Fixing ‘Skype can’t connect’ error on Windows 10 – Auslogics
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‘Failure is good as long as it doesn’t become a habit’
Michael Eisner
It is amazing how fast one gets used to joy and comfort. We take it for granted that Skype allows us to pass and receive information without much effort, don’t we? Indeed, these days distance is no longer a problem for those who seek an attentive ear.
But what if the app in question fails to connect? Well, that is a nightmare scenario. It can even trigger feelings of isolation and neglect among the unfortunate users. And yet do not let negative thoughts take over: it really is within your power to eliminate the dispiriting ‘Skype can’t connect’ error.
Here are our top 9 ‘Skype can’t connect’ issue fixes:
Check Skype Heartbeat
Scan Your PC for Malware
Update Your Skype
Use Windows Update
Configure Your Firewall
Uninstall and Reinstall Your Skype
Configure Skype Connection Settings
Renew Your Network Settings
Update Network Adapter Drivers
We believe one of them will work well for you:
1. Check Skype Heartbeat
Undoubtedly, checking Skype Heartbeat is the first thing to do if you have run into the ‘Skype can’t connect’ mess. The point is, Skype may be having issues on its side.
To check Skype Status, you can:
visit the official Skype Status webpage
open your classic Skype and go this way: Skype -> Help -> Heartbeat
2. Scan Your PC for Malware
The sad truth is, Skype connection issues are often caused by malware. Therefore, hurry up to run a full system scan.
To detect and defeat malicious enemies, you can use:
Windows Defender
Windows Defender, which comes as a part of your Windows 10, is your steadfast ally on the battlefield. Let it launch a first strike:
Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Defender -> Open Windows Defender -> Full
Your Third-Party Antivirus
If your Skype has been acting weird lately, it is high time you dusted off your main security solution – let it perform a full system scan straight away.
A Special Anti-Malware Tool
Scanning your Windows 10 for malware requires painstaking work: it is crucial to have every nook and cranny of your OS carefully examined. Some malware threats are particularly sly and stealthy, and your antivirus might need some help to bring them down. A special anti-malware tool, e. g. Auslogics Anti-Malware, could serve this purpose well.
3. Update Your Skype
If you want your Skype to work smoothly, keep it up-to-date. Otherwise, the app may become quite troublesome.
To upgrade to the latest version of Skype, you can:
go to the official Skype website and follow the links to get the newest Skype version
open your classic Skype app for desktop and follow these steps: Skype -> Help -> Check for Updates. There you can choose either to Update Classic Skype or to Try the new Skype.
4. Use Windows Update
If your Skype app fails to connect, take a closer look at your Win 10 – it might be a bit over the hill. The good thing is, your OS is supposed to search for and download available updates automatically.
Here is how to let it do its job:
Windows logo key + I -> Update and Security -> Check for updates
Let the available updates come through
Wait for the installation process to complete
Restart your PC
Check if your Skype is OK now
If you still encounter Skype connection problems, keep working your way down – the following method might be the much-needed solution.
5. Configure Your Firewall
If Skype connection issues persist on your Windows 10, your firewall might be the culprit.
Configure it to let the Skype app work well:
Close your Skype app -> Make sure it is not running in the background (use Task Manager for this purpose)
Open your firewall -> Find the list of applications installed on your PC
Search for the Skype entry -> Allow Skype to connect to the Internet -> Save the changes
Restart Skype
If the app keeps experiencing connectivity issues, this leaves room for more drastic action. Move on to the following method to give your Skype a fresh start.
6. Uninstall and Reinstall Your Skype
Whether you like it or not, you might need to uninstall and reinstall your Skype in order to beat its connection problems.
To start with, it is a good idea to back up your Skype history:
Windows logo key + R -> Type ‘%appdata%\skype’ into the Run box -> OK
Copy the My Skype Received Files folder and the ‘Your Skype Name’ folder
Move them to another location
To uninstall Skype, go this way:
Windows logo key + R -> Type ‘’ into the Run box-> Programs and features -> Skype -> Right-click on it -> Uninstall/Change -> Follow the prompts to uninstall Skype
Go to C:\Program Files -> Find the Skype folder and the SkypePM folder -> Delete them
To fix Skype connection issues on your Windows 10, you might need to uninstall the Skype app completely. This means you will have to delete the Skype entries from the Registry. Bear in mind that the procedure in question should be performed really carefully – Windows registry does not tolerate mistakes.
We recommend you to back up your Registry before moving on to the following steps:
Windows logo key + R -> Type ‘’ into the Run box-> Enter
Registry Editor -> Select the registry keys and/or subkeys you want to back up -> File > Export -> Choose the location and name for the backup file -> Save
On the other hand, you can create a system restore point so that you can roll back your system to its previous functioning state if something goes wrong.
