How do I increase sound volume on Skype?

Skype is a popular voice and video calling platform used by over 300 million users worldwide, providing users with free calls to other Skype users and low-cost calls to phones and mobile devices. With Skype, users can have group video calls with up to 50 people and make unlimited one-on-one Skype-to-Skype calls. Some key features of Skype include screen sharing, instant messaging, and file transfers.

Being able to hear the other person clearly during a Skype call is crucial for effective communication. Adjusting your call volume allows you to optimize audio levels so you don’t miss important details of the conversation. If the volume is too low, you may struggle to hear what the other person is saying. If it’s too high, the audio may become distorted. This guide will go through the various ways to increase volume on Skype for a clearer calling experience.

Check Your Computer’s Volume

Your computer’s main volume controls overall sound. To adjust the volume in Skype, first ensure your computer’s main volume is turned up loud enough.

On Windows computers, the main volume slider is found by clicking the speaker icon in the system tray on the lower right of the screen. Dragging this slider to the right increases the volume. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Fn + F10/F11/F12 to adjust volume.

On Mac computers, you can adjust the system volume by using the Volume keys on your keyboard. Alternatively, click the Apple menu and select System Preferences > Sound. Here you can drag the Output volume slider to increase or decrease volume.

Make sure your computer’s main volume is at an audible level before adjusting the volume within Skype.

Adjust Volume in Skype

Skype has its own built-in volume controls that allow you to adjust the call volume and ringer volume independently from your computer’s main volume settings. This gives you more granular control over the audio levels in Skype.

To adjust the call volume in Skype, click on the Tools menu and select ‘Options’. Then click on ‘Audio settings’. Here you will see sliders to control ‘Speakers’, ‘Microphone’ and ‘Ringing volume’. Drag the ‘Speakers’ slider to the right to increase call volume or left to decrease it. Make sure this is turned up high enough to hear the other callers clearly.

The ‘Ringing volume’ slider controls how loud incoming call ringtones will be. Adjust this based on your preference and environment. Setting it lower may be better if you’re often taking Skype calls in public settings.

Once you’ve adjusted the Skype volume sliders, click ‘Save’ at the bottom of the Audio settings window. The new levels will now apply to all of your Skype calls. Keep in mind you may still need to adjust your computer’s main volume in addition to Skype’s volume for the ideal audio balance.

Use a Headset or External Speakers

Headsets and external speakers often have volume control, so getting a quality pair that is designed for Skype calls can help boost your call volume. Many headsets have buttons or dials to easily adjust the incoming and outgoing audio.

Here are some top recommendations for headsets optimized for Skype calls (source):

Jabra Evolve2 85 – Adjustable active noise cancellation blocks out background sounds.
Jabra Elite Active 75t – True wireless earbuds with customizable equalizer.
Logitech Zone Wireless Plus – Noise canceling headset with AI-enhanced audio.

When shopping for an external headset or speakers for Skype, look for volume control buttons, noise cancellation, and compatibility with PC and mobile devices (source). Investing in a high quality headset designed for voice and video calls will give you the volume boost and clarity needed for Skype calls.

Update Your Audio Drivers

Outdated audio drivers can sometimes be the cause of low volume or audio issues in Skype. Audio drivers act as the software interface between your operating system and your speakers, headphones, microphone or other audio devices. Keeping these drivers up to date ensures proper communication and functionality.

On Windows 10 and 11, you can update your audio drivers by going to Settings > Windows Update and clicking “Check for updates.” Any available driver updates will show up here. You can also visit your computer or audio device manufacturer’s website and search for the latest audio drivers available for your model. Download and install these drivers to update.

On Mac, open the App Store app and click on the Updates tab. Install any updates listed under “Updates” for your version of macOS to get the latest audio drivers from Apple. You can also go to the Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report and click on Audio to see your audio driver version info. Check the Apple Support site for the latest drivers.

