Before you reinstall anything, decide whether CapCut is failing for everyone or only on your device. Check current CapCut reports on Downdetector, then test another network and, if possible, another device. A service, regional-routing or account-side failure will not be fixed by deleting local data.
Is CapCut Down Right Now or Only Broken on Your Device?
One failing project on one device usually points to that draft, media file, app build or device. The same login, template or export error across two devices and two networks—especially during a report spike—makes a service-side problem more likely. On January 26, 2026, for example, TikTok attributed service glitches to a U.S. data-center power outage; CapCut users reported failures during the same incident. That timing supports a service-side diagnosis, but it does not prove that the outage caused every individual CapCut error.
If reports look normal, follow the matching symptom below. Do not clear data, uninstall or reset an account just to test an outage: those steps add project risk without touching the remote service.
| Problem | First fix | Next fix |
|---|---|---|
| Won't open / crashes on launch | Back up drafts; restart and update | Clear cache; reinstall last |
| Export failed / stuck | Duplicate; free storage; lower settings | Isolate the bad section or asset |
| Export blocked by Pro effect | Find and remove the Pro-marked element | Relogin / restore purchase |
| Black screen on desktop | Test another project and clip | Update driver; test GPU setting |
| Freezing / lag | Close apps; lower preview quality | Shorten timeline; test acceleration |
| Templates / AI won't load | Switch network; update CapCut | Check account, region and reports |
| Login / Pro not showing | Force-close and reopen, verify login method | Contact support with receipt |
| Won't install on mobile | Check OS version and free storage | Clear Play/App Store cache, retry |
| Desktop installer stuck | Close it; verify permission or quarantine | Download a fresh official installer |
| Checked for this guide | |
|---|---|
| Last checked | August 5, 2026 |
| Current listings | The U.S. App Store and Google Play listings are live; store version and update dates can vary by locale. Desktop exposes its current version and updater inside the app. |
| Devices | iPhone 17 Pro, Pixel 10, M4 MacBook Air, Windows 11 desktop |
| Region and plan | US store listings, free account unless a section says otherwise. Features, limits and prices vary by region and change without notice. |
How guides are tested is described on the author page. Spotted something outdated? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
CapCut Won't Open or Crashes on Launch
Launch crashes commonly point to temporary app data, an OS/app compatibility problem, missing resources or a damaged installation, but the reset order matters because local drafts can be lost. Start with a restart and update, then clear temporary cache where the platform supports it. Back up or sync projects before resetting app data or reinstalling. The dedicated CapCut crashing guide separates startup, timeline and export crashes.
On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > CapCut > Storage and tap Clear Cache first. Do not tap Clear Data unless you understand that local-only drafts can be permanently deleted. If clearing the cache doesn't help, sync or back up your projects first, then use Clear Data or reinstall as a last-resort reset.
On iOS: iOS doesn't expose a direct cache clearing option. If you want a softer first step, try Offload App (Settings > General > iPhone Storage > CapCut > Offload App) — it removes the app binary but keeps your local documents and data. If CapCut itself is corrupted, a full delete and reinstall from the App Store is cleaner. Cloud-synced projects will still be there when you log back in, but local-only drafts will be gone with a full delete.
On Windows: If CapCut was installed from the Microsoft Store, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > CapCut > Advanced options > Repair or Reset. If it was installed from capcut.com as a standard desktop app, that path won't appear — instead, uninstall it from Settings or Control Panel, restart, then reinstall the latest version from official CapCut desktop download.
If the app crashes right after a system update, check the Play Store, App Store, or CapCut's desktop settings for a pending update. CapCut's current PC update guide places the version check in Settings or the top-right update control. Do not uninstall while an update is in progress; locally saved projects can be lost.
CapCut Export Failed or Gets Stuck
Export failures often appear late in the workflow, so protect the project before testing fixes. Duplicate the draft or sync it where available, then change one variable at a time: destination, free storage, export resolution, a suspect effect or the media near the failure point. The dedicated CapCut export-stuck guide covers percentages, error codes and platform-specific recovery in more depth.
Low storage, project complexity, a damaged asset and GPU or permission problems are common causes. Check free space first because CapCut needs room for temporary render files as well as the finished video. CapCut's current export troubleshooting recommends simplifying large projects and lowering export settings when the device cannot complete the render.
If storage isn't the issue, try reducing your export settings before re-attempting. Drop from 4K to 1080p, or from 60fps to 30fps. Large exports put enormous pressure on both storage I/O and RAM, and older or mid-range devices often can't sustain it.
On Android: Settings > Apps > CapCut > Storage > Clear Cache. Then try exporting again.
On iOS: Close other heavy apps, keep CapCut in the foreground and do not lock the phone during export. Charge beforehand when possible; if the phone becomes hot, stop and let it cool rather than combining a long render with unnecessary charging heat.
On desktop (Windows/Mac): Export to a local folder, close other heavy apps and update CapCut and the GPU driver. If the problem looks GPU-related, open Settings > Performance, turn hardware-accelerated encoding off as a test, restart CapCut and retry. Re-enable it if nothing changes. CapCut's current template-export help says Desktop has no general in-app “Clear Cache” button, so do not delete broad app-data folders unless your projects are backed up and the exact cache path is confirmed for your build.
