Why Does My Tablet Freeze During Video Calls And Can Clearing Cache Help

Video calls have become a cornerstone of modern communication—whether for work, school, or staying in touch with loved ones. When your tablet suddenly freezes mid-conversation, it’s more than just frustrating; it can disrupt important meetings or personal moments. While many users instinctively blame the app or internet connection, the root causes are often deeper and more technical. One frequently suggested fix is clearing the cache, but does it actually resolve freezing issues? The answer isn’t always straightforward. Understanding the underlying factors—from hardware limitations to background processes—can help you make informed decisions and restore smooth performance.

Understanding Why Tablets Freeze During Video Calls

Freezing occurs when a device becomes unresponsive, typically due to resource overload or software conflicts. During video calls, tablets must simultaneously manage real-time video encoding, audio processing, network data transfer, and screen rendering—all of which demand significant processing power. If any part of this chain falters, the system may stutter or freeze entirely.

Common triggers include:

• Inadequate RAM: Older or budget tablets often come with limited memory (2GB or less), making multitasking difficult under high-load conditions like video conferencing.
• Outdated operating systems: Software updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. Running an older OS version may expose your device to known stability issues.
• Background apps consuming resources: Social media apps, cloud sync services, and music players running in the background can eat up CPU cycles and memory.
• Poor thermal management: Extended use during video calls generates heat. If the tablet overheats, it may throttle performance to protect internal components, leading to lag or freezing.
• Network instability: Even with a strong Wi-Fi signal, packet loss or bandwidth congestion can cause the app to buffer or crash, mimicking a system freeze.

“Tablets are not immune to performance degradation over time. Just like smartphones and laptops, they require maintenance to operate efficiently.” — Dr. Alan Reyes, Mobile Systems Engineer at TechInsight Labs

Can Clearing Cache Help Prevent Freezing?

The short answer: sometimes. Clearing the cache can improve performance, but only if the issue stems from corrupted or bloated temporary files within a specific app. Cache stores non-essential data such as images, login tokens, and UI elements to speed up future access. Over time, these files can accumulate, become outdated, or even corrupt—especially after multiple app updates.

For video calling apps like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, clearing the cache removes clutter that might be interfering with current operations. This process doesn’t delete your account information or settings, so it’s safe to perform regularly.

Tip: Clear app cache every few weeks, especially for frequently used communication apps, to maintain optimal responsiveness.

However, cache clearance won’t solve deeper issues like insufficient RAM, processor limitations, or firmware bugs. It's a troubleshooting step—not a cure-all. Think of it as decluttering your digital workspace: helpful, but not transformative if the underlying hardware is struggling.

Step-by-Step: How to Clear App Cache on Android and iOS Tablets

Clearing cache varies slightly depending on your operating system. Follow these steps based on your device type.

For Android Tablets:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps or Applications Manager.
3. Find and tap the video calling app (e.g., Zoom, Skype).
4. Select Storage & cache.
5. Tap Clear Cache.
6. Repeat for other communication apps if needed.

For iPads (iOS):

iOS does not allow direct cache clearing per app through Settings. Instead, try these alternatives:

• Delete and reinstall the app—this removes all cached data.
• Use the app’s built-in settings (e.g., Zoom has a “Clear Cache” option under Settings > Storage).
• Restart the device to flush temporary memory.

Other Effective Fixes Beyond Cache Cleaning

If clearing the cache doesn’t resolve freezing, consider broader system optimizations. The following strategies target both software and environmental factors contributing to instability.

Close Background Apps Before Starting a Call

Running multiple apps in the background divides available RAM and CPU power. Before joining a video call, manually close unused applications:

• On Android: Swipe up from home screen and swipe away open apps.
• On iPad: Double-click the Home button or swipe up from bottom and hold, then swipe apps away.

Update Your Operating System and Apps

Developers regularly release patches that fix memory leaks, optimize performance, and enhance compatibility. Check for updates weekly:

• Android: Settings > System > System Update
• iPad: Settings > General > Software Update
• App Stores: Open Google Play or App Store and check for pending updates.

Reduce Video Quality Temporarily

High-definition video requires more processing power. In low-performance scenarios, lowering resolution can prevent freezing. Most apps offer settings to adjust video quality:

• In Zoom: Settings > Meetings > Disable HD video by default.
• In Google Meet: Join options let you choose \"Low bandwidth mode.\"

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Overheating forces the processor to slow down. Avoid using your tablet on soft surfaces like beds or couches, which block ventilation grills. Place it on a hard, flat surface, and avoid direct sunlight.

