Duet is surely one of the features that distinguishes TikTok from other similar video-sharing social networks. It allows you to create a short clip with a loved one, a friend or even a celebrity. And the end result is a fun side-by-side video where you lip sync to whatever tune or video you like.
However, this feature may not work for some users or may not appear at all. There’s no need to worry, as you can get Duet up and running with a few simple software tweaks. The following sections will provide you with all the tips and tricks you will need to repair a faulty Duet.
How to fix Duet on TikTok
TikTok duet errors include the option not appearing or the message “Duos are not allowed for this video.” If you are experiencing any of these issues, we have compiled a list of things that will fix the errors.
Application update
Since Duet is a relatively new feature, it may not work or be available if you are running an older version of TikTok. To check for updates, launch Google Play or App Store and tap the Updates tab.
Search for TikTok and press the Update button, if the app appears in Updates. Once you install the latest software, restart the app and try duoing.
You can also go to the search option and type “TikTok”. If an update is available, the App Store or Google Play Store will give you the option.
Duet settings in the app
For most users, this is where the problem with Duet lies. To be precise, TikTok has very specific privacy settings and Duet may be disabled or limited from the start.
To make the necessary changes, tap the profile icon at the bottom right and select three horizontal dots to access the More menu.
Tap Privacy & Security in the next window, navigate to “Who can duet with me” and make sure it’s turned on? There are three options: Everyone, Friends and Off. If you want some extra security, you can set the settings to Friends.
Note: If the other party has Duet disabled, you won’t be able to do it with that user. If it’s set to Friends Only, make sure you’re friends with them beforehand.
good restart
What if you updated the app and got all the settings correct but Duet still doesn’t work? In this case, it is better to restart your smartphone to see if it helps.
A simple reboot or soft reset resolves minor software issues and bugs that could prevent you from Duoing. Additionally, it also clears the app cache data that could be the culprit.
The reset/soft reset method depends on the device you are using. Generally, you should press the Power button and/or one of the volume controls. For example, it’s the side button plus one of the volume controls on newer iPhone models.
Clear app cache
If all else fails, you may need to clear the app cache to get Duet working again. The method is a little different on Android and iOS; see necessary actions below.
Android
Launch Settings and select Storage to access more menus. Tap Other Apps to preview the list of all installed apps and navigate to TikTok. Once you access the TikTok window, press the “Clear cache” button and that’s it. Please note that this does not delete your login information or saved data.
iOS
Tap the Settings app, select General, and then iPhone Storage. This gives you a list of the apps and the amount of data they use. Swipe down and tap TikTok to access the settings window. Select “Download App” to delete all cached data from the app.
This basically uninstalls TikTok but saves all important data. Once you’re done, head to the App Store and reinstall the app. You can also do it from the same window immediately after downloading.
Important notes
The steps above apply to the latest iOS and Android software. Those using Android Oreo should access the Application Manager from Settings and continue from there.
If you have saved videos as drafts, clearing the cache or uninstalling them will delete the files. Make sure you save the video to your phone before doing any of these options.
Network connection
TikTok requires a stable internet connection to function properly. If your TikTok duet option is not loading, it is likely your internet connection.
Most of the time, power cycling your phone will fix network issues unless there is an outage. Whether you’re using iOS or Android, you’ll want to check that TikTop has access to mobile data in settings.
If you are using Wi-Fi, try turning off Wi-Fi and using mobile data if possible. Depending on your bandwidth, you may have trouble creating a strong enough connection that TikTok Duet may not work properly.
No duet audio
Several users have reported an issue in recent months: their microphone is not showing, so they can’t create their TikTok duets. The consensus seems to be that users could use the “React” option instead of Duet.
However, this is not a perfect solution, because the timing may be off and the function is not the same as the Duo function.
Another thing you should check is your phone’s permissions. If you’re having trouble recording audio, is it with regular videos or just duets? If it’s both, head to your phone’s settings and make sure TikTok has permission to access your microphone and record audio.
The only proven trick we’ve seen for Duet issues, besides changing the privacy settings as mentioned above, is to update the app. Even if you updated it recently, check again because new updates are released frequently.
How to do a duet on TikTok
Hopefully, the tips and tricks helped you fix the Duo feature and now it’s time to create some interesting side-by-side videos.
Step 1
Explore the main TikTok screen to find a video you’d like to duet with. Tap the Share button on the right side of the screen and select the Duo option in the pop-up window.
Step 2
The screen is pided in two and you can now record your video next to the one you have selected. The other will play automatically while you record.
Step 3
Add some stickers and filters to make your recording stand out and choose a cover for it. When you’re done, hit Publish and it’ll be live.
Always a duet in perfect tone
Assuming you’ve fixed Duet, here are some tips on how to make it go viral. Adding tags to your duet increases the chances of getting more likes and the same goes for sharing it on Instagram.
Don’t hesitate to comment and like other duos too because it brings more attention to your profile.
