. On the Your activity off Meta technologies page, select Manage future activity.

2. Select Disconnect future activity.

3. Read the information provided on the What you should know page, then select Disconnect future activity.

Meta is obligated by law to disclose how it uses your personal information, including the impact of adjusting your settings.

Here are a few things you need to keep in mind about what’s going to happen when you disconnect future activity via the Accounts Center:

• Disconnecting future activity will affect all linked accounts in the Accounts Center.
• Complete disconnection of tracking may take up to 48 hours.
• Logging out of apps and websites linked to Facebook might occur.
• Disconnecting future activity can also detach your Instagram from other apps.
• Although Meta will still collect data from various apps and sites, it won’t be linked to your account.
• You’ll see the same number of ads on Instagram, but they won’t be personalized anymore.

It’s important to note that Instagram will continue to receive activity data from apps and websites, but whether it’s the entire dataset remains unclear. Meta’s wording suggests the data it receives is anonymous.

If you prefer to alter the types of ads displayed, you can adjust your Instagram ad preferences instead in your account settings. To do that, follow the path Instagram profile page > Settings > Ads > Ad Interests. There you can change your ad interests and choose which types of ads you’d like to see more (and less) on Instagram.

How to Stop Facebook from Tracking Your Online Activity

If your Facebook account is linked to your Instagram account, then disconnecting future activity will apply to it as well and you don’t have to do anything else to stop Facebook from tracking you.

However, if you didn’t link your Facebook account with your Instagram account, you need to disconnect it separately. To do that, follow the steps below.

1. Open Facebook on your device.
2. Go to your Facebook profile and select the three dots icon in the top right corner to open Menu.
3. Select Settings & Privacy, then select Settings.

4. In the left column menu, select Meta Accounts Center.

5. On the left side of the screen, under Account settings, select Your information and permissions.

6. Select Your activity off Meta technologies on the right.

7. Here you can choose to disconnect a specific activity to prevent a specific app or website from tracking you online. To do that, select Disconnect specific activity or Recent Activity.
8. To prevent Facebook from tracking your activity on other apps and websites, select Manage future activity.

9. In the new window, select Disconnect future activity. Then select Continue to confirm.
10. Read the information on the What you should know page and select Disconnect future activity at the bottom of the screen.

That’s it. Now both Facebook and Instagram apps shouldn’t be able to track you via their in-app browsers and other tools.

Tips to Improve Your Online Privacy on Facebook & Instagram

Meta Accounts Center is fairly new, and there’s no telling how well these tools will work in terms of helping you maintain your online privacy. We recommend taking the following extra steps to protect your online activity and stay safe while browsing the web.

Adjust Ad Preferences

On Facebook, navigate to the Settings menu, select Ads, and then select Ad Settings. Here, you can review and modify your ad preferences, including the information used to show you ads.

Similarly, on Instagram, access the Settings menu, tap on Security, then Access Data, and finally Ads. Adjust the preferences related to ad targeting based on your preferences.

Limit Data Collection

Both platforms have tools that allow you to control the data collected about your online behavior. In Facebook’s settings, explore the Your Facebook Information section, and review what data the platform collects and accesses. You can adjust these settings as per your comfort level.

On Instagram, within the Privacy and Security settings, you’ll find options to manage data collection. Review and limit the information Instagram collects to enhance your privacy.

Use Private Browsing Modes

Consider using private browsing or Incognito modes on your web browser when accessing these platforms. This prevents them from tracking your activity outside their applications.

Review Third-Party App Permissions

Both Instagram and Facebook allow third-party apps to access certain information from your profile. Regularly review and revoke access for apps that you no longer use or don’t need to access your social media data.

Opt-Out of Personalized Ads

You can opt out of personalized ads served by Facebook and Instagram. It’s best to adjust your ad settings in your account preferences to limit targeted ads.

Avoid Clicking on Advertisements

Refrain from engaging with advertisements that you believe might be used for tracking purposes. Interacting with certain ads can result in increased tracking activities.

Keep Your Apps Updated

Ensure that both your Instagram and Facebook apps are regularly updated. Developers often release updates that include enhanced privacy features and security fixes.

Use Privacy-Focused Browsers or Extensions

Consider using privacy-focused web browsers or browser extensions that help block tracking scripts and protect your online activity.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the extent to which Instagram and Facebook track your online behavior. However, it’s important to note that complete avoidance of tracking may not be possible even with the new features in place, as these platforms heavily rely on user data for their functionality and services.

