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When Skype isn't working 7 key settings to check

Most of the time, Skype just works. But sometimes, you will hit a snag and find that Skype can't connect or else it doesn't work properly. These troubleshooting steps will resolve the most common Skype issues, whether it's your microphone not working or the other person sounding like a robot.

If you still find that Skype isn't working after following these steps, be sure to ask the person you're contacting to try that too. The problem could be on your end..

1. Check Skype's heartbeat

When Skype isn t working 7 key settings to check

Before doing any troubleshooting, you should check if Skype itself is having issues. If Skype won't connect or you can't use a specific Skype feature, see the Skype Heartbeat page. You can also access this by clicking the Help Menu in Skype and selecting Heartbeat (Skype Status) .

The heartbeat page informs you of the Skype system status. If there are any issues with the Skype infrastructure, you'll see them here. The page also lists recent Skype issues 7 Skype Mistakes Microsoft Could Have Avoided 7 Skype Mistakes Microsoft Could Have Avoided Have you been struggling with Skype? The last update was full of bugs again. Microsoft released a fix. There are still many problems. What is the meat you have with Skype? Read More There's nothing you can do for these problems - wait for Microsoft to fix them and try connecting later.

2. Check Skype audio settings

If your Skype microphone isn't working, you can test your microphone (and speakers) from the Audio settings panel. Open the Options window in Skype by clicking Tools> Options .

To test your microphone, speak into it. You should see the green volume bar below Microphone move while you speak.

When Skype isn t working 7 key settings to checkIf you don't see the volume bar move, click the dropdown box next to Microphone and select another device. Keep trying different devices until you see the volume slider move when you speak. In a pinch, try using your smartphone as a makeshift microphone How to use your smartphone as a Windows microphone How to use your smartphone as a Windows microphone A microphone is useful when you want to join an online conversation. What if your computer doesn't have one? Simply connect your smartphone as a microphone. That is how. Read more.

Windows 10 users may have blocked apps from using their microphone completely. To check this, go to Settings> Privacy and select the Microphone tab to the left. Enable Allow apps to access your microphone slider, and make sure the Skype the app has permission too.

When Skype isn t working 7 key settings to check

No sound on Skype? Test your speakers the same way by clicking the Play button to the right of the Speakers cash register. You should hear the sound of the Skype call. If it doesn't, select a different device from the Speakers dropdown box and try again.

3. Troubleshoot audio hardware issues

If you play with the options of the Audio settings panel doesn't help, check your hardware itself. Some microphones and headphones have volume sliders or mute switches on their cables. So you could have accidentally moved the slider or moved the switch.

Also, check that your microphone and speakers are connected to the correct ports. You can plug USB microphones into any USB slot, while analog microphones must be plugged into the correct audio jack.

The microphone connector is usually pink, although audio hardware may sometimes use different colors.

When Skype isn t working 7 key settings to check

If you are using a desktop computer and the microphone does not work when it is plugged into the audio jack on the front of the computer, try the audio jack on the back of the computer. You may need to fix your microphone issues How to fix your microphone issues in Windows 10 How to fix your microphone issues in Windows 10 Is your microphone not working or constantly cutting out? Try these sound input troubleshooting tips for Windows. Read More

4. Edit Skype video settings

Assuming you have a webcam, you can configure it from the Video settings panel in Skype Options window.

When Skype isn t working 7 key settings to check

If your webcam is connected and you don't see it in this window, you may need to install drivers for it. You can usually get drivers from the webcam or the computer manufacturer's website.

As mentioned in the microphone troubleshooting section, you should also check your Windows 10 privacy settings for camera access. Visit Settings> Privacy and open Camera in the left sidebar. Make sure you have Allow apps to access your camera enabled, in addition to confirming Skype you have permission.

Check out our guide to troubleshoot Skype webcam issues. Skype video not working? How to test and troubleshoot your camera? Skype video not working? How to test and troubleshoot your camera It's frustrating when Skype video doesn't work. Use this checklist to resolve common problems with Skype video streaming. Read more for more information..

5. Make a Skype test call

If all of the above works fine, try a test call. One way to do this is by clicking the Make a free test call button. link at the bottom of the Audio Settings window. You can also add the Skype user named echo123 (called echo / sound proofing service ) to your contact list and call him as a test.

When Skype isn t working 7 key settings to checkThe call test service will ask you to speak into your microphone after one beep. It records what you say and, after a few seconds, texts you back. This ensures that everything is working properly:the microphone, the speakers, and the network connection. If the call worked correctly, you should be good to go.

At this point, if you can't hear another person on Skype, it's probably a problem.

6. Check bandwidth usage

When Skype isn t working 7 key settings to check

Si usted, o cualquier otra persona en su red, está sobrecargando el ancho de banda de su red con tareas intensivas, como descargar archivos grandes o transmitir video 4K, experimentará una calidad de llamada deficiente. Uno de los signos obvios de la congestión de la red son las voces que suenan robóticas. Skype usualmente mostrará un icono de conexión rojo cuando esto esté sucediendo.

Cierre todos los programas de descarga de archivos (tanto en su computadora como en otras computadoras de la red) e intente realizar la llamada de Skype nuevamente. Si está en una red Wi-Fi, intente acercarse a su enrutador para mejorar su conexión. También puede consultar nuestra guía de solución de problemas de red. 7 Pasos sencillos para diagnosticar un problema de red. 7 Pasos sencillos para diagnosticar un problema de red. Los problemas de red son frustrantes, especialmente cuando el problema reside en su ISP. La próxima vez que no pueda conectarse, este es el proceso que debe seguir para diagnosticar el problema de la red. Lee más si tienes problemas de red adicionales.

Problemas de Skype resueltos!

Con esta lista de verificación rápida, puede eliminar los problemas comunes de Skype y hacer que sus llamadas suenen bien. La mayoría de las veces, lo que parece ser un gran problema es una solución bastante simple.

Recuerde que para las llamadas de grupo de Skype, un usuario que experimente alguno de estos problemas podría afectar la calidad de todos. Además, siempre puede obtener más consejos de solución de problemas de la guía de calidad de llamadas integrada en Skype. Haga clic en el Ayuda menú y seleccione Guía de calidad de llamadas Para abrirlo.

Puedes convertirte en un mejor usuario con nuestros mejores consejos de eficiencia de Skype 10 consejos para hacerte un usuario más eficiente de Skype 10 consejos para hacerte un usuario más eficiente de Skype Skype puede hacer más de lo que crees. With this article, you will learn all about its best hidden and advanced features. It's the Skype productivity manual. Read more . ¿O si ha decidido que Skype no vale la pena después de todo, pruebe una de las mejores alternativas gratuitas a Skype Fed Up With Skype? ¿Aquí están 6 de las mejores alternativas gratuitas con Skype? Aquí están 6 de las mejores alternativas gratuitas ¿Estás frustrado con Skype y buscando alternativas? Una de estas fantásticas aplicaciones de video chat y llamadas disponibles en casi todas las plataformas puede ayudarlo a hacer el cambio. Read more.