Why Does My Tablet Freeze During Video Calls Quick Solutions

Video calls have become a cornerstone of modern communication—whether for work meetings, virtual classrooms, or catching up with loved ones. But nothing disrupts the flow like a frozen tablet screen mid-conversation. You’re left staring at a still image while others wonder if you’ve disconnected. This frustrating experience is more common than you think, especially on older or budget-friendly devices. The good news? Most freezing issues stem from predictable causes and can be resolved quickly with the right approach.

Understanding why your tablet freezes during video calls isn’t just about fixing the moment—it’s about ensuring smooth, reliable communication going forward. From software conflicts to hardware limitations, multiple factors contribute to performance drops. By identifying the root cause and applying targeted fixes, you can significantly reduce—or even eliminate—freezing episodes.

Common Causes of Tablet Freezing During Video Calls

Before diving into solutions, it's essential to understand what triggers the freeze. Tablets, unlike desktop computers, have limited processing power and memory. When pushed beyond their capacity during resource-intensive tasks like video conferencing, they often struggle to keep up.

• Insufficient RAM: Running multiple apps in the background consumes memory, leaving little room for video call applications to function smoothly.
• Outdated Software: Older operating systems or unpatched apps may contain bugs that interfere with real-time data processing.
• Poor Internet Connection: Video calls require steady upload and download speeds. Spotty Wi-Fi or weak cellular signals can cause buffering and app crashes.
• Overheating: Prolonged use, direct sunlight, or poor ventilation can cause thermal throttling, slowing down the processor.
• App Compatibility Issues: Some video calling apps aren't optimized for certain tablet models or screen resolutions.
• Storage Overload: When internal storage is nearly full, system performance degrades, including app responsiveness.

Each of these factors alone can trigger instability, but they often combine—making diagnosis critical before applying fixes.

Tip: Close all non-essential apps before starting a video call to free up RAM and reduce strain on your device.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prevent Freezing

Follow this structured troubleshooting process to identify and resolve the issue efficiently. Start with the simplest checks and progress to deeper optimizations.

1. Check Your Internet Speed
   Open a browser and run a speed test (e.g., Speedtest.net). For HD video calls, aim for at least 3 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload. If speeds are low, restart your router or switch to a wired connection via Ethernet adapter if supported.
2. Restart Your Tablet
   A reboot clears temporary files and resets active processes. Hold the power button, select “Restart,” and wait 30 seconds before turning it back on.
3. Update Your Operating System and Apps
   Go to Settings > System > Software Update (Android) or Settings > General > Software Update (iOS). Also, update your video calling app through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
4. Clear Cache for the Video App
   On Android: Settings > Apps > [Your App] > Storage > Clear Cache.
   On iPad: Offload the app (Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage > [App] > Offload App), then reinstall.
5. Disable Background Apps and Features
   Turn off Bluetooth, location services, and automatic syncing. Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to prevent notifications from interrupting the call.
6. Lower Video Quality in App Settings
   In Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet, go to settings and reduce resolution to 720p or lower. This reduces bandwidth and processing demands.
7. Ensure Adequate Cooling
   Remove any case trapping heat, avoid direct sunlight, and place the tablet on a hard surface for airflow.

After completing these steps, test with a short call. If freezing persists, continue to deeper diagnostics.

Tips and Best Practices for Stable Performance

Prevention is always better than repair. Incorporate these habits into your routine to maintain consistent tablet performance during calls.

Practice	Benefit	How to Implement
Maintain 20%+ free storage	Prevents system lag and app crashes	Delete unused apps, photos, and downloads monthly
Use Wi-Fi over mobile data	More stable connection with higher bandwidth	Connect to 5GHz band if available for less interference
Charge before long calls	Avoids power-saving mode throttling CPU	Keep battery above 40%, ideally charge to 80%
Use headphones with mic	Reduces audio processing load and echo cancellation strain	Wired or Bluetooth headsets improve clarity and efficiency

Tip: Schedule important calls during off-peak internet hours (early morning or late evening) to minimize network congestion.

