TikTok video downloads but won't save to your device

The file downloaded successfully but you can't find it? That's usually a permission issue on your device, not a problem with the file itself. Here's where each platform hides downloaded videos and how to force them to appear.

Common causes

Safari on iOS saves downloads to the Files app by default, not Camera Roll. Open Files > On My iPhone > Downloads, tap the video, then use the share sheet to 'Save Video' to Photos.

Chrome on Android puts files in /storage/emulated/0/Download. Open the Files app (or Google Files), go to Downloads, and you'll find the mp4 there. From Gallery, pull to refresh to pick it up.

If the saved file has a .mp4 extension but looks like a random ID (e.g. 71234567.mp4), that's normal - TikTok's CDN uses numeric IDs as filenames. Rename it and it'll play in any video app.

TikTok video downloads but won't save to your device

Common causes

iPhone: Safari saved it to Files, not Photos

Android: check your Downloads folder

Desktop: file downloaded but filename is wrong

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