Why can’t someone hear me on Skype?
Poor audio quality can be very frustrating when using Skype. You speak into your microphone, but the person on the other end can’t hear you or only hears clipped or distorted audio. There are a number of potential causes for this issue.
In this article, we will cover the most common reasons you may not be heard on Skype and provide troubleshooting steps to resolve them. We’ll look at microphone settings, speaker settings, internet connections, app updates, device restarts, plugins, and alternative options. With the right fixes, you can get your Skype calls sounding crisp and clear.
Check Your Microphone Settings
The first thing to check is whether Skype has access to your microphone. In Windows 10 and 11, go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone and ensure the toggle next to Skype is turned on to allow access. You can also check this in the Skype app itself by going to your profile picture > Settings > Audio & Video and ensuring “Use my microphone” is checked.
If Skype previously had microphone access, try toggling it off and back on again to refresh the permission. Also ensure your microphone is not muted in Windows by going to Start > Settings > System > Sound and checking the recording devices.
According to Skype support, issues can occur if you have multiple audio devices connected, like speakers, headphones, and a webcam mic. Try disconnecting any extra devices and test with just one microphone.
Finally, check that your mic volume levels are configured correctly in Windows Sound settings. You may need to turn the volume up or adjust the boost levels if Skype isn’t detecting any input.
References:
[1] https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA12097/troubleshooting-issues-with-skype-call-quality
[2] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/skype/forum/all/microphone-not-working-in-skype-but-does-in-other/5568512f-76cb-4a13-941e-409b3c370f3e
Check Your Speaker Settings
One of the most common reasons you may not be able to hear someone on Skype is that your speaker settings are not configured properly. Here are some tips for checking and adjusting your speaker settings in Skype:
First, make sure your speakers or headphones are plugged in correctly and turned on. If you’re using wireless Bluetooth speakers or headphones, check that they are powered on and paired with your computer.
In the Skype application, go to Tools > Options > Audio & Video to access the speaker settings. Make sure Skype is detecting the correct speakers or headphones from the “Speakers” dropdown menu. You can test that they are working by clicking the “Play” button next to the speaker selection.
Check that the speaker volume slider is turned up high enough – a low volume level could prevent you from hearing the other caller. You can also try adjusting the “Automatically adjust microphone volume” setting to see if that improves the audio.
Outside of Skype, ensure your operating system volume is turned up as well. In Windows, click the speaker icon in the taskbar and drag the main volume slider to the right. Make sure the volume for the specific speaker/headphone device is also turned up.
If you still can’t hear audio, try updating your audio drivers from the device manufacturer’s website. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause mic and speaker issues with apps like Skype.
As a last resort, you may need to switch to a different audio device that you know is functioning properly, like built-in laptop speakers or basic headphones.
Check Your Internet Connection
Having a stable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth is important for smooth Skype calls. Skype recommends having at least 300 kbps upload and download speeds for standard video calling. For HD video calls, you need at least 500 kbps in both directions [1].
Using a wired Ethernet connection usually provides more consistent speeds compared to WiFi. If possible, try connecting your computer directly to your router with an Ethernet cable. This minimizes interference and signal drops.
You can test your upload and download speeds using an online speed test. Look for speeds of at least 300 kbps, with minimal fluctuation between tests. High latency (ping) or packet loss can also cause call quality issues in Skype. If your speed test results show problems, try restarting your router and modem.
As a last resort, consider upgrading your internet plan if available speeds fall below Skype’s recommendations. Faster internet service can improve connectivity for voice and video calls.
Update Your Skype App
One common reason you may not be heard on Skype calls is being on an outdated version of the app. Skype frequently releases new versions and updates to fix bugs, improve call quality, and add new features. It’s important to keep your Skype app fully updated on your desktop, mobile, or web browser to have the latest optimizations.
Skype tends to update their apps very frequently, sometimes as often as multiple times per month. As explained on their official forum, “Skype updates are important because they often include critical patches to security holes. In addition to security fixes, updates also squash bugs that cause issues in call connectivity and quality” (Source). Frequent updates help improve the reliability and performance of Skype calls.