CapCut Export Stuck at 99%
If the export freezes at 99%, the render may already be finished but CapCut cannot write the final file. Check free storage, export location permissions, cloud-synced folders, antivirus/file access on desktop, and corrupted media near the end of the timeline. Try exporting a shorter section near the end of the project to isolate the bad clip.
CapCut Export Blocked by a Pro Effect
If CapCut says the project contains Pro content, inspect every element: transitions, text styles, fonts, music, stickers, stock assets, AI tools and template overlays. CapCut's current Pro-export notice confirms that any Pro-marked material can trigger the subscription prompt, even at 1080p. Select the element to find its badge; do not assume the last effect you added is the only trigger.
Remove or replace every flagged element, then test a short export. If you already pay for Pro, use the CapCut Pro not-working checklist to verify the purchase account, billing source and membership status before contacting CapCut Support with a screenshot.
CapCut Has No Sound or Audio Is Missing
If CapCut opens and exports but your audio is gone, stop troubleshooting crashes. Check the audio track first: the clip may be muted, the volume may be at zero, the original audio may have been detached or deleted, or the template music may be unavailable because of licensing.
On mobile, tap the clip and check Volume. On desktop or web, inspect the audio track and make sure it is not muted. If the sound disappears only after export or after posting to TikTok, play the exported MP4 locally first. If the local file has sound, the problem is usually the platform upload or music licensing. If the local file is silent too, re-export with audio enabled, replace the track, or convert the audio to a standard format before importing. The CapCut no-sound guide separates silent previews, missing tracks and silent exports.
CapCut Adds a Watermark After Export
If the watermark appears only after export, check three places before blaming the app: the ending clip, template overlays, and Pro-marked assets. Many template watermarks come from a CapCut-branded outro or a hidden logo layer at the end of the timeline.
Scroll to the end of the project and delete the ending clip. Then inspect all overlay tracks for logos, template branding, Pro effects, premium fonts, stock assets, or AI tools. If the watermark is tied to a paid element, replace that element before exporting again. The watermark removal guide walks through every case — ending clips, templates and Pro marks.
CapCut Black Screen on Desktop
A black preview on PC can be a GPU rendering conflict, but first determine whether every project is black or only one imported clip. App-wide black previews point toward rendering settings or drivers; a single black asset points toward that file, codec or media path.
As a reversible test, open Menu > Settings > Performance, turn off the available GPU or hardware-acceleration option, save and restart CapCut. If the preview returns, update the graphics driver before deciding whether to leave acceleration disabled. The exact label varies by CapCut build.
If you're importing a specific clip and only that clip shows a black screen, the issue is the file itself rather than CapCut. Corrupted video files won't preview correctly even when CapCut is fine. Try re-exporting the original clip from its source or converting it to H.264 MP4 before importing. If the black frame shows up in the preview, on export or only on playback, the dedicated CapCut black screen guide separates those three cases.
CapCut Freezing and Lag During Editing
Heavy lag usually means the timeline exceeds the device's real-time preview capacity. High-resolution clips, multiple overlays, AI effects, animated text and background apps all compete for memory and processing time.
Close other heavy apps first. On mobile, turn off battery saver while editing if it is restricting performance, and split a complex timeline into shorter sections when one project remains unstable.
On desktop, go to Menu > Settings > Performance and confirm hardware acceleration is enabled for both encoding and decoding — not disabled. If you turned it off for an export issue, turn it back on for editing. Also check Windows Settings > System > Display > Graphics, find CapCut in the list, and set it to High Performance so Windows routes processing to your dedicated GPU rather than integrated graphics.
On mobile, use the lower preview-quality option when your build offers it, or edit a heavy project in shorter sections. CapCut's documented Proxy switch is a Desktop/PC setting; do not look for a universal 720p proxy control in the mobile app. A reduced editor preview does not by itself lower the final export resolution.
Overheating matters too. Remove the case if it traps heat, keep the phone out of direct sun and pause until it cools before another long export. Plug in only when the battery requires it; charging and rendering together can add heat.
CapCut Won't Load Templates or Online Features
Templates, cloud sync and many AI features require a live connection. If local editing works but online tools fail, check the network first, then the app version, account session, regional availability and whether the specific feature is in a phased rollout.
Start by toggling Wi-Fi off and back on, or switching to mobile data to isolate whether your current network is the problem. VPNs are a common culprit here — CapCut's servers use regional routing, and a VPN can break that connection even when other apps work fine. Turn the VPN off and test. When the error is specifically a no-internet warning, the dedicated CapCut no-internet guide walks through scope testing, permissions and network checks platform by platform.
If local editing works but online tools fail, check reports again. Templates, cloud projects, AI tools, stock assets, account sync and Pro validation need a live connection. CapCut's official no-internet checklist covers network permissions and public or work networks that can block the app. If only the template library is blank, compare platform availability and the current library workflow in the CapCut templates guide.
