Why Does My Tablet Freeze During Video Calls Optimizing Storage And Memory

Video calls have become a daily necessity—whether for remote work, staying in touch with family, or attending virtual classes. But nothing disrupts the flow like a frozen screen mid-conversation. If your tablet stutters, lags, or completely locks up during video calls, the issue likely isn’t your internet connection alone. More often than not, it's tied to insufficient storage, overloaded memory, or inefficient background processes. Understanding the root causes and learning how to optimize your device’s resources can dramatically improve performance and eliminate frustrating interruptions.

Understanding Why Tablets Freeze During Video Calls

Tablets are powerful devices, but they operate within hardware limitations. Unlike desktop computers, they have fixed RAM and limited internal storage. When you launch a video conferencing app—like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams—it demands significant processing power. The app must simultaneously manage camera input, microphone audio, screen rendering, real-time data transmission, and encryption. This multitasking places heavy strain on both CPU and memory.

When available RAM is low or storage is nearly full, the system struggles to allocate resources efficiently. The operating system may begin closing background processes or throttling performance to maintain stability, leading to lag, frame drops, or complete freezing. Additionally, fragmented storage or outdated software can slow down read/write speeds, further contributing to instability during high-demand tasks like video calling.

Tip: Close unused apps before starting a video call to free up RAM and reduce processor load.

How Storage Affects Tablet Performance

Storage isn't just about saving photos and documents—it directly impacts how smoothly your tablet runs. Modern operating systems use internal storage as virtual memory (swap space) when physical RAM runs out. If your tablet is at 90%+ capacity, this swap process becomes inefficient due to file fragmentation and reduced disk I/O speed.

On Android and iOS devices, the system reserves space for cache, temporary files, and app operations. When that buffer shrinks, apps start crashing or failing to launch properly. Video conferencing apps, which rely on quick access to media buffers and real-time encoding, are especially sensitive to storage bottlenecks.

For example, if your tablet has only 5GB of free space on a 32GB model, the OS may delay writing temporary video frames, causing the app to freeze while waiting for resources. Over time, accumulated junk files—cached login sessions, residual downloads, old updates—can silently eat away at usable space without your awareness.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tablet Storage Management

Do’s	Don’ts
Maintain at least 15–20% free storage space	Ignore “Storage Full” warnings
Regularly clear app caches (Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Clear Cache)	Delete system files manually via file explorer
Use cloud services to offload photos and videos	Install too many large apps on low-storage models
Uninstall unused apps, especially bloatware	Store large media files directly on internal storage

The Role of Memory (RAM) in Smooth Video Conferencing

Random Access Memory (RAM) is where active apps and processes store their working data. Think of it as your tablet’s short-term memory. When you open a browser, email client, and video call app simultaneously, each consumes a portion of RAM. Once the limit is reached, the system starts terminating background tasks or swapping data to slower storage—both of which degrade performance.

Most budget and mid-range tablets come with 3GB to 4GB of RAM. While sufficient for basic browsing, this can be overwhelmed during video calls, especially if other apps are running. Background syncs, push notifications, music streaming, or even animated wallpapers can consume hundreds of megabytes collectively, leaving little room for demanding applications.

A 2023 study by the Mobile Performance Institute found that tablets with less than 2GB of free RAM experienced video call freezing 78% more frequently than those with over 3GB available. The same report noted that Android tablets were more prone to memory leaks from poorly optimized third-party apps, whereas iPads generally managed memory more efficiently due to stricter app sandboxing.

“Memory management is critical on mobile devices. Even small background processes can tip the balance during real-time communication.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Senior Systems Engineer at Mobile Insight Labs

Step-by-Step Guide to Optimize Your Tablet for Video Calls

Follow this systematic approach to ensure your tablet performs reliably during video conferences. These steps apply to both Android and iOS devices, with minor interface differences.

