Bolt performance

Memory Leak - Component Doesn't Clean Up Resources

Your app gradually uses more memory the longer it runs. DevTools shows increasing memory usage even after navigating away from components.

The app slows down over time or crashes after extended use.

Error Messages You Might See

Can't perform a React state update on an unmounted component Memory usage increasing: 50MB -> 200MB -> 500MB Warning: memory leak detected Component still registered after unmount
Can't perform a React state update on an unmounted componentMemory usage increasing: 50MB -> 200MB -> 500MBWarning: memory leak detectedComponent still registered after unmount

Common Causes

  1. useEffect without cleanup function for event listeners, intervals, subscriptions
  2. Setting state on unmounted component
  3. Global state not being cleared when component unmounts
  4. WebSocket or fetch requests not aborted on cleanup
  5. Timer/interval not cleared in cleanup

How to Fix It

Always return cleanup from useEffect: useEffect(() => { const timer = setInterval(...); return () => clearInterval(timer); }, [])

Abort fetch requests: const controller = new AbortController(); fetch(url, { signal: controller.signal }); return () => controller.abort()

Remove event listeners: addEventListener then removeEventListener in cleanup

Check for 'Can't perform a React state update on an unmounted component' warnings

Real developers can help you.

Simon A. Simon A. I'm a backend developer building APIs, emulators, and interactive game systems. Professionally, I've developed Java/Spring reporting solutions, managed relational and NoSQL databases, and implemented CI/CD workflows. Prakash Prajapati Prakash Prajapati I’m a Senior Python Developer specializing in building secure, scalable, and highly available systems. I work primarily with Python, Django, FastAPI, Docker, PostgreSQL, and modern AI tooling such as PydanticAI, focusing on clean architecture, strong design principles, and reliable DevOps practices. I enjoy solving complex engineering problems and designing systems that are maintainable, resilient, and built to scale. Yovel Cohen Yovel Cohen I got a lot of experience in building Long-horizon AI Agents in production, Backend apps that scale to millions of users and frontend knowledge as well. zipking zipking I am a technologist and product builder dedicated to creating high-impact solutions at the intersection of AI and specialized markets. Currently, I am focused on PropScan (EstateGuard), an AI-driven SaaS platform tailored for the Japanese real estate industry, and exploring the potential of Archify. As an INFJ-T, I approach development with a "systems-thinking" mindset—balancing technical precision with a deep understanding of user needs. I particularly enjoy the challenge of architecting Vertical AI SaaS and optimizing Small Language Models (SLMs) to solve specific, real-world business problems. Whether I'm in a CTO-level leadership role or hands-on with the code, I thrive on building tools that turn complex data into actionable value. MFox MFox Full-stack professional senior engineer (15+years). Extensive experience in software development, qa, and IP networking. Matthew Jordan Matthew Jordan I've been working at a large software company named Kainos for 2 years, and mainly specialise in Platform Engineering. I regularly enjoy working on software products outside of work, and I'm a huge fan of game development using Unity. I personally enjoy Python & C# in my spare time, but I also specialise in multiple different platform-related technologies from my day job. BurnHavoc BurnHavoc Been around fixing other peoples code for 20 years. Daniel Vázquez Daniel Vázquez Software Engineer with over 10 years of experience on Startups, Government, big tech industry & consulting. Rudra Bhikadiya Rudra Bhikadiya I build and fix web apps across Next.js, Node.js, and DBs. Comfortable jumping into messy code, broken APIs, and mysterious bugs. If your project works in theory but not in reality, I help close that gap. Basel Issmail Basel Issmail ’m a Senior Full-Stack Developer and Tech Lead with experience designing and building scalable web platforms. I work across the full development lifecycle, from translating business requirements into technical architecture to delivering reliable production systems. My work focuses on modern web technologies, including TypeScript, Angular, Node.js, and cloud-based architectures. I enjoy solving complex technical problems and helping teams turn product ideas and prototypes into working platforms that can grow and scale. In addition to development, I often collaborate closely with product managers, business analysts, designers, and QA teams to ensure that solutions align with both technical and business goals. I enjoy working with startups and product teams where I can contribute both as a hands-on engineer and as a technical partner in designing and delivering impactful software.

You don't need to be technical. Just describe what's wrong and a verified developer will handle the rest.

Get Help

Frequently Asked Questions

When does cleanup function run?

Before component unmounts and before effect runs again (if dependencies change)

Do all useEffects need cleanup?

No, only those that start resources: listeners, intervals, subscriptions, fetches, timers

How do I detect memory leaks?

DevTools Memory tab: take heap snapshot, navigate, take another. Growing objects = leak

Related Bolt Issues

Can't fix it yourself?
Real developers can help.

You don't need to be technical. Just describe what's wrong and a verified developer will handle the rest.

Get Help