Updating to the newest audio drivers can potentially fix Skype volume issues caused by outdated drivers. This ensures your system is communicating properly with your audio devices for optimal sound quality and volume.[1] [2]

Adjust Microphone Boost

Boosting the mic volume makes your voice louder so the other person can hear you more clearly. This is helpful if the other caller says you sound quiet or far away. Enabling a microphone boost essentially amplifies your microphone’s input volume before sending the audio to Skype.

To enable microphone boost on Windows, go to Sound settings and select Recording. Right click your microphone and select Properties, then go to the Levels tab. Check the box next to “Microphone Boost” and adjust the volume to your desired level. Click OK when finished.

On Mac, go to System Preferences > Sound. Click Input and check the box next to “Use ambient noise reduction” to enable microphone boost. You can also click the Input volume slider and drag it to the right to increase the mic volume. Test the mic in a Skype call to make sure the boost provides clearer audio.

Reduce Background Noise

Background noise makes it harder to hear conversations clearly during Skype calls. Ambient noise from things like traffic, construction, barking dogs, music, or chatter can get picked up by your microphone and make it difficult for the person on the other end to understand you.

Here are some tips to reduce background noise during Skype calls:

Close windows and doors to block outdoor sounds.
Turn off any music, TVs, or other audio in the room.

Use a noise-canceling headset or headphones.
Put up sound dampening materials on walls or curtains on windows.
Use a microphone with noise cancellation built-in.

Adjust your microphone settings to filter out ambient noise.
Let others in your vicinity know you’ll be on a call.
Move to a quieter spot or a room with carpet and furniture.

Taking simple steps to reduce background noise will improve your Skype call quality. This ensures your voice comes through clearly for an easier conversation.

Test Call Volume with a Friend

One of the best ways to check your Skype call volume levels is through a real call with a friend. Since Skype calls involve two-way audio, it’s important to test volume in actual conversation.

Have a friend help you test different volume levels on a Skype call. Ask them to speak at normal levels while you adjust your volume up and down to find a comfortable level. You can also take turns speaking and adjust the volume while the other person is talking.

Pay attention to whether the volume seems too quiet, too loud, or echoes during the call. Your friend can provide feedback on the audio quality on their end as well. Keep adjusting the volume until you reach optimal levels for clear conversation without echoes or distortion.

Testing with a real call provides the most accurate way to set your Skype call volume, since you experience real audio conditions. With a friend’s help, you can fine-tune levels for great call quality.

Troubleshoot Problems

If you are still experiencing issues with low call volume after trying the steps above, the problem may be due to a faulty headset, microphone, speakers or other hardware. Try switching to different audio devices like headphones or external speakers to isolate the issue. Interference from other connected devices can also cause problems with call quality. Disconnect other USB devices during calls to test if they are causing interference.

Skype call volume can also be impacted by problems with your internet connection. Check your network speeds and stability by running a speed test. If speeds are low or inconsistent, try connecting your computer directly to your router with an Ethernet cable instead of using WiFi. Restarting your router can also help resolve temporary connection problems.

Finally, problems with Skype itself could be affecting call volume. Make sure Skype is up to date by checking for app updates. If issues persist across devices, try uninstalling and reinstalling Skype. You can also visit Skype’s troubleshooting page for more tips.

Conclusion

Increasing the volume on Skype calls can be done through various methods. Here is a recap of the key steps covered:

Check your computer’s main volume controls and turn it up
Adjust the volume slider specifically within the Skype application
Use a headset or external speakers to increase volume and reduce echo

Update your audio drivers to the latest version
Boost your microphone volume in Skype’s settings
Reduce background noise around you that could interfere with call clarity

Test call volume with a friend to troubleshoot any issues

Optimizing Skype call volume requires checking your device settings, the app itself, your environment, and your equipment. The goal is to maximize volume from every source – your computer, the app, your microphone, and your speakers – while minimizing interference from ambient sound.

With the right adjustments to each element, you can successfully increase the sound volume on Skype for clear conversations. Follow the steps outlined above as needed until you achieve your desired audio level and call quality.