Check Network Health

A stable internet connection is critical. Use a wired Ethernet adapter (with USB-C or Lightning) if Wi-Fi is unreliable. Alternatively, run a speed test before calls:

• Minimum recommended upload speed: 1.5 Mbps for HD video.
• Latency should be under 100ms for smooth interaction.

Tip: Schedule video calls during off-peak internet hours (avoid evenings if possible) to reduce network congestion.

Do’s and Don’ts: Tablet Performance Best Practices

Do	Don't
Restart your tablet weekly to clear memory leaks.	Run too many apps simultaneously during a call.
Use original chargers to maintain battery health.	Ignore software update notifications.
Store the tablet in a cool, dry place when not in use.	Keep the screen brightness maxed out unnecessarily.
Clear app cache monthly for heavy-use apps.	Download unknown third-party optimization tools.
Use airplane mode + Wi-Fi to minimize background interference.	Leave the tablet plugged in overnight regularly.

Real-World Example: A Teacher’s Remote Learning Challenge

Sarah, a middle school teacher in Portland, relied on her three-year-old Android tablet for daily virtual classes. After several weeks, she began experiencing frequent freezes during live sessions, disrupting lessons and student engagement. Initially, she blamed her internet provider. But after testing her connection (which showed 20 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload—more than sufficient), she turned to device diagnostics.

She discovered that her tablet had only 1.2 GB of free RAM out of 3 GB total, with eight apps running in the background. After clearing cache for Google Classroom and Meet, closing unused apps, and disabling auto-updates for non-essential apps, her freezing incidents dropped from five per week to one every two weeks. She also started restarting her tablet each morning, which further stabilized performance. While her hardware remains modest, proactive maintenance made a meaningful difference.

When Hardware Limits Performance

Not all freezing issues can be resolved through software tweaks. Tablets released before 2019, especially those with single-core or dual-core processors and less than 3GB of RAM, struggle with modern video conferencing demands. As apps evolve, they require more resources—leaving older devices behind.

If you’ve tried all optimization steps and still experience consistent freezing, it may be time to evaluate upgrading. Look for tablets with:

• At least 4GB RAM
• Octa-core processor (e.g., Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 or Apple A12 Bionic and above)
• Latest OS support (Android 11+/iOS 15+)
• Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

Even mid-range models today outperform premium tablets from a decade ago, thanks to architectural advances and better thermal design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does clearing cache delete my chat history or call logs?

No. Cache contains temporary files like thumbnails and session data. Personal content such as messages, contacts, and call history are stored separately and remain intact. However, you may need to log back into some apps after clearing cache.

How often should I clear the cache on my tablet?

For video calling apps, clearing cache once every 2–4 weeks is sufficient. If you notice slowdowns or glitches, do it immediately. Heavy users may benefit from a biweekly routine.

Will factory resetting my tablet stop the freezing?

A factory reset can help if software corruption is the culprit, but it’s a last resort. It erases all data and settings, requiring reconfiguration. Try all other fixes first. If freezing persists after a reset, the issue is likely hardware-related.

Final Checklist: Troubleshoot Tablet Freezing in 7 Steps

1. ✅ Close all background apps before starting a video call.
2. ✅ Clear cache for your video calling application(s).
3. ✅ Restart your tablet to refresh system memory.
4. ✅ Update your operating system and all relevant apps.
5. ✅ Test your internet speed and switch to a stronger network if needed.
6. ✅ Lower video quality settings within the app to reduce load.
7. ✅ Monitor device temperature and ensure proper airflow.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Tablet’s Performance

Freezing during video calls doesn’t have to be inevitable. While clearing cache can provide noticeable relief in certain cases, long-term stability comes from a combination of smart usage habits, regular maintenance, and understanding your device’s limits. By applying the strategies outlined here—from managing background processes to optimizing network conditions—you can significantly reduce disruptions and enjoy smoother, more reliable communication.

Technology should serve you, not frustrate you. Whether you're teaching a class, attending a job interview, or catching up with family, a well-maintained tablet makes all the difference. Start implementing these tips today, and reclaim control over your digital interactions.

💬 Have a tip that helped stabilize your tablet? Share your experience in the comments and help others stay connected without the freeze!