To create a system restore point:
Windows logo key + S -> Type ‘restore’ into the Search box -> Create a restore point
System Properties -> Create -> Describe the restore point you want to create-> Create
Besides, make sure your personal files are properly backed up. Portable storage devices or special backup software, e. Auslogics BitReplica, might come in very handy for preventing the ‘My personal files are gone’ drama.
Now you can edit your Registry without further ado:
Windows logo key + R -> Type ‘’ into the Run box-> Enter -> Registry Editor
Edit -> Find -> Type ‘Skype’ into the Find box -> Find Next
Right-click on the search results -> Delete them
Download the latest Skype version from its official website and install it on your computer.
It is time to retrieve your Skype history:
Quit Skype -> Windows logo key + R -> Type ‘%appdata%\skype’ into the Run box-> OK
Place the My Skype Received Files folder and the ‘Your Skype Name’ folder into this folder
If you have messed things up, there is no need to despair – nobody is perfect. In this case you should:
restore the Windows Registry:
File -> Import -> Import Registry File -> Locate the necessary backup file -> Open
or travel back in time to the most recent restore point:
Start -> Control Panel -> System and Security -> File History
Recovery -> Open System Restore -> Next
Select the most recent working restore point -> Next -> Finish -> Yes
We hope everything is fine now.
Not yet? No worries, your triumph is at hand.
7. Configure Skype Connection Settings
If you use a proxy server, configuring your Skype connection settings can reportedly make the ‘Skype can’t connect’ problem vanish. So, let’s give this method a try.
To help your Skype app connect to your proxy server, do the following:
Skype -> Tools -> Options -> Advanced -> Connection
Specify the exact proxy option -> Enter its Host and Port details -> Enter your proxy Username and Password
Tick Enable proxy authentication
Save your changes
Close Skype -> Make sure it is no longer running in the background
Now restart Skype and check if it is OK.
8. Renew Your Network Settings
If the frustrating ‘Skype can’t connect’ error persists, keep an eye on your network usage: if it is too high, your bandwidth might be overloaded.
In order to fix your Skype connection issues, do the following:
close all network-heavy apps and programs
renew your network settings
To refresh your network settings, use Command Prompt:
Windows logo key + X -> Command prompt (Admin) -> Yes -> Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each of them:ipconfig /release;
ipconfig /renew;
netsh winsock reset;
netsh int ip reset;
ipconfig /flushdns;
ipconfig /registerdns;
netsh int tcp set heuristics disabled;
netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled;
netsh int tcp set global rss=enabled;
netsh int tcp show global
Reboot your PCYou can also reset your entire network by following these steps:
Start -> Settings -> Windows Settings -> Network & Internet
Status -> Scroll down to the ‘Network reset’ option
Reset now -> Restart your PC
Can you connect to Skype now? If yes, this could be a new beginning.
If not, cheer up and move on to the tip coming next.
9. Update Network Adapter Drivers
Outdated or dodgy network adapter drivers can cause Skype connection problems. In order to get the app back on track, you should resolve your driver issues.
Here is how to do that:
Use Device Manager
Windows logo key + X -> Device Manager
Network Adapters -> Right-click on the adapter which drivers you wish to update -> Update
Wait for the process to finish
Troubleshoot Your Drivers Manually
You can tackle your driver issues in a methodical way: visit your manufacturers’ official websites, download the latest driver versions for your adapters and install them manually one by one.
Use a Special Solution
If you want to fix all your drivers in one go, consider using a special tool, e. Auslogics Driver Updater.
We hope the ‘Skype can’t connect’ error is nothing but a distant memory for you now.
Do you have any ideas or questions regarding this issue?
We are looking forward to your comments!
What to Do When Skype Isn’t Working – Lifewire
If you can’t make Skype work, there are a number of troubleshooting steps you can follow to see what the problem is and to get things up and running again.
Lifewire / Maritsa Patrinos
Causes of Skype Not Working
Maybe there’s a microphone problem or an issue with your audio settings, and you can’t hear the other person or they can’t hear you. Or maybe you can’t log in to Skype because you’ve forgotten your password. Still, another reason could be that your external speakers or microphone are no longer working and you need to get new hardware. Maybe Skype won’t connect.
Regardless of the problem, there are really only a handful of worthwhile things to try, which we’ve outlined below.
Even if you’ve already followed some of these steps, do them again in the order you see them here. We’ll start you out with the easiest and most likely solutions first.
If you’re having issues making HD video calls with Skype, there are a number of other factors that go into troubleshooting the reason.
Step 1: Reset Your Password
Reset your password if you can’t log in to Skype. Visit Microsoft’s Recover Your Account to walk through resetting your Skype password.
Enter the email address you used when you first signed up with Skype and then follow the directions there to learn how to get a new password and log back in to start making video and audio calls again.
