If the Temu app is “not working” for you, it is likely due to one of three specific reasons: a major policy change affecting shipping, a local app glitch, or legal restrictions.
Here is a breakdown of what is likely happening:
1. The “Hidden” Outage: New Shipping Restrictions
The most probable reason Temu feels “broken” right now is due to new US Tariffs and Policy Changes reported yesterday (Dec 9).
What is happening: Due to new tariff policies (often cited as the end of the “de minimis” loophole), Temu has reportedly halted direct shipments from China to the U.S. for many products.
The Symptom: You might see products listed as “Out of Stock”, “Unable to Ship to this Address,” or empty search results. The app works, but you cannot actually buy anything.
The Fix: There is no fix for this currently. You can only purchase items that are already in US-based warehouses (look for “Local Warehouse” tags if available).
2. Legal Issues & Account Bans
Arizona Lawsuit: On December 3, the Arizona Attorney General filed a major lawsuit against Temu regarding user privacy. While this didn’t shut the app down, it has led to stricter security filters.
The Symptom: If you see a “System Busy” or “Login Failed” message, your account might be flagged or shadow-banned due to these heightened security measures.
The Fix: Try turning off your VPN if you are using one. Temu aggressively blocks VPNs now to comply with local laws.
3. Common Technical Glitches (How to Fix)
If you are just seeing a white screen or the app crashes, try these standard steps:
Update the App: A new update was likely pushed to handle the new shipping rules. Go to the App Store/Play Store and manually update.
Clear Cache (Android): Go to Settings > Apps > Temu > Storage > Clear Cache.
Re-login: Delete the app and reinstall it. This forces the app to reconnect to the server and often clears the “System Busy” error.
Summary:
If you can open the app but can’t buy anything, it is likely the new tariff restrictions. If the app won’t open at all, it is a need for an update.
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