CapCut Login and Account Issues
If you can't log in, first verify which login method you used when you created your account. Switching between TikTok login, email, and Google can create parallel accounts that don't share project history or Pro subscriptions.
CapCut Pro Paid but Still Shows Free
If you paid for CapCut Pro but Pro assets are still locked, first confirm you are logged into the exact account used for purchase. TikTok login, Google login, Apple login and email login can create separate CapCut accounts.
Then check membership status while signed into that same account on CapCut Online. If it says Free, verify the store receipt and purchase account. If it says Active but desktop or mobile still shows Free, log out, restart the app, sign back in and allow time for the account to sync. If the mismatch remains, contact CapCut Support with the receipt, UID, platform and login method.
CapCut Won't Install or Download on Mobile
If CapCut does not appear in your app store or fails to install, check compatibility before resetting the store. CapCut's current mobile support guidance lists Android 8.0 or later and iOS 13.0 or later; Apple's live listing also requires iOS/iPadOS 13.0 or later. A device can meet the OS minimum and still struggle with demanding AI or 4K work.
Storage is the second issue. CapCut needs more than the download size because installation and later projects create temporary files. Free extra space beyond the app size, restart the device and retry.
If installation stalls, close and reopen the store, restart the device and try a stable network. On Android, clearing the Google Play Store cache is a reasonable next step. On iOS, restart before signing out of the Apple ID; account sign-out is a later store troubleshooting step, not the first fix.
One thing worth knowing: if you're traveling in a region where CapCut is restricted — India being the most notable example — the app won't be available in your app store regardless of your account's home region. A VPN won't bypass app store region blocks.
For the official install route on every platform — PC, Mac, iPhone, Android or web — use the CapCut Download hub.
CapCut Desktop Installation Stuck or Won't Complete
If the desktop installer stalls — most commonly reported at 95% progress — the issue is usually a network interruption or a permission conflict. Close the installer first. If antivirus blocks the installer, do not whitelist a random downloaded file. Delete it, download a fresh installer from the official CapCut download page, check that the source is official, then retry. Temporarily pausing protection should be a last resort on a personal machine, not a workaround for school, work, or managed devices.
On Windows, right-click the installer and choose Run as Administrator. Permissions issues on restricted corporate or school machines will cause silent stalls that look like a slow download but are a blocked write operation.
When to Contact CapCut Support
Most CapCut issues resolve with the steps above. A few do not, and those warrant a ticket through the official CapCut Help Center. Before opening it, collect the screenshot, exact error text or code, device and OS, CapCut version, UID/login method and a receipt for billing cases. Hide full payment details.
- Your Pro subscription didn't activate or disappeared, and relogging didn't fix it — attach your payment receipt
- Export fails on multiple devices with the same project
- A project file is corrupted and won't open on any device
- Your account shows a different subscription tier than what you paid for
- A template or AI feature remains unavailable after network, account, version and regional-availability checks
CapCut support can investigate account-level subscription issues and payment mismatches that local troubleshooting cannot fix.
Use the symptom router in CapCut Fixes to jump to the right repair. Start there if you need symptom-first fixes for crashes, export failures, no sound, watermark issues, Pro features, or install problems.
CapCut Not Working FAQ
Is CapCut down right now?
Do not infer a global outage from one error. Check current report volume, switch networks and test another device or the web editor. The same failure across devices and networks during a report spike suggests a service issue; one failing project or device points to local troubleshooting.
Why did CapCut stop working after an update?
An app or OS update can expose a compatibility bug in CapCut, an effect, codec or graphics driver. Back up the project, restart, clear temporary cache where supported and check for another CapCut update. If many users report the same build, wait for the vendor fix rather than installing an unverified older APK.
Why does CapCut crash on my Samsung after an Android update?
After a Samsung or Android update, restart the phone, clear CapCut's cache and install the latest CapCut build from Google Play. If crashes happen only in the background or during export, check whether Battery Saver is restricting CapCut; Samsung menu labels vary by One UI version, so search Settings for Battery optimization or Background usage limits.
Will clearing CapCut cache delete my projects?
Clearing temporary cache is different from clearing app data. On Android, use Clear Cache first; Clear Data can remove local-only drafts. On iOS, Offload App keeps documents and data, while deleting the app can remove local-only drafts. Treat a project as protected only after its cloud/Space upload has completed and you can see it under the same account.
Why does CapCut say "video is already being saved" and won't export?
The message can mean CapCut still considers an export active. Wait briefly, then force-close CapCut, reopen the project and run a short test. If the message returns, restart the device and confirm that no duplicate export window or background process remains.
Is CapCut banned in the US?
As checked August 5, 2026, CapCut has current listings in both the U.S. Apple App Store and Google Play. Availability can still change with store policy or law. CapCut remains unavailable through normal Indian app-store distribution following India's 2020 restrictions, so an app missing there is not necessarily a device fault.
Why won't CapCut templates load?
Templates require an active connection, but a blank library can also come from an outdated app, cache, account, region or platform limits. Switch networks, restart and update CapCut, test without a VPN or blocking extension, then check current service reports. The full mobile template gallery is not available on every desktop or web workflow.