If you can't make Skype work, there are a number of troubleshooting steps you can follow to see what the problem is and to get things up and running again.
Maybe there's a microphone problem or an issue with your audio settings, and you can't hear the other person or they can't hear you. Or maybe you can't log in to Skype because you've forgotten your password. Still, another reason could be that your external speakers or microphone are no longer working and you need to get new hardware. Maybe Skype won't connect.
Regardless of the problem, there are really only a handful of worthwhile things to try, which we've outlined below.
Even if you've already followed some of these steps, do them again in the order you see them here. We'll start you out with the easiest and most likely solutions first.
If you're having issues making HD video calls with Skype, there are a number of other factors that go into troubleshooting the reason.
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Reset Your Password If You Can't Log In to Skype
Having problems logging in to Skype? Visit Microsoft's Recover Your Account to walk through resetting your Skype password.
Enter the email address you used when you first signed up with Skype and then follow the directions there to learn how to get a new password and log back in to start making video and audio calls again.
If you need a new Skype account, you can make one through the Create account page.
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See If Others Are Having Troubles with Skype Too
There isn't much you can do to fix Skype if it's not your problem to fix. Sometimes things go wrong on Skype's end and the only thing you can do is wait it out.
The best way to check if Skype is down or if it's experiencing some issues with its messaging service is to check Skype Status/Heartbeat. If there's a problem with Skype, it's going to be affecting all platforms, be it on the web, your mobile device, your laptop, Xbox, etc.
Something else you can do to troubleshoot a Skype problem is to check Down Detector to see if other Skype users are reporting that Skype is down or having some other connection problem.
If either website shows a problem, it most likely means that you're not the only one that can't use Skype. Just wait an hour or so and try again.
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Make Sure It's Not a Network Problem
Skype won't work if you don't have a network connection. This is true if you're using Skype from any device, be it on the web, your phone, computer, etc.
If you can't open the websites from Step 1 or nothing else works, then your whole network is probably not working. Try restarting your router or following our troubleshooting steps for Wi-Fi issues.
If other websites are working normally, the reason Skype can't make calls or why it's experiencing dropped calls could be related to bandwidth usage.
If there are multiple other people on your network that are using the internet at the same time, pause or stop the activity on those devices and then see if Skype starts working again.
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Check Skype's Audio Settings and Permissions
If you can't hear the other caller(s) when in Skype, double-check that other sources of audio, like a YouTube video, works as you'd expect. Just open any video there to see if you can hear it.
If there's a playback error in Skype specifically (and not on YouTube, etc.) and you can't hear the other person you're Skyping with, or they can't hear you, you need to check that Skype has access to your speakers and microphone.
Skype for Computers
If you're using Skype on a computer, open Skype and tap the Alt key so that you can see the main menu. Then, go to Tools > Audio & Video Settings.
- With that setting open, notice the volume area under Microphone. As you talk, you should see the bar light up like seen in this picture.
- If the microphone doesn't work with Skype, select the menu next to Microphone and see if there are any other options; you might have the wrong microphone selected.
- If there aren't other ones to pick from, make sure the microphone is plugged in, powered on (if it has a power switch), and has batteries (if wireless). Finally, unplug the microphone and then reattach it.
- To check the sound in Skype to make sure that it's using the right speakers, select Test audio under the Speakers option. You should hear sound in your headset or speakers.
- If you don't hear anything when you play the sample sound, make sure your speakers or headphones are turned all the way up (some headphones have physical volume buttons) and that the on-screen settings are at 10.
- If the volume is fine, double-check the menu next to Speakers and see if there's another option to pick from, and then try the sample sound again.
Skype for Mobile Devices
If you're using Skype on a tablet or phone, then your speakers and microphone are built-in to your device and can't be manually adjusted.
However, there are still proper permissions that Skype requires in order to use your microphone, and if it doesn't have them, it won't let anyone hear what you say through it.
On iOS devices like iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches:
- Go into the Settings app.
- Scroll all the way down to Skype, and tap it.