If you notice you are having mic or call issues in Skype, make sure to check for and install any available app updates. Keep your Skype version up-to-date to have the best chance of smooth calling.
Restart Your Device
One of the most common troubleshooting steps when Skype audio is not working properly is to fully shut down and restart your device. This clears out any temporary files or glitches and essentially gives Skype and your device’s audio components a fresh start.
When you simply put your computer to sleep or hibernate mode, background processes continue to run which can sometimes cause issues. Doing a full shutdown and restart clears out memory caches and gives your device a clean slate [1]. Restarting flushes temporary files that can build up over time and bog down performance [2].
So try shutting down your computer or mobile device completely, wait at least 30 seconds, and then restart it. Open Skype again and see if the audio issue is resolved. Doing full restarts on a regular basis can also help optimize your device’s performance and extend its lifetime.
Disable Extensions and Plugins
Browser extensions and plugins can sometimes cause issues with Skype calls. Here are some tips for the main browsers:
Chrome
The Skype extension for Chrome allows you to make Skype calls directly in the browser (source). Try disabling or removing this extension if you are having issues with Skype calls in Chrome.
Firefox
Firefox does not have a native Skype extension. However, other Firefox extensions could potentially cause conflicts. Try disabling all extensions and restarting Firefox.
Safari
Apple has discontinued plugin support for Safari, including the Skype web plugin (source). Safari no longer supports Skype voice and video calling via a plugin.
In general, disabling any unnecessary extensions and plugins in your browser is a good troubleshooting step for Skype call issues.
Try Skype Web Version
Another option to troubleshoot audio issues in the desktop app is to try using the web version of Skype instead. The web version has some pros and cons compared to the desktop app:
Pros:
- Easy access without installing anything – just go to Skype.com in your browser
- May work better on some systems where the desktop app has issues
- Can provide a temporary workaround while troubleshooting the desktop app
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced features of the desktop app like screen sharing
- Audio/video quality may not be as good
- Not a complete replacement for the desktop app in the long run
Trying the web version could help narrow down if the audio issues are specific to the desktop application or not. If the microphone works fine in web Skype, it points to a problem with the desktop app configuration. If issues persist in web Skype as well, it is more likely a system-wide problem with the microphone settings.
Contact Skype Support
If you are still having issues after trying all the troubleshooting steps, you may need to reach out to Skype support directly for additional help. Here are some options for contacting Skype support:
Email – You can email Skype support at https://support.skype.com/en/contact-us/. Fill out the online form describing your issue. The Skype team will then get back to you with a response, usually within 24 hours.
Chat – Skype offers live chat support on their website. Look for the chat icon on the bottom right when you are logged into your account. Chat with a support agent in real-time.
Phone – For urgent issues, you can call Skype support at +1 (888) 843-7664. Phone support is available 24/7.
Response Times – Skype aims to respond to all support inquiries within 24 hours. Chat and phone provide the fastest resolution, while email may take up to 1 business day. If you do not receive a response, follow up via a different contact method.
When reaching out to Skype support, be prepared to provide details about your issue, your system, and steps you’ve tried already. Support can better troubleshoot with more context.
Conclusion
If you’re still having issues with people not being able to hear you on Skype after trying all the troubleshooting tips in this guide, here’s a quick recap of the main points:
- Check your microphone settings in Skype and make sure the right microphone is selected.
- Check your speaker settings and test your speakers to ensure they work.
- Check your internet connection and try restarting your router if the issue persists.
- Update to the latest version of Skype.
- Restart your computer or mobile device.
- Disable any extensions or plugins that could interfere with Skype.
- Try using the web version of Skype to see if the problem only affects the app.
If you still can’t resolve the issue, your best bet is to contact Skype Support directly. They can troubleshoot your specific setup and account settings to get to the bottom of why callers can’t hear you.
Some other things to try include adjusting your microphone input volume, updating your audio drivers, allowing Skype through your firewall, and using a headset instead of speakers and mic. With some additional troubleshooting, you should be able to get Skype working properly again.