Remember, maintaining a balance between privacy and convenience is crucial in today’s interconnected digital landscape.

Take Control Over Instagram and Facebook Tracking

The new disconnect features allow you to control how Facebook and Instagram exchange your data with businesses. You can finally use it as a way to get rid of off-site tracking and prevent further personalization of the advertising you’re seeing online.

The post How to Stop Instagram and Facebook Tracking Online Activity first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Some other reasons you can’t use reaction emojis are that Instagram is down, your app’s cache files are corrupted, your app’s core files are damaged, and more.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

When you can’t use a feature in a web-enabled app like Instagram, ensure your phone’s internet connection is working. Your connection may be inactive or unstable, causing the emoji reaction feature not to work as expected.

You can check if your connection is faulty by opening a web browser and launching a site. If your site fails to load, you have connection issues. You can try to resolve your internet problems by disconnecting and reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network, restarting your router, turning your mobile data off and back on, or contacting your internet service provider.

2. Check If Instagram Is Down

If your internet connection is working, check if Instagram’s servers are down. This is because your app features will be unavailable if the platform’s servers are facing an outage.

You can check if Instagram is down using the Downdetector site. If this site tells you the platform is experiencing issues, wait until the company fixes the problems and brings all services back up.

3. Force Close and Relaunch Instagram on Your Phone

One possible reason you can’t use emoji reactions is that your Instagram app has minor glitches. In this case, force-quit and re-open the app to resolve your issue. Doing this turns off and back on all your app features, resolving many minor app problems.

On Android

1. Tap and hold on Instagram in your app drawer or home screen and select App info.
2. Choose Force stop on the following page.

3. Select Force stop in the prompt.
4. Re-open the app from your app drawer or home screen.

On iPhone

1. Swipe up from the bottom of your phone’s screen and pause in the middle.
2. Swipe up on Instagram to close the app.

3. Relaunch the app by tapping the app icon on your home screen.

4. Update Instagram on Your Phone

Instagram’s old app version can cause many issues, and this may be the case with you. You can resolve your app’s many bugs by updating your app to the latest version.

On Android

1. Open Play Store on your phone.
2. Find Instagram.
3. Select Update next to the app.

On iPhone

1. Launch App Store on your phone.
2. Choose Updates in the bottom bar.
3. Select Update next to Instagram.

5. Clear Instagram’s Cache Files on Android

One way to fix a broken emoji reaction feature in Instagram’s Direct Messages is to clear your app’s cache files. This is because your app’s cached data may be corrupted, breaking your feature. Deleting this faulty data should resolve your problem.

Note that you don’t lose your account data when you clear your app cache. Also, you can only perform this procedure on Android; the iPhone doesn’t allow you to delete an app’s cache.

1. Tap and hold on Instagram in your app drawer or home screen and select App info.
2. Choose Storage usage on the following screen.
3. Select Clear cache to delete the app’s cached files.

4. Relaunch your Instagram app.

6. Restart Your iPhone or Android Phone to Fix the Instagram DM Issue

If your issue isn’t fixed, your iPhone or Android phone’s system may have a problem. Such system-level issues can cause your installed apps to malfunction. In this case, give your phone a reboot to see if that fixes your issue.

On Android

1. Press and hold down the Power button on your device.
2. Choose Restart in the menu.

On iPhone

1. Press and hold down either Volume button and Side button.
2. Drag the slider to turn off your phone.

3. Turn on your phone by pressing and holding down the Side button.

7. Log Out and Back Into Your Instagram Account

Sometimes, you can’t access certain app features because your login session has problems. You can resolve such login-related issues by signing out and back into your account in the app.

Keep your Instagram login credentials handy, as you’ll need those details to log back in.

1. Open Instagram on your phone.
2. Select your Instagram profile icon in the bottom bar.
3. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
4. Scroll down to the bottom and choose Log out [Username].

5. Log back into your account in the app.

8. Uninstall and Reinstall Instagram on Your Phone

If the above methods fail to fix your issue, your Instagram app itself may be faulty. You can fix such app-level corruption by removing and reinstalling the app on your phone. Note that you don’t lose your account data when you reinstall the app.

