A strange glitch is hitting TikTok users, and it’s causing a lot of unease. People scrolling through their For You Page are suddenly seeing a mysterious screen pop up. It’s got two buttons — one gray, one red. Press the red one, and your phone tries to dial 911. Hit the gray one, and either nothing happens or the app crashes. This has been freaking out users, especially since it shows up out of nowhere with no explanation.
Here’s a screenshot of the UI people are seeing:
The issue started getting attention when TikTokers took to Reddit to share what was happening. One user, RiceDrops, wrote, “I JUST GOT THIS TOO! Scared the shit out of me. The pink button asked me to call 911 and the gray button crashed the app.” Another, Charbreon, said, “Scared the sh out of me tho cus its fu**ing 10pm.” The late-night timing isn’t helping calm anyone’s nerves. Confusion is running high, with some wondering if it’s a prank or even tied to the rumored TikTok ban.
Reports suggest this glitch is only hitting users in the US, as I don’t see any other reports from users in other countries claiming the app calls their emergency services. Users like httpsmerce confirmed their location, saying “west coast!” when asked. That’s got people thinking it could be linked to something regional. So far, it’s unclear if it’s popping up across the country since other reports don’t mention the exact state or city.
What’s causing this? Some users have a theory. They think it’s a messed-up Amber Alert. These alerts are meant to notify people about missing kids and often include a 911 option if you’ve got info to share. One Redditor pointed out that TikTok’s been trying to roll out Amber Alerts, but it’s not going smoothly. A glitch could explain why the screen’s blank except for those creepy buttons. There was even an Amber Alert issued recently near Anaheim, California, which lines up with the West Coast reports.
Right now, TikTok hasn’t said a word about this officially. Users are just left piecing it together online. It’s probably just a technical slip-up, not anything sinister. Still, if you see that red button, maybe hold off on pressing it unless you’ve got a real emergency. Hopefully, TikTok sorts this out soon — nobody wants a late-night scare from their phone.
Dwayne Cubbins
891 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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