How To Fix Unable To Complete Previous Operation Due To Low Memory 1

Introduction

If you’ve ever tried to open an application and it failed to load, or your computer crashed while working on something, you might have encountered the error: “Cannot complete the previous operation due to low memory.”

This problem occurs when your system’s virtual memory (RAM) is fully utilized. Virtual memory allows your computer to handle more data than the physical memory can store by temporarily moving files to the hard drive. When both physical and virtual memory are exhausted, apps may freeze, crash, or trigger a blue screen of death (BSOD).

To fix unable to load video low memory errors, free up resources by closing unused apps, clearing cache, and preventing background processes from consuming memory. Adjusting virtual memory settings or uninstalling unnecessary apps can also minimize the chances of this issue.

Understanding Low Memory Errors on Android

When your Android device displays a “low memory” warning, it’s typically indicating that the available RAM is insufficient for the current tasks. This can be caused by:

Too Many Apps Open: Numerous applications running simultaneously, especially in the background, consume significant RAM.

Excessive Cached Data: Apps accumulate temporary files (cache) over time, which can fill up storage and indirectly impact memory performance.

Memory-Intensive Apps: Certain applications, like web browsers (e.g., Google Chrome) or heavy games, are known to be significant memory hogs.

Background Processes: System processes or third-party apps running in the background can silently consume valuable memory.

Addressing these underlying causes is key to resolving the “unable to load video low memory” problem.

Fix Unable to Load Video Low Memory on Android | Quick Solutions

Clear Data and Cache

You might have tried using your phone and suddenly saw the error message “Unable to complete the previous operation due to low memory.” This usually means your phone’s memory is overloaded with cached data or unnecessary files.

To resolve this issue, you need to clear the data and cache of the apps consuming the most memory. In this example, we’ll explain how to do it for Google Chrome, but the same steps work for other apps as well.

Steps to clear data and cache:

  1. Open the Settings app on your phone.

  2. Scroll down and tap on Apps or App Management.

  3. Locate and select Google Chrome from the list.

  4. Tap Storage and then Clear Data or Clear Cache (this may vary by device).

  5. Confirm the action when prompted.

Repeat these steps for other apps that may be using excessive memory.

See also: Fixing Chrome SSL error on Android


Try Another Browser

If clearing data and cache doesn’t fix the issue, the problem could be with Google Chrome itself. Many users have reported this error even on devices with 4GB or more RAM. Switching to a lighter browser, such as Opera Mini, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, can resolve this.

If switching browsers is not an option, you can also:

  • Restart your phone to free up memory.

  • Perform a factory reset (as a last resort) and reinstall apps one by one to find the problematic app.


Untick the “Don’t Keep Activities” Option

The “Don’t keep activities” option is a setting that can be found on your device. It tells the device whether or not it should keep open applications that are already running when you close them.

This is a handy feature, but it can also cause issues with memory usage. If you have an older device or one with less than 1 GB of RAM, this may be causing the “unable to complete the previous operation due to low memory” error message.

How to disable this option:

  1. Go to Settings > Developer Options.

    • If Developer Options is not enabled, go to Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number multiple times until you see “You are now a developer.”

  2. Scroll down to the Apps section.

  3. Turn off the “Don’t Keep Activities” option.

  4. Restart your phone.


Unstick Strict Mode

To fix this issue, you need to disable Strict Mode from your Android settings. Follow these steps:

Steps:

    1. Open Settings > Developer Options.

    2. Locate Strict Mode and toggle it off.

    3. Reboot your device to apply changes.

Now, find the strict mode option and disable it by tapping on it. Reboot your smartphone to see if this fixes the problem!


Conclusion

Fixing the “Unable to Load Video Due to Low Memory” issue doesn’t have to be complicated. By clearing app cache, disabling the “Don’t Keep Activities” option, or switching to a lightweight browser, you can free up memory and avoid this error.

Always close unnecessary apps running in the background to prevent memory overload. If the problem persists even after these steps, consider resetting your device or reinstalling the operating system to achieve smooth and stable performance.

FAQs –

1. What causes the “Unable to Complete Previous Operation Due to Low Memory” error?

This error occurs when your device’s RAM or virtual memory is full due to too many apps running or cached data occupying storage.

2. How do I fix low memory errors on Android?

You can clear app cache and data, restart your device, or disable background apps. If the issue persists, consider factory resetting the device.

3. Does clearing cache free up RAM?

Yes, clearing cache removes temporary data and frees up storage, which can indirectly improve RAM performance and stop memory-related errors.

4. Can I fix this issue without resetting my device?

Yes, try clearing cache, disabling strict mode, or switching to lightweight apps before resorting to a factory reset.

5. Why does Chrome often show this low memory error?

Google Chrome consumes significant RAM. If your device has limited memory, using alternate browsers like Opera Mini or Firefox may resolve the issue.

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Khushali Limbani
Khushali Limbani doesn't just write about Android tech; she lives and breathes it. As a pivotal author at TheAndroidPortal.com, she serves up fresh, expert-backed content that educates while it engages. Boasting a Computer Science degree, her credibility isn't confined to paper; she's got the street cred to prove it. Khushali's reputation as a seasoned expert precedes her, thanks to her published articles in reputed tech journals and a social media following that's as dynamic as the Android updates she covers. Her accolades and speaking engagements further cement her as an industry stalwart. When it comes to facts, she's your rock. A stickler for details, Khushali ensures that her articles are transparent, honest, and meticulously accurate. To top it all off, her writing style is straightforward and absolutely relatable, stripped of any jargon that could cloud your understanding. Need to get the lowdown on the latest Android trends without the techno-babble? Khushali Limbani's articles are your roadmap to becoming an Android whiz.