- Make sure the Microphone option is toggled on (the bubble is green) so that Skype can access your device's mic. Just tap the button to the right if it's not already green.
Android devices can give Skype access to the microphone like this:
- Open Settings and then Application manager.
- Find and open Skype and then Permissions.
- Toggle the Microphone option to the on position.
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Check Skype's Video Settings and Permissions
Problems with how Skype accesses the camera might be the reason the person you're Skyping with can't see your video.
Skype for Computers
If the Skype video isn't working on your computer, open Skype's video settings through the Tools > Audio & Video Settings menu item (hit the Alt key if you don't see the menu).
You should see an image in that box if your webcam is properly set up. If you don't see live video of yourself in front of the camera, take note of these tips:
- Try unplugging and then reattaching the webcam if it's an external one.
- Make sure that there's nothing physically blocking the camera.
- Use the menu to the right of the Camera area in the settings to choose a different camera if you have more than one.
Skype for Mobile Devices
If Skype video is not working on your iPad, iPhone, or other iOS devices:
- Go into the Settings app and find Skype from the list.
- Turn on Camera access if it's not already.
- Launch the Settings app and then find Application manager.
- Open the Skype option and then choose Permissions from that list.
- Enable the Camera option.
If the device still doesn't let you use video in Skype, remember that it's really easy to switch between the front and back camera. If your phone is down on a table or you're holding it in a certain way, it can completely block the video and make it seem like the camera isn't working.
- Try tapping the small camera toggle button during the call to swap between the front-facing and back-facing camera.
- If you're not on a call right now, you can use the Camera option to test the video from your device.
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Make a Test Call in Skype
Now that you've made sure that the hardware is turned on and enabled in Skype, it's time to make a test audio call.
The test call will verify that you can hear through the speakers as well as speak through the microphone. You'll hear the test service speak to you and then be given an opportunity to record a message that can be played back to you.
You can make a test call from your mobile device or computer by calling Echo / Sound Test Service. Search for the username echo123 if you don't already see it in your contacts.
On the desktop version of Skype, go to File > New Call and select the Echo entry from the list of contacts. The same is true for mobile devices; use the Calls menu to find and tap that contact.
If you can't hear the voice during the sound test, or your recording doesn't get played back to you and you're told that there's a problem with the audio recording device, repeat the steps above to make sure the hardware is working properly and set up correctly.
Otherwise, continue with Step 7 below for some other options.
You can also use the Echo/Sound Test Service contact to make a test video call, but all this really does is shows you your own video during the audio call. This is another way to test Skype video calls.
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Advanced Skype Troubleshooting Steps
Reinstall Skype
If after trying the above troubleshooting steps, you still can't make Skype work and it's definitely not a problem with the Skype service (Step 2), try removing the app or program and then reinstalling it.
When you remove Skype and then install the latest version, you're basically resetting the program and all of its connections with your camera and microphone, which should resolve any issues. However, you might then have to follow the steps outlined above once more to make sure the new connections are set up properly.
You should definitely grab the freshest copy of Skype if you can use Skype normally through the web version but not the desktop version. If the webcam and mic work through your web browser just fine, then there's a problem with the offline version that needs to be taken care of through a reinstall.
Update Device Drivers
If Skype still doesn't let you make calls or receive video, and you're using Skype on Windows, you should consider checking the device driver for the webcam and sound card.
If there's something wrong with either, then your camera and/or sound won't work anywhere, including with Skype and you may need to update your drivers.
Verify That the Microphone Works
If your microphone ultimately still does not work, try testing it with Online Mic Test. If it doesn't let you talk through it there either, then your microphone probably isn't working anymore.
Replacing your microphone would be a good idea at this point, assuming it's an external mic. If not, you can always add one.
Check the System Sound
If you can't hear audio anywhere else on the internet, the speakers are plugged in (if they're external), and the sound card drivers are updated, then see if the operating system is blocking the sound.
You can do this in Windows by choosing the small volume icon next to the clock; turn the volume up as loud as it can go for testing purposes, and then try using Skype again.
