Why Does My Tablet Freeze During Video Calls Quick Fixes Anyone Can Do

Video calls have become a daily necessity—for work, school, or staying connected with loved ones. But nothing disrupts the flow like a frozen tablet screen mid-conversation. You’re not alone. Millions of users report similar issues, especially on older or budget-friendly devices. The good news? Most freezing problems aren’t permanent hardware failures. They stem from manageable software, connectivity, or usage habits that you can fix—often in under 10 minutes.

This guide breaks down the most common causes of tablet freezes during video calls and provides actionable solutions anyone can implement, regardless of technical skill level. From clearing background apps to optimizing network settings, these steps will help stabilize your device and restore smooth communication.

Common Causes of Tablet Freezing During Video Calls

Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand what’s actually happening when your tablet freezes. A freeze occurs when the system becomes overwhelmed and can no longer process input or refresh the display. In the context of video calls, this usually results from a combination of high resource demands and underlying performance bottlenecks.

• Insufficient RAM: Video calling apps like Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime require substantial memory to run smoothly. If your tablet has limited RAM (especially 2GB or less), running other apps in the background can push it over the edge.
• Outdated software: Older operating systems or app versions may lack critical optimizations or contain bugs that cause instability during real-time streaming.
• Poor internet connection: Low bandwidth or unstable Wi-Fi forces the app to buffer constantly, leading to stuttering and eventual freezes.
• Overheating: Extended use, direct sunlight, or poor ventilation can cause thermal throttling, where the processor slows down to cool off—resulting in lag or freezing.
• Storage nearly full: When internal storage is above 90% capacity, the system struggles to create temporary files needed for smooth app operation.

Tip: Close unused tabs and apps before starting a video call to free up memory and reduce strain on your tablet.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prevent Freezing

Follow this practical sequence to diagnose and resolve freezing issues efficiently. Each step builds on the previous one, targeting different layers of the problem.

1. Restart your tablet. This simple action clears cached data, stops rogue processes, and resets network connections. Hold the power button, select “Restart,” and wait 30 seconds before turning it back on.
2. Close all background apps. Swipe up from the bottom (or use the multitasking button) to view open apps. Swipe each one away to fully close them. This frees up RAM and CPU resources.
3. Update your operating system and apps. Go to Settings > System > Software Update (Android) or Settings > General > Software Update (iOS). Also check your app store for updates to your video calling app.
4. Check your Wi-Fi signal strength. Move closer to your router or switch to a less congested band (e.g., 5GHz instead of 2.4GHz). Avoid using public or shared networks during important calls.
5. Lower video quality in the app settings. Many apps allow you to disable HD video or turn off your camera temporarily. This reduces data and processing load.
6. Clear cache for the video calling app. On Android: Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear Cache. On iOS: Offload the app (Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage > [App] > Offload App), then reinstall.
7. Disable battery saver mode. While helpful for extending life, battery saver often limits CPU performance and background processes, which can interfere with real-time apps.

Do’s and Don’ts: Best Practices Table

Do’s	Don’ts
Use a stable Wi-Fi connection with at least 5 Mbps upload speed	Run multiple video apps simultaneously (e.g., YouTube + Zoom)
Keep your tablet charged above 20% during calls	Place the tablet in direct sunlight or on warm surfaces
Close unused apps before starting a call	Ignore software update notifications for weeks
Use headphones to reduce audio processing load	Leave downloads or cloud backups running during a call
Enable “Data Saver” mode within the video app if available	Store large files (videos, photos) until storage is below 80%

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Work-from-Home Breakthrough

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer from Portland, relied on her three-year-old Android tablet for daily client meetings. Over several weeks, she noticed increasing lag and frequent freezes during Zoom calls, damaging her professional image. She assumed her device was too old to fix.

Instead of upgrading, she followed a troubleshooting checklist: restarted her tablet daily, cleared the Zoom app cache, moved her router closer, and disabled automatic photo backups during work hours. She also switched from HD to standard definition video in Zoom settings.

The result? No more freezes in her last 15 calls. “I saved $300 by not buying a new tablet,” she said. “It was just about managing what I already had.” Her experience underscores how small adjustments can yield dramatic improvements—even on aging hardware.

Expert Insight: What Engineers Say About Device Performance

“Most tablet freezes during video calls are avoidable. The real issue isn’t raw power—it’s resource management. Closing background apps and ensuring clean thermal conditions can restore near-new performance on devices people think are obsolete.” — Dr. Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Systems Engineer at TechFlow Labs

Dr. Mehta’s point highlights a key misconception: users often blame their hardware when the solution lies in better digital hygiene. Tablets don’t degrade quickly under normal use—but they do suffer when overloaded with unnecessary tasks.

Troubleshooting Checklist: Fix Freezing in Under 15 Minutes

Use this concise checklist whenever your tablet acts up during a video call. Print it or save it as a note for quick access.

• ✅ Restart the tablet
• ✅ Close all background apps
• ✅ Switch to a stronger Wi-Fi network or hotspot
• ✅ Turn off HD video in the app settings
• ✅ Disable battery saver or performance-limiting modes
• ✅ Ensure device temperature is normal (not hot to touch)
• ✅ Update the video calling app and OS
• ✅ Clear app cache or reinstall the app if issues persist
• ✅ Free up storage space (delete unused media or apps)
• ✅ Test with a different video platform (e.g., try Google Meet instead of Teams)

Tip: Schedule a weekly “tablet tune-up”: restart, clear cache, check updates, and delete unnecessary files to maintain peak performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a weak internet connection really make my tablet freeze?

Absolutely. While the freeze appears to be a device issue, a poor or unstable internet connection forces the video app to repeatedly buffer and re-establish streams. This constant retrying consumes CPU and memory, eventually overwhelming the system. Even if your download speed seems fine, low upload speed or high latency (ping) can destabilize two-way video communication.

Is it safe to use my tablet while charging during a video call?

Generally yes, but with caveats. Charging generates heat, and combined with the processing load of a video call, this can lead to overheating. If your tablet feels hot, unplug it and let it cool down. Use a certified charger and avoid heavy cases that trap heat. For long calls, consider plugging in early to charge fully, then disconnecting to run on battery.

Will resetting my tablet fix the freezing?

A factory reset can resolve deep-seated software conflicts, but it should be a last resort. Back up your data first, as this process erases everything. Reset only if all other steps fail and freezing persists across multiple apps. After resetting, install only essential apps and monitor performance before restoring backups.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Tablet’s Performance

Your tablet doesn’t need to be the latest model to handle video calls effectively. Most freezing issues stem from correctable habits and overlooked settings—not irreversible hardware decline. By understanding the root causes and applying consistent maintenance, you can dramatically improve reliability and extend your device’s useful life.

Start today: perform a quick restart, close unused apps, and test your Wi-Fi. These small actions build the foundation of a smoother digital experience. Whether you're presenting to clients, attending class, or catching up with family, a stable tablet ensures you stay connected without interruption.

💬 Have a fix that worked for you? Share your experience in the comments—your insight could help someone avoid their next frozen screen!