The most common connection problems in Skype
- Skype blocked in your Firewall, perhaps? An active Internet connection at all? If the Skype icon is grey and the "call"Button in contacts, bleached, Skype can't connect to the Internet. Check once via your Browser, if you ever come to the Internet. If not, add Skype as an exception in the Firewall of your security/anti-virus-Software - how you can find out in the help section of the program or on the manufacturer's Homepage. How to use the Windows Firewall disable itself can be read here.
- If Skype can connect to the Internet, however, the quality of the conversation is extremely poor, this indicates a low transmission rate. Please note that for calls at least a data rate of 30 kbit/s, and for video transmissions or video calls from 128 kbit/s is needed - for best quality 100 kbit/s and 300 kbit/s are required. More details and a detailed list can be found on the official Support page of Skype.
- Often alleged "connection problems" is also something quite Trivial - for example, that you have muted the speakers on mute, or the Webcam has been disabled. It is worth to check, whether the plug for headphones/MIC are properly connected.
- Also, keep in mind that the problems may lie not only to you and your connection, but to that of your counterpart. Point him/her by Messenger, Chat or e-mail to this practical tip.
No Connection
Possible solutions for the bad connection
- Add the contact "echo123", the Skype-Bot to Test the connection. Call him, and follow the instructions to check how well your quality - or volume - really is.
- Run a speed test, and check for what kind of call is your connection qualified to the most. Exactly how this works, you can learn in our practical tip.
- If you want to make phone calls via Skype, shut down all Downloads/Uploads, because they can pull a lot of bandwidth and thus the quality deteriorate. You can also encourage your conversation partner to do the same.
Sound Test Service of Skype
Alternatively, download the free Software "Microsoft Network Monitor" here down. In order to monitor your active applications, and find out what draw a lot of bandwidth.