Real Example: How Sarah Fixed Her Freezing Issue

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, relied on her three-year-old Android tablet for daily client check-ins. She began experiencing frequent freezes during Zoom calls—sometimes losing connection entirely. Initially, she blamed her internet, but speed tests showed consistent 15 Mbps speeds.

After reading about background app impact, she checked her recent apps list and found five running: Spotify, Chrome with ten tabs, a weather widget, email sync, and a cloud backup service. She closed them all and restarted the tablet. The next call ran smoothly for 45 minutes without a single stutter.

Later, she discovered her storage was at 94%. She transferred old design drafts to an external drive and cleared cache across messaging apps. Since then, her tablet has performed reliably—even during back-to-back meetings.

This case illustrates how multiple small inefficiencies can compound into major disruptions. Addressing each layer brought lasting improvement.

Expert Insight on Device Optimization

“Tablets are powerful, but they're not immune to overload. The key is proactive maintenance—regular updates, mindful multitasking, and understanding your device’s limits.” — Dr. Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Systems Engineer at TechReliability Labs

Dr. Mehta emphasizes that user behavior plays a bigger role than most realize. “Most people treat tablets like smartphones, keeping dozens of apps open. But tablets often have less RAM optimization. Closing unused apps isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary for stability during high-demand tasks like video conferencing.”

Quick Checklist: Prevent Tablet Freezing Now

Use this actionable checklist before every important video call to ensure optimal performance:

• ✅ Restart your tablet
• ✅ Close all background apps
• ✅ Connect to a strong Wi-Fi signal (preferably 5GHz)
• ✅ Disable Bluetooth, GPS, and auto-sync
• ✅ Ensure battery is above 40%
• ✅ Lower video quality in app settings
• ✅ Free up storage if below 10% capacity
• ✅ Update OS and calling app
• ✅ Place tablet on a cool, flat surface
• ✅ Test audio and video before joining

Running through this list takes less than two minutes but can prevent embarrassing technical failures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can antivirus apps help stop freezing during video calls?

Generally, no. Most tablets don’t benefit from third-party antivirus tools, which often run background scans that consume resources and worsen performance. Stick to built-in security features and official app stores for safer downloads.

Is it better to use a phone or tablet for video calls?

It depends. Phones typically have better thermal management and optimized call software. However, tablets offer larger screens and better speaker/mic arrays. If your tablet is newer and well-maintained, it can outperform an older phone. Prioritize device condition over form factor.

Why does freezing happen only during calls and not while watching videos?

Video streaming (like YouTube) is one-way data flow and pre-buffered, requiring less real-time processing. Video calls involve two-way audio/video encoding, microphone input, camera feed, and live network syncing—all simultaneously taxing CPU, GPU, and network. This makes calls far more demanding than passive viewing.

When to Consider Hardware Upgrade

If you've followed all optimization steps and still face freezing, your tablet may simply lack the hardware to handle modern video conferencing demands. Devices older than four years, especially those with less than 3GB of RAM or outdated processors (e.g., MediaTek MT8163, Exynos 7870), struggle with current apps.

Consider upgrading if:

• Calls freeze even after factory reset
• Device runs hot within minutes of use
• Operating system no longer receives updates
• App updates fail due to compatibility

Newer mid-range tablets now come with 4GB+ RAM, efficient chipsets (like Snapdragon 680 or Apple A14 Bionic), and better cooling—making them far more reliable for professional or educational use.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Communication Experience

A frozen tablet doesn’t have to derail your day. Most freezing issues are solvable with basic maintenance and smart usage habits. The root causes—overloaded memory, poor connectivity, outdated software—are manageable once recognized. By applying the strategies outlined here, you gain control over your device’s performance and ensure smoother, more professional interactions.

Start today: clean up your tablet, run through the checklist, and test a call with a friend. Small changes yield big results. Don’t wait for the next freeze-up during a critical meeting—be proactive, stay prepared, and communicate with confidence.

💬 Have a tip that helped stabilize your tablet? Share your experience in the comments and help others overcome freezing issues!