(10 ways) Fix Reddit search not working

Reddit is a United States-based social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website. Despite the platform’s widespread use and popularity, there have been numerous instances where people have been able to use the Reddit search to find all of the topics’ threads, and there have been various versions to the problem.

In some circumstances, only partial results are displayed, while in others, no results are displayed at all. We’ll go through all of the causes and try to grasp the problem as it is right now, and we’ll assist you in resolving the issue that so many users on Reddit are experiencing.


Why is Reddit search not working?

As we looked into it and dug a little deeper, we came to the conclusion that there are various reasons for this. Some of the reasons why Reddit search might not be working are as follows:

  • Not upgraded to the latest version:

It’s possible that you’re using an older version of the Reddit app on your Android device, which is one of the main reasons you’re having problems with it.

The Reddit application is often updated to fix bugs that have been reported. If you’re using an older version of Reddit, the site may not load properly. In this case, upgrading the Reddit application could be the solution.

  • Reddit Issue:

Many times, the Reddit servers fall down or another service in their backend malfunctions, causing Reddit to experience downtime or causing some of their capabilities, such as search, to be unavailable for a period of time.

This shows issues with reddit
image source: OverlaylFrame
  • Servers are down:

Behind the scenes, there’s always the possibility of a technical issue. Some apps are impossible to load due to server issues. Overcapacity or an internal defect can cause widespread outages, leaving us without Reddit for hours. If you feel this is the problem, you can also track down these outages.

  • Search Filter Is Enabled:

Each user’s account settings contain distinct NSFW filter options, and search results are shown according to those filters. Those filters are also set on by default, so NSFW content is filtered out of search results, and you are notified of their existence by Reddit.

  • Ad Blockers:

Ad blocks are known to conflict with a variety of online applications and modules; however, there was no expectation for Reddit search. We came to this conclusion after reviewing many reports from users who determined that the problem was actually caused by an ad-blocker.

  • Less customization:

Reddit’s search is less adjustable, and the results are usually limited. Other searches that allow users to search Reddit forums with more parameters may be found here.

  • Cache Data:

Cache files can cause issues with the Reddit app. Cached data on your Android smartphone is a collection of temporary files that have accumulated over time. Several cache files, on the other hand, can cause the software to become corrupted and slow.

To improve performance and user experience, Reddit, like other apps, saves cache. Please keep in mind that the Reddit app generates a significant amount of cached data in order to keep things functioning properly.

If you’re having problems browsing Reddit on a mobile browser, this is also true. As a result of frequent surfing, more caches are formed based on the data on the page.

  • System Bugs:

A bug is a software programme fault in the computer world. It has the potential to cause the software to crash or behave in an unexpected way. These system-wide flaws can sometimes cause third-party software operations to fail, resulting in problems like the Reddit app not loading.

Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator on your computer before you start working on the solutions. You should also save all of your work and have your credentials on available because you will be prompted to enter them.


How to fix Reddit search not working?

So, now we know what the reasons and issues are that the Reddit search isn’t working. Now let’s look at how to resolve the problem. If feasible, you should try all of the following methods to resolve the problem.

1. Restarting the device is the first step.

The first thing you should do if you have an unresponsive app is to restart the device. Restarting your phone at least once a week has several advantages, including memory retention, crash prevention, better operation, and longer battery life.

Restarting the device always solves the majority of problems and is one of the simplest and most basic solutions.


2. Checking the Reddit server

If Reddit is the only app or site that doesn’t work for you, it’s likely that it doesn’t work for everyone else as well. Make sure there isn’t a server outage on Reddit before moving on to the next level.

Reddit also keeps you informed about the site’s current state. Visit learn more about everything that keeps Reddit up and running, check to Reddit Status on the official Reddit website. You can also utilise the top right corner’s “subscribe to updates” option to get notified if something goes wrong.


3. Installing the most recent version

Make sure your app is always up to date with the newest Reddit version. The improved programme is always changing and differs from the old software on your Android smartphone. If the error with the Reddit app not loading persists, you can update it by going to the Google Play Store.


4. Clear the cache and force a stop

If the Reddit application is stuck in an operation and not loading subreddits, you can force it to close. Depending on how many times you close an application, it may continue to run in the background even after you close it.

Force halting an app, on the other hand, will bring all front and background operations associated with that app to a total halt, which is why this strategy is recommended if you’re having issues with your Reddit app.

You could also try emptying the app’s cache. The Reddit app, like many others, uses excessive caching to improve efficiency and user experience. The software may behave abnormally if the cache capacity is exceeded, such as crashing or slowing down. The problem will arise if your phone’s storage is full and the Reddit app’s cache gets corrupt.


5. Sign Out

The problem is usually resolved by signing out of the app or logging in with a different account (if you have one).


6. Verifying whether or not you are a beta tester

The beta version is the version that is being tested. Along with the new features, the beta version contains information and features that are similar to those found in the full version.

Uninstall the beta programme and reinstall the stable version if you signed up for it and are having issues. Although beta applications may include additional features, they are necessarily unstable.


7. Activating the search filter

On Reddit, a search bar can be sorted by gender and geography. On the Reddit app and mobile browser, it’s used to find your content preferences. If you’re experiencing difficulties loading the search filter, check your app settings to see if it’s enabled.


8. Reinstall the programme after uninstalling it.

Uninstalling and reinstalling the software, like restarting it, resolves many issues. If you’re having trouble, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the Reddit app.


9. Checking the Internet Connection.

If the Reddit app still won’t load, make sure it’s not a problem with your Internet connection. It’s conceivable that your home Wi-Fi or mobile data subscription is experiencing issues. Using your PC or smartphone browser, go to another website to test the connection.

Your internet connection is broken if nothing loads properly. You should also restart your internet router; this will not only provide you with a faster internet connection, but it will also supply you with a new IP address, which will aid in the settlement of any underlying issues you were experiencing earlier.


10. Disabling Ad-Blockers 

Because ads always cover content, ad-blockers appear to make your experience on a web server worthwhile; they appear to have an inbuilt mechanism that intercepts all traffic and then passes on the filtered version by removing ads.

While an extension like this may improve the experience, there have been instances where it has caused a problem when it comes to Reddit searches.

For the time being, these are the only fixes we’ve been able to uncover for you. I’m hoping they’ll be of assistance.

this shows reddit's disabling ad blockers
image source: Bing images

Conclusion

Even with the enormous usage and popularity of the network, Reddit appears to be having problems. This issue can arise as a result of the aforementioned factors. But there’s no need to be concerned because we’ve listed a set of possibilities for you above.

You can try any of the above choices, and I’m confident that one of them will work for you but If you come up with a good one, please share it with us in the comments area.

There are also a number of websites created by individual programmers with the goal of improving Reddit’s search experience. You can utilise websites such as redditsearch.io, which includes a variety of filters and features to help you narrow down your search.

Thanks!


Further Reading:

Fix Reddit homepage not working

Fix Reddit not loading on Mobile data 2021: Android and iOS

What is Flair in Reddit & How to use Flair in Reddit

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Ishika is a CDS aspirant from Dehradun who is now doing her bachelor's degree at Delhi University. She enjoys reading and doing her own skin care and maintenance, but she is also a fitness enthusiast who can't seem to stay away from junk food. She enjoys the serenity of nature. She is new to Android Nature and works on our tech-related topics.