TikTok is one of the most popular apps for short-form videos, and FaceTime is Apple’s go-to video calling feature. Many people multitask, using both apps at the same time. But sometimes, users notice that they can’t search on TikTok while on a FaceTime call. If this has happened to you, there are a few reasons why — most of them linked to how apps share your phone’s resources.
Limited System Resources
When you’re on FaceTime, your device is already using a lot of power to handle video and audio in real time. Running TikTok alongside can stretch your phone’s memory and processing capacity, especially if your device is older. This can cause TikTok features like search to stop working smoothly.
Fix: Close other background apps and restart your phone to free up resources.
Network Bandwidth Issues
FaceTime needs a strong and stable internet connection to keep video calls clear. At the same time, TikTok requires bandwidth to load videos and search results. If your internet connection is weak or unstable, FaceTime may take priority, making TikTok search laggy or unavailable.
Fix: Switch to a strong Wi-Fi network instead of mobile data.
Restrictions with Picture-in-Picture Mode
When you minimize FaceTime using Picture-in-Picture (PiP), some apps, including TikTok, may not function fully. Searching on TikTok while PiP is active may not work as smoothly as when FaceTime is in full-screen mode.
Fix: Try switching FaceTime back to full screen, then return to TikTok.
App Conflicts or Bugs
Sometimes, the issue happens due to app bugs or compatibility problems. Both TikTok and FaceTime are regularly updated, and a temporary glitch can interfere with certain features like search.
Fix: Make sure both TikTok and iOS are updated to their latest versions.
Microphone and Camera Prioritization
When FaceTime is active, iOS often prioritizes access to the camera and microphone for the call. TikTok also relies on these features for video recording and searching via voice. This conflict can make search unstable.
Fix: Restart the TikTok app while on the call, or try searching after muting your FaceTime temporarily.
Device Performance
If you’re using an older iPhone model with limited RAM, running FaceTime and TikTok at the same time may be too heavy. This can cause TikTok to freeze or disable some functions like search.
Fix: Consider upgrading your device if you face this issue often, or avoid multitasking during video calls.
Also Read: Why can I not repost on TikTok?
