Why Does My Tablet Freeze During Video Calls Troubleshooting Steps That Work

Video calls have become a daily necessity—whether for remote work, virtual learning, or staying connected with family. But nothing disrupts the flow like a frozen tablet screen mid-conversation. You're speaking, the image locks up, audio cuts out, and suddenly you're disconnected. It’s frustrating and unprofessional. The good news: most freezing issues are fixable. Understanding the root causes and applying targeted solutions can restore smooth performance. This guide breaks down exactly why tablets freeze during video calls and delivers actionable, tested troubleshooting steps that actually work.

Common Causes of Tablet Freezing During Video Calls

Freezing isn’t random. It's usually the result of underlying hardware limitations, software inefficiencies, or network instability. Identifying the cause is the first step toward resolution.

• Insufficient RAM or Processing Power: Tablets with older processors or limited memory struggle when running video conferencing apps alongside background tasks.
• Poor Internet Connectivity: Unstable Wi-Fi or low bandwidth leads to buffering, dropped frames, and app crashes.
• Outdated Operating System or App Software: Bugs in older versions of Android, iOS, or calling apps (like Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet) can trigger freezes.
• Overheating: Extended use, direct sunlight, or poor ventilation causes thermal throttling, slowing performance dramatically.
• Background Apps Consuming Resources: Multiple apps running in the background eat up CPU, memory, and battery, leaving little for your video call.
• Storage Nearly Full: When internal storage drops below 10%, system performance degrades significantly.

“Tablets are powerful, but they’re not desktop replacements. Overloading them during real-time communication pushes them beyond their limits.” — Dr. Marcus Lin, Mobile Systems Engineer at MIT Media Lab

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide That Works

Follow this systematic approach to diagnose and resolve freezing issues. Start from the simplest fixes and move toward deeper interventions.

1. Restart Your Tablet
   A full reboot clears temporary files, resets network settings, and stops rogue processes. Hold the power button, select “Restart,” and wait 30 seconds before powering back on.
2. Close All Background Apps
   Swipe away unused apps from the recent apps menu. On iPad, double-click the home button or swipe up and hold. On Android, tap the square or recent apps icon.
3. Check Your Internet Connection
   Test your speed using a browser-based tool like Speedtest.net. For stable HD video calls, aim for at least 3 Mbps download and 1.5 Mbps upload. If speeds are low:
   • Move closer to the router.
   • Restart your modem/router.
   • Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile hotspot (or vice versa) to test stability.
4. Update Your Operating System and Apps
   Outdated software often contains bugs affecting performance.
   • iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
   • Android: Settings > System > System Update.
   • Update your video app via the App Store or Google Play Store.
5. Reduce Video Call Quality
   Lower the resolution manually. In Zoom, go to Settings > Meetings > Video and disable HD. In Google Meet, tap More > Turn off HD. This reduces strain on both processor and bandwidth.
6. Clear App Cache (Android Only)
   Go to Settings > Apps > [Video App] > Storage > Clear Cache. This removes temporary data without deleting account info.
7. Reset Network Settings
   If connectivity issues persist, reset network configurations.
   • iPad: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
   • Android: Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
   Note: This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords.
8. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
   If all else fails, back up your data and perform a factory reset. This eliminates deep-seated software conflicts. After resetting, reinstall only essential apps and test a call immediately.

Tip: Before important calls, close all non-essential apps and switch to Airplane Mode, then re-enable Wi-Fi. This forces a clean connection and minimizes interference.

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

Do	Don't
Use your tablet on a flat, cool surface during long calls.	Place it on soft fabric (like a bed or couch) that blocks ventilation.
Keep at least 15% of storage free for optimal system function.	Fill your tablet until it shows “Storage Almost Full” warnings.
Update apps weekly to patch bugs and improve efficiency.	Ignore update notifications for months.
Use a wired headset to reduce Bluetooth load and improve audio clarity.	Rely on built-in speakers and mics while running multiple wireless connections.
Dim screen brightness during calls to reduce heat and power draw.	Keep brightness at maximum in a dark room.

Real-World Case Study: Fixing Chronic Freezing on an Older iPad

Sarah, a freelance tutor based in Portland, relied on her 2017 iPad for daily student sessions via Zoom. Over time, her tablet began freezing every 10–15 minutes during calls. Students reported frozen screens and audio dropouts. She tried restarting and switching Wi-Fi networks, but the issue persisted.

She followed a structured diagnosis:

• Checked storage: 92% full.
• Found 27 background apps running.
• Zoom app hadn’t been updated in 8 months.
• OS was two major versions behind.

Her solution:

1. Deleted unused apps and photos, freeing 8 GB.
2. Updated iPadOS to the latest supported version.
3. Updated Zoom and enabled “Low Data Mode” in settings.
4. Started closing all apps before each session.

Result: No freezing in over three weeks. Audio and video remained stable even during hour-long lessons. Sarah now schedules monthly maintenance checks to prevent recurrence.

Essential Checklist: Prevent Freezing Before Your Next Call

Run through this checklist 5–10 minutes before any important video meeting:

• ✅ Restart the tablet or at least force-close the video app.
• ✅ Close all background apps (email, social media, browsers).
• ✅ Confirm Wi-Fi signal strength (at least 3 bars).
• ✅ Disable Bluetooth devices not in use (e.g., smartwatches, headphones).
• ✅ Lower screen brightness to 50% or less.
• ✅ Switch off HD video in your calling app settings.
• ✅ Place the tablet on a hard, cool surface for airflow.
• ✅ Plug in the charger to avoid power-saving throttling.

Tip: Create a “Meeting Mode” routine: plug in, close apps, mute notifications, and open only your video app. Consistency prevents surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Video calls demand simultaneous use of the camera, microphone, screen, internet, and processor—creating high resource usage. Unlike browsing or reading, this multi-system load exposes performance bottlenecks. If your tablet barely meets minimum requirements, it may handle lighter tasks fine but fail under real-time communication stress.

Can too many apps really cause freezing?

Yes. Even when minimized, apps consume RAM and CPU cycles. Some refresh content in the background (like email or social media), which competes with your video app. On tablets with 2GB or 3GB of RAM, just three background apps can reduce available memory by over 60%, leading to stutters and crashes.

Is it worth upgrading my tablet if these fixes don’t work?

If your tablet is more than four years old and lacks support for current OS updates, upgrading may be the best long-term solution. Newer models have better thermal management, faster processors, and more RAM. However, try a factory reset first—if performance improves significantly, the device may just need a fresh start rather than replacement.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Tablet’s Performance

A frozen tablet during a video call doesn’t have to be inevitable. Most issues stem from manageable factors: cluttered software, outdated systems, weak networks, or poor habits. By understanding how your device operates under pressure and applying consistent maintenance, you can eliminate freezing and enjoy reliable, professional-quality calls. The key is proactive care—not waiting for failure to act. Implement the steps outlined here, adopt a pre-call checklist, and treat your tablet like the essential productivity tool it is. Smooth, uninterrupted communication is within reach.

💬 Have a freezing issue that wouldn’t go away? Share your story and solution in the comments—your experience could help someone else get back online.