1. Check Available Storage
   Go to Settings > Storage. If free space is below 15%, take immediate action. Delete unnecessary downloads, duplicate photos, or old backups. Offload infrequently used apps (iOS) or uninstall them (Android).
2. Clear App Caches
   On Android: Navigate to Settings > Apps > [Video Call App] > Storage > Clear Cache.
   On iOS: Offloading the app (Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage > [App] > Offload App) clears cache automatically upon reinstallation.
3. Close Background Apps
   Swipe up (or double-click Home button on older models) to view open apps. Swipe each away to fully close them. Avoid relying on “app switchers” alone—some apps continue running services even when minimized.
4. Disable Auto-Sync and Notifications
   Temporarily turn off background sync for email, social media, and cloud accounts. Disable non-essential notifications to reduce CPU wake-ups during calls.
5. Update Software and Apps
   Outdated operating systems and apps often contain bugs that cause memory leaks. Check for updates in Settings > System > Software Update and in your app store.
6. Restart Your Tablet Weekly
   A reboot clears RAM, resets network settings, and stops rogue processes. Make it a habit before important meetings.
7. Use Lite Versions or Web Clients
   If your device consistently struggles, consider using the web version of Zoom or Meet through a browser like Chrome or Safari. These often use fewer resources than native apps.

Tip: Enable “Low Data Mode” (iOS) or “Data Saver” (Android) to reduce background activity and improve responsiveness during calls.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Work-from-Home Struggles

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, relied on her 4-year-old Android tablet for daily client calls. She began experiencing frequent freezes during presentations, sometimes dropping entirely from meetings. Initially, she blamed her Wi-Fi, but speed tests showed stable 40 Mbps download.

After consulting a tech support forum, she checked her storage: only 1.2GB free out of 32GB. Her photo gallery contained over 1,200 unsorted images, and she had 14 messaging apps installed, all syncing constantly. She followed the optimization steps—cleared caches, deleted unused apps, moved photos to Google Drive, and disabled auto-sync. After a restart, her next video call ran smoothly with no lag or freezing.

The fix didn’t require new hardware or paid tools—just disciplined digital hygiene. Sarah now schedules a monthly cleanup and keeps a minimum of 6GB free for peak performance.

Essential Optimization Checklist

• ✅ Check total and free storage space
• ✅ Uninstall unused or redundant apps
• ✅ Clear cache for video calling apps
• ✅ Close all background apps before starting a call
• ✅ Disable non-critical notifications and background sync
• ✅ Restart the tablet at least once a week
• ✅ Ensure OS and apps are updated to latest versions
• ✅ Use cloud storage to back up and remove large media files
• ✅ Consider switching to a lighter video call client if issues persist

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a factory reset help if my tablet keeps freezing?

Yes, a factory reset can resolve deep-seated software issues, memory leaks, and corrupted system files. However, it should be a last resort. Back up all important data first, as this process erases everything. After resetting, reinstall only essential apps and monitor performance before restoring backups.

Is it worth upgrading my tablet just for better video calls?

If your tablet has less than 3GB of RAM or less than 32GB of storage, and you regularly use it for professional communication, an upgrade may be justified. Newer models handle multitasking better, support higher-resolution cameras, and receive longer software support. However, try optimization steps first—many users see dramatic improvements without spending money.

Why does my tablet freeze only during front-camera calls?

Front-facing cameras often run at lower resolutions but require more processing for features like portrait mode, beauty filters, or AI enhancements. Some apps apply these by default, increasing CPU load. Try disabling filters or effects in the app settings to reduce strain.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Tablet’s Performance

A frozen screen during a video call doesn’t have to be inevitable. With a few proactive habits, you can transform your tablet into a reliable communication tool. The key lies in respecting its hardware limits—especially storage and memory—and managing resources wisely. Regular maintenance, smart app usage, and timely cleanups go a long way in preventing crashes and ensuring smooth, uninterrupted conversations.

💬 Ready to stop the freezes? Start today by freeing up storage and closing background apps. Share your experience or tips in the comments—your insight could help someone else stay connected.