Troubleshooting issues with Skype call quality

Does your Skype call have poor quality? Have you experienced any problems with your Skype call? There is a very good chance that you – or a friend of yours – are the cause of the problem. In the event of a poor internet connection, you will be able to experience dropped calls, delayed video streams, and poor audio quality. Whenever there is an issue with the call quality, you will also see an indicator on the screen. Here are some tips that might be helpful to you.

1. Check the Skype Status page.
   Whenever there is a problem reported, the site will let you know about it.

2. Make sure you meet the minimum system requirements and are using the latest version of Skype.
   The Skype team is always working on ways to improve the quality of calls, so for the best experience, please ensure that both you and the person you’re calling are using the most recent version of Skype and that both of you are following the minimum requirements for Skype.

3. Check your computer and internet connection.
   If your connection is not good, it can result in dropped calls, frozen or blocked video, and poor sound quality. Occasionally, you may receive a notification stating that there is a problem with your network connection. Here are a few other things that could affect the quality of your call:

   • If you are able to, use a wired connection rather than WiFi, so make sure you have a good WiFi signal.

   • As a result of poor internet connections during group calls, Skype may turn off one or more video streams if the connection to the internet degrades during the call. A video will automatically be turned back on as soon as the internet connection is restored by Skype.

   • The troubleshooting steps in Why can’t I get online? will help you to resolve any connection issues you might be having in Windows.

   • If you find that any applications are interfering with your call, please close them. It is worth noting that bandwidth can be eaten up by any number of things, including file sharing applications, streaming audio or video, or even just the act of browsing the web.

   • It might be a good idea to plug the laptop into AC power if you’re running Skype on a laptop and in power save mode or switch the laptop to maximum performance mode if you’re running Skype on a laptop in power-saving mode.

How do I resolve audio and video issues for Skype on desktop?

You may want to check the following things:

• In order for Skype to access your microphone and camera on your desktop, you will have to grant it permission to do so. Ensure that your Privacy Permissions are set to the appropriate level on your system. It is necessary to grant Skype permission to use the microphone and camera on your PC when you use Skype for Windows 10 & 11 (version 15) or Mac OS X Mojave (10.14 or higher).

  • Skype for Windows 10 & 11 (version 15):
    Select the Settings gear from the Start menu, then click on Privacy, then select the Microphone or Camera option from the menu. The Skype option should be toggled on under both of these settings. The easiest way to ensure that the correct device is selected for Skype’s audio and video settings is to restart Skype and go to your Skype Audio & Video Settings.
    You can find out more about how to fix microphone problems in Windows 10 or Windows 11 as well as how to fix a camera that won’t work.

 

• • Mac OSX Mojave (10.14 or higher):
    If you are having trouble managing your audio and video settings in Skype on the desktop, you can learn more about how to do it by going to the Mac System Preferences > Security & Privacy tab > Microphone/Camera and granting access to Skype. For additional information: Please check out the following article for help.  managing your audio and video settings in Skype on desktop.

 

• If you are using headphones or speakers, you might want to check your microphone. Be sure to plug them in and make sure they are not muted. It is also important to ensure that your Bluetooth device is connected if it is one.

 

• Make sure that your camera is working properly. Be sure that your camera is turned on, that it is pointed towards you, and that there is nothing obstructing its view. On the desktop version of Skype, go to your profile picture > Settings > Audio & Video Settings > Under Video, make sure that you are able to see a preview for your camera from the video preview in your Skype profile picture.

Note: The minimum requirements for Windows Store apps are listed here in order to ensure your webcam meets the requirements for Skype for Windows 10 & 11 (version 15).

• Try out Skype for free by making a test call. If your audio settings aren’t as you would like them to be, you can use the test call to record a message, then the call will play it back for you to see if there is an issue. The process of making a free trial call with Skype on desktop can be done by clicking on your profile picture and clicking the Settings button.

 

• Can you hear your own voice echoing back to you? Depending on what device the person you’re calling uses, the problem could be with that device. Make sure that they reduce the volume of the playback on their device.

 

• Make sure your audio is working properly. Play a song or use an application with sound to test your volume by playing a song or using another application. There may be a problem with the phone that you can hear – ask the person on the line to follow these steps as well if you can hear it.

 

• The manufacturer of the product may have a website that you can check. The fact that there are so many different brands and devices out there may lead to the possibility that something may not work correctly. Considering that every brand is different, it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s website for any guides or troubleshooting help you need regarding the product.

How do I resolve audio and video issues for Skype on mobile?

You may want to check the following things:

• Your mobile device must be set up to allow Skype access to the microphone and camera so it can use it. For more information on how to grant Skype permission to use the microphone and camera on your iOS or Android device, please refer to the following articles.

 

• If you are using headphones or speakers, you might want to check your microphone. Be sure to plug them in and make sure they are not muted. Similarly, if you are using a Bluetooth device, make sure it is also connected to your computer.

 

• Be sure to check the settings on your camera. If you are using a camera, be sure that it is turned on, pointed towards you, and nothing is blocking it from doing so.

 

• Take advantage of Skype’s free test call feature to make a call. This is the easiest way to see if there is something wrong with your audio settings by recording a message and then having it played back to you during the test call. Test calls can be made in several ways. Here is how you do it.

 

• Can you hear your own voice echoing back to you? Depending on what device the person you’re calling uses, the problem could be with that device. Make sure that they reduce the volume of the playback on their device.

 

• Make sure your audio is working properly. Play a song or use an application with sound to test your volume by playing a song or using another application. There may be a problem with the phone that you can hear – ask the person on the line to follow these steps as well if you can hear it.

 

• The manufacturer of the product may have a website that you can check. The fact that there are so many different brands and devices out there may lead to the possibility that something may not work correctly. Taking into account that every brand works a little bit differently, it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s website for user guides or troubleshooting instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check Skype call quality?

It is a good idea to make a test call to our friendly assistant Echo on Skype in order to ensure that your sound and microphone are working correctly. In order for you to determine whether your sound is working properly, she will ask you to record a message and then play it back for you before you make any changes.

How can I test my Skype video call?

Before you make a call with Skype, both your video and audio can be tested. The easiest way to test your camera on Skype is by clicking the profile picture on your profile page to access the Skype menu on your desktop. When you have selected “Settings”, you will be taken to the “Audio & Video Settings.” Click “Audio & Video Settings,” and then click “Open Skype’s camera preview.” If your picture appears, click “OK.”

All images and contents credit goes to supportskype.com