On Android

1. Tap and hold on Instagram in your app drawer.
2. Select Uninstall in the menu.

3. Choose Uninstall in the prompt.
4. Launch Play Store, find Instagram, and tap Install.

On iPhone

1. Tap and hold on Instagram on your home screen.
2. Select Remove App > Delete App in the menu.
3. Open App Store, find Instagram, and select the download icon.

9. Use Instagram’s Desktop Site to React to Messages With Emojis

If nothing fixes your issue, your last option is to use Instagram’s desktop version to react to your specific messages with emojis. Instagram’s desktop website offers pretty much the same features as the Instagram mobile app.

1. Launch a web browser on your desktop and access Instagram.com.
2. Sign in to your account and select Messages in the left sidebar.
3. Find the message to react to and double-click the message to add a heart emoji reaction.

4. Select the emoji icon next to your message if you want to use different emojis for the reaction. You’ll see a list of emojis.

Get Started Reacting to Instagram Messages With Emojis on Your Phone

Instagram’s emoji reaction feature allows you to express your feelings about your messages with emojis. If this feature isn’t working on your device, the guide above will help you fix and restore the function. You can then react to any received message on this social media network with your chosen emoji. Enjoy!

The post Can’t React to Messages With Emojis on Instagram? 9 Ways to Fix It first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Why Does TikTok Say Age Protected for Some Content?

If you’re wondering why TikTok applies age protection to some content, it’s because it deems the content too graphic or mature for some users to view. This usually applies if you’re under 18 — more specifically, aged 13 to 17 — and TikTok supposedly follows the same rating systems currently used for films and video games. Sometimes, though, the age protection restriction can appear even if you’re over 18, though there’s a way around this error.

Can Anyone Turn Off Age Protection on TikTok?

There’s a workaround for how to see age-protected posts on TikTok, and we’ll walk you through it below. Note that this workaround is only applicable to TikTok users over the age of 18 who are seeing the age-protected message in error. There is no way to turn off TikTok’s age protection feature if you are aged 13 to 17.

How to Fix Age Protection on TikTok

If you’re seeing the “This post is age-protected” message on TikTok and you’re over the age of 18, it can be frustrating, to say the least. There’s only one way to remove this message, and that’s to change your birthday on TikTok. However, changing your birthday isn’t that simple.

How to Change Your Birthday on TikTok

If TikTok is showing you age-protected messages in error, you’ll need to change your birthday. Unfortunately, changing your birthday on TikTok isn’t as easy as changing your TikTok username. To update your birthday, you’ll have to contact TikTok support. Here’s how to do that:

1. Launch TikTok and go to Profile.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines at the top right of your screen.
3. Tap Settings and Privacy > Report a Problem.
4. Select Account and Profile.

5. Tap Editing Profile > Other > Need More Help.
6. Type in a request to change your date of birth then hit Submit.
7. Note that you’ll be asked for a government ID to prove your birthday and age when customer service contacts you.

Once your birthday is changed, you should be able to view age-protected content without any issues.

Note: If you don’t hear back from TikTok customer services or cannot change your birthday, you may need to delete your account and create a new one to access age-protected content.

Are Age-Protected Posts Different From Restricted Mode?

Don’t confuse age-protected posts with TikTok’s Restricted Mode. The latter is a mode that can be set up for TikTok users of any age, even those over 18, and is ideal for parents or guardians who want to limit what younger users can see.

Here’s how to enable Restricted Mode:

1. Launch TikTok and tap the Profile icon at the bottom right.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines menu at the top right.
3. Tap Settings and Privacy > Content Preferences.
4. Select Restricted Mode > Turn On.

5. Choose a four-digit passcode to turn the feature on, then tap Next.
6. Enter the passcode again to confirm, then tap Set.
7. When Restricted Mode is enabled, you should see it at the top of your screen.

8. To disable Restricted Mode, follow steps 1 through 4 above, but this time, tap Turn Off, then enter your passcode and tap Next to turn off Restricted Mode.

TikTok also offers a filter system that can be set up to automatically block content with specific hashtags from appearing in your feed.

Now you know how to see age-protected posts on TikTok, you’ll never need to deal with the annoyance of blocked content again. Remember though, that there’s no way for users under the age of 18 to access age-protected posts on TikTok, as you need to provide a government ID to change your age and birthday in the app. Are you experiencing other issues with TikTok? Check out our 8 ways to fix TikTok if it isn’t working for you.

The post How to Get Around Tiktok’s “This Post is Age-Protected” Restriction first appeared on Online Tech Tips.