[Bug]: MetaMask app freezes when switching back from another app

[chaoticgoodpanda]

Describe the bug

The MetaMask app becomes unresponsive and freezes when users switch back to it from other applications. This occurs during normal app switching behavior (using recent apps, returning from browser, etc.) and renders the app temporarily or completely unusable until force-closed and restarted.

Expected behavior

• App should resume smoothly when switching back from other applications
• UI should remain responsive and functional
• App should properly handle background/foreground transitions
• No freezing or unresponsive behavior during normal app switching

Screenshots/Recordings

Steps to reproduce

1. Open MetaMask app on mobile device
2. Use app normally (view wallet, navigate through screens)
3. Switch to another app (browser, messages, etc.) using recent apps or home button
4. Wait a few moments in the other app
5. Switch back to MetaMask using recent apps or app launcher
6. Observe that MetaMask app is frozen/unresponsive
7. UI elements don't respond to touch inputs
8. May require force-closing and restarting the app

Error messages or log output

No specific error messages visible to user. App appears frozen with last displayed screen but becomes unresponsive to touch inputs.

Detection stage

During release testing

Version

7.53.0

Build type

None

Device

Pixel 8a

Operating system

Android

Additional context

This is a critical stability issue that affects basic app usage patterns. The problem appears to be related to improper handling of app lifecycle events.
Possible Technical Causes:

Improper handling of onPause/onResume lifecycle events
Memory management issues when app goes to background
State management problems during app transitions
Resource cleanup/restoration issues
Threading problems with background/foreground transitions

User Impact:

Severely disrupts normal app usage workflow
Forces users to constantly restart the app
Makes multitasking impossible while using MetaMask
Could lead to loss of unsaved transaction progress
Creates frustration with basic app switching behavior

Reproduction Patterns:

Occurs consistently when switching between apps
May be more frequent with certain app combinations
Could be related to available system memory
May vary based on time spent in background

Business Impact:

Major usability issue affecting core app functionality
Could drive users to competitor wallets
Significantly impacts user experience and app reliability
May affect app store ratings and reviews

Severity

No response

[NidhiKJha]

I am not able to repro this issue on main currently, also it doesn't seem like a wallet-ux issue. It could be a platform issue though. cc @tommasini @pnarayanaswamy

[elmariachi111]

i'm rather convinced this is similar to #17890 . I'm still affected. Mostly stuck on home / portfolio screen after opening (also stuck on the jumping hedron sometimes). It takes 5 minutes (yes!!) until the app suddenly becomes responsive. Something seems to be loading forever in the background. My accounts are quite old, controlling lots of tokens, across chains. Don't know if that's helpful, but something definitely blocks the whole app.

[sethkfman]

@elmariachi111 A new version was shipped out today. Can you please upgrade and let us know if you are still seeing issues.

[elmariachi111]

yes, still can see it. Upgraded to 7.51.4. Open app. Shows cached screen with old balances. Does not react to any touch gesture (no, not any, nothing). Phone gets very warm. Waiting ~5-6 minutes = the app suddently becomes interactive. Can kill it and reopen = still responsive. Wait half an hour, reopen again = frozen.

There are a lot of accounts on this instance, many HD derived, many externals. Frequently connected to Reown / walletconnect.