Why Does My Tablet Freeze During Video Calls Quick Reboot Fixes

Video calls have become a daily necessity—for work meetings, family check-ins, or virtual classrooms. When your tablet suddenly freezes mid-conversation, it’s more than just frustrating; it disrupts communication and undermines confidence in your device. Many users report that a simple reboot resolves the issue almost instantly. But why does this happen? And why does restarting the device so often restore smooth performance? Understanding the root causes behind tablet freezing during video calls—and knowing when and how to respond—can save time, reduce stress, and extend your device’s reliability.

What Causes Tablets to Freeze During Video Calls?

Tablets are powerful for their size, but they operate under constraints compared to desktop computers. When running resource-intensive applications like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, multiple systems engage simultaneously: the camera, microphone, Wi-Fi, processor, and graphics subsystem. This convergence of demand can overwhelm the device, especially if background processes are already consuming memory and CPU cycles.

One of the most common culprits is **memory overload**. Unlike computers with large RAM capacities, tablets typically have between 3GB and 8GB of memory. When too many apps run in the background—social media, email sync, cloud backups, music streaming—they eat up available RAM. When a video call starts, the system may not have enough free memory to allocate, leading to stuttering, unresponsiveness, or complete freezing.

Another frequent cause is **overheating**. Tablets lack active cooling systems like fans. Prolonged use, direct sunlight, or being covered by a case while charging can cause internal temperatures to rise. As thermal throttling kicks in, the processor slows down to prevent damage, which can manifest as lag or freezing during real-time tasks like video conferencing.

Software conflicts also play a role. Outdated operating systems, buggy app updates, or corrupted cache files can interfere with app stability. For example, an outdated version of a video calling app might not be optimized for the latest OS security patches, causing crashes under load.

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

Why a Quick Reboot Fixes the Problem

A reboot clears the slate. It terminates all running processes, flushes temporary cache, resets network connections, and reloads the operating system cleanly. This is particularly effective because it addresses several underlying issues at once:

• Resets Memory Allocation: A reboot clears RAM, eliminating memory leaks caused by poorly optimized apps.
• Stops Runaway Processes: Background services that consume excessive CPU are terminated and restarted only if necessary.
• Reinitializes Hardware Drivers: Camera, microphone, and Wi-Fi modules are reloaded, resolving temporary glitches.
• Clears App Cache Conflicts: Temporary data that may have corrupted during a previous session is wiped clean.

Dr. Alan Reyes, Senior Systems Engineer at MobileTech Labs, explains:

“Rebooting isn’t just a ritual—it’s a diagnostic reset. On mobile devices, where background task management is automated and opaque to users, a restart forces a controlled recovery state. It’s often the fastest way to resolve transient software faults.” — Dr. Alan Reyes, Mobile Systems Specialist

In fact, studies show that over 70% of intermittent tablet performance issues are resolved with a single reboot. The reason it works so well is that modern operating systems prioritize stability on restart, loading only essential services first and deferring non-critical tasks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prevent Future Freezing

While rebooting solves immediate problems, relying on it frequently indicates deeper inefficiencies. Follow this timeline to maintain optimal tablet performance for video calls:

1. Before the Call (5–10 Minutes Prior):
   • Close all unnecessary apps via the recent apps menu.
   • Turn off Bluetooth and location services if not needed.
   • Ensure the tablet is on a flat, cool surface—avoid using it on beds or sofas that block vents.
2. During Setup:
   • Connect to a strong Wi-Fi signal. If possible, use 5GHz band for lower interference.
   • Disable auto-brightness to prevent screen adjustments from taxing the processor.
   • Switch off notifications to prevent interruptions and background activity spikes.
3. Mid-Call Monitoring:
   • Feel the back of the tablet occasionally. If it’s hot, pause the call and let it cool.
   • If audio or video stutters, mute your video temporarily to reduce load.
4. After the Call:
   • Exit the video app completely rather than minimizing it.
   • Clear the app cache monthly through Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear Cache.
   • Restart your tablet at least once a week to maintain system hygiene.

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

Do’s	Don’ts
Update your OS and apps regularly	Ignore software update notifications
Use original charger to avoid power fluctuations	Charge and use intensive apps simultaneously
Store the tablet in a well-ventilated area	Leave it in direct sunlight or hot cars
Limit widgets and live wallpapers	Run multiple video apps in the background
Use airplane mode when testing app stability	Install third-party optimization “cleaner” apps

Tip: Avoid using your tablet in extreme temperatures—both heat and cold can degrade battery and processor performance.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Remote Work Breakthrough

Sarah, a project manager based in Denver, relied on her tablet for daily team stand-ups and client presentations. Over three weeks, she experienced repeated freezing during Zoom calls, forcing her to switch to her laptop—an inconvenience since she preferred the tablet’s portability. Initially, she assumed the issue was her internet connection, but speed tests showed consistent 40 Mbps download speeds.

After consulting IT support, she followed a structured approach: clearing cache for Zoom, disabling background sync for non-essential apps, and scheduling a weekly reboot every Sunday night. She also started placing the tablet on a cooling pad during long calls. Within days, the freezing stopped entirely. “I used to dread turning on my tablet for meetings,” she said. “Now it runs smoother than my old laptop.”

This case illustrates how a combination of maintenance habits—not just rebooting—can deliver lasting improvements.

When a Reboot Isn’t Enough: Advanced Troubleshooting

If your tablet continues to freeze despite regular reboots, deeper issues may be at play. Consider these steps:

• Check for OS Updates: Navigate to Settings > System > Software Update. An outdated OS may lack critical bug fixes.
• Test in Safe Mode: Boot the tablet in safe mode (method varies by brand) to disable third-party apps. If the problem disappears, a specific app is likely the culprit.
• Factory Reset (Last Resort): Backup your data and perform a factory reset. This eliminates deep-seated software corruption but should only be done after exhausting other options.
• Evaluate Hardware Health: If the device is older than four years, degraded battery health or failing storage chips could be contributing. Use built-in diagnostics or visit a service center.

Some manufacturers, like Samsung and Apple, offer built-in performance diagnostics. For instance, iPadOS includes a “Battery Health” feature that warns when reduced peak performance is enabled due to aging batteries—a known contributor to app instability.

FAQ: Common Questions About Tablet Freezing

Why does my tablet freeze only during video calls and not other tasks?

Video calls require simultaneous use of the camera, microphone, network, and display—all high-demand functions. This multi-system load is more taxing than browsing or reading, making freezes more likely when resources are constrained.

How long should I wait before rebooting during a freeze?

If the screen is completely unresponsive for more than 30 seconds, attempt a forced restart. For most tablets, this involves holding the Power button (and sometimes Volume Down) for 10–15 seconds until the device vibrates or displays the logo.

Can a poor internet connection cause freezing?

Indirectly, yes. While low bandwidth won’t freeze the OS, it can cause the video app to buffer excessively, consuming CPU and memory as it retries connections. This added strain can push an already overloaded system into unresponsiveness.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Tablet’s Performance

A frozen tablet during a video call doesn’t have to be a recurring headache. While a quick reboot offers an instant fix, true reliability comes from proactive care. By understanding the technical demands of video conferencing, managing background processes, and maintaining your device with regular updates and clean restarts, you can ensure smooth, uninterrupted communication.

The next time your screen locks up, reboot with confidence—but don’t stop there. Use that moment as a reminder to evaluate your usage habits, optimize settings, and protect your device’s longevity. Technology should empower you, not interrupt you.

🚀 Ready to master your tablet’s performance? Share your own reboot routine or ask a question in the comments below—let’s build a community of smarter, smoother video callers!