Having problems with the quality of your Skype call? Your internet connection – or your friend’s – is the most likely culprit. A poor internet connection can cause dropped calls, delays, and poor-quality audio and video. You will also see the Call Quality indicator when there is an issue. The following tips should help.
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Check the Skype Status page.
The site will tell you if there are any reported issues.
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Make sure you meet the minimum system requirements and are using the latest version of Skype.
We're always improving call quality, so for best performance, make sure that you and the person you're calling meet the minimum system requirements for Skype and are using the latest version of Skype.
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Check your computer and internet connection.
A bad connection can cause dropped calls, blocky or frozen video, and poor sound. If you are having a bad connection, you may receive a notification saying Poor network connection.
Here's a few other things that might affect your call quality:
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Make sure you have a strong WiFi signal, or if possible, use a wired connection.
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If the internet connection degrades during the call, Skype may turn off one or more video streams in group calls. Once the internet connection recovers, Skype will automatically turn the video back on.
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If you're having connections issues in Windows, you can follow the troubleshooting steps in Why can't I get online.
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Close any applications that could be interfering with your call. File sharing applications, streaming audio or video, or even just having a browser open are all things that can eat up bandwidth.
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If you're using Skype on a laptop and you're in power-saving mode, try plugging the laptop into AC power or switching it to maximum performance mode.