If you have ever been in a situation where you tried to open an application, but it didn’t work, or if you were working on something, your computer crashed. You probably received the error “Cannot complete the previous operation due to low memory.”

This error message is usually generated when your system’s virtual memory (RAM) is full. Virtual memory is a method that allows computers to access more information than would be possible in physical memory. The system swaps out data from physical memory when it needs more space for new data.

When there’s insufficient space available in physical memory and all the processes are trying to do their job simultaneously, this can result in a crash or a blue screen of death (BSOD).

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

Clear Data and Cache

You may have been trying to use your phone, but you got an error message that said, “Unable to complete the previous operation due to low memory.” If you’re getting this message, it’s probably because your phone is running out of memory.

You’ll need to clear the data and cache from your mobile to fix this issue. Here we will talk about Google Chrome, but you can follow a similar process for any app you think creates an issue on your phone.

Here’s how:

1. Go to the Settings option on your phone.

2. Scroll down until you find the Apps option, then click on it.

3. Find the Google Chrome app by searching or scrolling, then click on it.

4. Navigate the clear data option at the bottom of your screen (this will be different for every device) and select it by clicking on it.

5. You should see a confirmation message that clears all data from this app from your device.

Repeat this step for any other apps that are having issues with memory usage.

See also: Fixing Chrome SSL error on Android

Try Another Browser

Suppose you have been facing this “unable to complete the previous operation due to low memory” problem even after clearing the cache and data. In that case, it means that the problem is in your Google Chrome browser.

Many Google Chrome users have claimed that despite having 4 GB of internal memory, this error has repeatedly appeared on their screens. Therefore, the best option would be to switch to another browser, such as Opera Mini, Firefox, or Internet Explorer.

However, if you cannot access these browsers for some reason or other, then there are still ways by which you can fix this issue. You can try restarting your phone or tablet. If this does not work either, then it’s time to factory reset the device and reinstall all the apps again one by one until you find out which app is causing this problem.

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.

If you want to fix this problem and stop getting these error messages, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the “Settings” option from the menu.
  2. Find the “Developer option” and click on it.
  3. If you don’t have a Developer option, follow these steps instead:
  4. Click on the About Phone option.

Navigate the Build Number or Version option and tap several times until the “You Are Developer“ message appears on your screen.

Now locate the Developer Option > scroll down until you find the “Don’t Keep Activities” option under Apps. Ensure that “Don’t Keep Activities” is disabled; otherwise, uncheck it.

Finally, restart your phone.

Unstick Strict Mode

You must disable strict mode from within your Android settings to fix this problem. Here’s how:

  1. Open the settings option on your phone.
  2. Scroll down and find the developer option.
  3. Launch the developer option.

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

Conclusion

This article will show you two ways to solve how to fix the inability to complete the previous operations due to low memory. We have covered a few steps to resolve the issue. If the issue persists, then follow other ways.

Make sure that you are not running any application in the background, and close all unnecessary applications. If the issue persists even after following all these steps, it’s time to reinstall your operating system to avoid further damage and lags.

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Khushali Limbani
Khushali Limbani
https://www.theandroidportal.com/author/klimbani/
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.
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