If you're on a mobile device, open the Skype app and then use the volume buttons on the side to make sure the phone or tablet is on loud.
If you've followed everything on this page to find that the test call works just fine and you can see your own video, then chances are slim that any existing Skype problem rests with you. Have the other person follow these steps, too, since it's now most likely a problem on their side.
My Skype stopped running since a few weeks ago, and it doesn't want to open. The process stays open for a while, then it just dies, without showing any UI.
There's no errors related to this issue in Event Viewer. I tried deleting %appdata%/Skype, but it didn't work. I tried with and without compatibility options, but it still didn't work. Internet Explorer seems to run fine. I even reinstalled it a couple of times, but it still didn't work..
I could use the Windows 8 version, but it's one of worst things I've ever seen.
Does anyone know how to fix this issue? I'm running Windows 8 64bit, if that helps.
Duncan
DuncanDuncan
1 Answer
I don't know which version of 'skype' you are using but this is the 'desktop' version of skype I use as I hate the windows 8 version as well.https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA12162/how-do-i-get-the-desktop-version-of-skype-windows-8-or-above
If so then...
~check for a beta version
~Try to temporarily disable your anti-virus or firewall software
Here is how to completely uninstall Skype (just back-up all important files and information that you feel is important to you). This will remove all traces of the Skype application so you can install a 'fresh' copy of Skype.
~ download and run 'ccleaner' or similiar to get rid of currupt files.
Reset Internet Explorer to Default
Regardless of the browser you set as default, as Skype uses Internet Explorer engines. You can also delete temp files, browsing history and clear cache. Also disable or remove any unused or bad IE add-ons or plugins.
best of luck
jAcejAce1,15344 gold badges1414 silver badges2828 bronze badges
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Microsoft is making a big change to its Skype strategy on the Windows platform. On July 7, the current 'Modern' version of Skype that was first released for Windows 8, and later became the default messaging app for Windows 8.1, will no longer be available. Instead, users of that version will be redirected to the current desktop Windows Skype client.
Why did Microsoft make this pretty significant change? In a blog post, the company stated:
'With the upcoming release of Windows 10 for PCs, it makes sense to use the Skype application optimized for mouse and keyboards use, capable of doing touch as well rather than 2 separate applications performing the same function.'
There is one exception to this change. Windows RT device owners, such as the Surface RT and Surface 2 tablets, will not see the 'Modern' Skype client shut down, and will still be able to use it. Windows 8 and 8.1 owners will be redirected to download the current desktop Skype client starting July 7. That version got revamped on October 2014 with a design that has some elements of the Modern client.
Microsoft also commented on the status of Skype for Windows 10, hinting strongly that the new Messaging client won't be ready for when the OS officially launches on July 29:
'You may be thinking: what about Skype built into Messaging, Phone and Skype video coming to Windows 10? Don't worry we will begin rolling the apps to get your feedback later this year. This way if you want to quickly make a call or send a message you can use task-based apps and for those of you power users who like the advantages of the all in one app, you can pick what's right for you.'
This question already has an answer here:
- How to quit Skype on Android? 7 answers
I close the Skype app in my Android phone (samsung s3 mini)
If Skype is open on my pc and I receive a call it also starts automacically in my phone without my input!
How can I avoid such a strange behavior?
Thank you
Thank you
mottalrdmottalrd
marked as duplicate by Dan Hulme, Izzy♦, ce4, geffchang, Bryan Denny♦Oct 28 '13 at 14:36
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
1 Answer
Are you sure that you really closed Skype (not only hide it to background) ? In Skype main menu press 'menu' button and then - logout.
If that doesn't solve your problem I see two possibilities :
Why Is Skype Starting Itself Windows 10
- Install a firewall (a good firewall is in avast! Mobile Security) and block access to newtork for Skype, unlock it only when you're using it (installing firewall requires root access)
- Try to kill Skype service in application manager->background processes (it is located in Settings)
If you're true I think it is a bug and we've to contact Microsoft...
Why Skype Is Not Opening
TN888TN888