If you need a new Skype account, you can make one through the Create account page.
Step 2: Check to See if It’s Skype’s Problem
See if others are having troubles with Skype, too. There isn’t much you can do to fix Skype if it’s not your problem to fix. Sometimes things go wrong on Skype’s end and the only thing you can do is wait it out.
The best way to check if Skype is down or if it’s experiencing some issues with its messaging service is to check Skype Status/Heartbeat. If there’s a problem with Skype, it’s going to be affecting all platforms, be it on the web, your mobile device, your laptop, Xbox, etc.
Something else you can do to troubleshoot a Skype problem is to check Down Detector to see if other Skype users are reporting that Skype is down or having some other connection problem.
If either website shows a problem, it most likely means that you’re not the only one that can’t use Skype. Just wait an hour or so and try again.
Step 3: Check Your Network Connection
Make sure it’s not a network problem. Skype won’t work if you don’t have a network connection. This is true if you’re using Skype from any device, be it on the web, your phone, computer, etc.
If you can’t open the websites from Step 1 or nothing else works, then your whole network is probably not working. Try restarting your router or following our troubleshooting steps for Wi-Fi issues.
If other websites are working normally, the reason Skype can’t make calls or why it’s experiencing dropped calls could be related to bandwidth usage.
If there are multiple other people on your network that are using the internet at the same time, pause or stop the activity on those devices and then see if Skype starts working again.
Step 4: Check Skype’s Audio Settings and Permissions
If you can’t hear the other caller(s) when on Skype, double-check that other sources of audio, like a YouTube video, works as you’d expect. Just open any video there to see if you can hear it.
If there’s a playback error in Skype specifically (and not on YouTube, etc. ) and you can’t hear the other person you’re Skyping with, or they can’t hear you, you need to check that Skype has access to your speakers and microphone.
Using Skype on a Computer
If you’re using Skype on a computer, open Skype and tap the Alt key so that you can see the main menu. Then, go to Tools > Audio & Video Settings.
With that setting open, notice the volume area under Microphone. As you talk, you should see the bar light up like seen in this the microphone doesn’t work with Skype, select the menu next to Microphone and see if there are any other options; you might have the wrong microphone there aren’t other ones to pick from, make sure the microphone is plugged in, powered on (if it has a power switch), and has batteries (if wireless). Finally, unplug the microphone and then reattach check the sound in Skype to make sure that it’s using the right speakers, select Test audio under the Speakers option. You should hear sound in your headset or you don’t hear anything when you play the sample sound, make sure your speakers or headphones are turned all the way up (some headphones have physical volume buttons) and that the on-screen settings are at the volume is fine, double-check the menu next to Speakers and see if there’s another option to pick from, and then try the sample sound again.
Using Skype for Mobile Devices
If you’re using Skype on a tablet or phone, then your speakers and microphone are built-in to your device and can’t be manually adjusted.
However, there are still proper permissions that Skype requires in order to use your microphone, and if it doesn’t have them, it won’t let anyone hear what you say through it.
On iOS devices like iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches:
Go into the Settings all the way down to Skype, and tap sure the Microphone option is toggled on (the bubble is green) so that Skype can access your device’s mic. Just tap the button to the right if it’s not already green.
Android devices can give Skype access to the microphone like this:
Open Settings and then and open Skype and then Allow.
Step 5: Check Skype’s Video Settings and Permissions
Problems with how Skype accesses the camera might be the reason the person you’re Skyping with can’t see your video.
Skype for Computers
If the Skype video isn’t working on your computer, open Skype’s video settings through the Tools > Audio & Video Settings menu item (hit the Alt key if you don’t see the menu).
You should see an image in that box if your webcam is properly set up. If you don’t see live video of yourself in front of the camera, take note of these tips:
Try unplugging and then reattaching the webcam if it’s an external sure that there’s nothing physically blocking the the menu to the right of the Camera area in the settings to choose a different camera if you have more than one.
Skype for Mobile Devices
If Skype video is not working on your iPad, iPhone, or other iOS devices, go into the Settings app and find Skype from the list, then turn on Camera access if it’s not already.
If you’re on an Android device, launch the Settings app and then find Apps. Open the Skype option and then choose Permissions from that list and enable the Camera option.
If the device still doesn’t let you use video in Skype, remember that it’s really easy to switch between the front and back camera. If your phone is down on a table or you’re holding it in a certain way, it can completely block the video and make it seem like the camera isn’t working.
Try tapping the small camera toggle button during the call to swap between the front-facing and back-facing camera. If you’re not on a call right now, you can use the Camera option to test the video from your device.
Step 6: Make a Test Call in Skype
Now that you’ve made sure that the hardware is turned on and enabled in Skype, it’s time to make a test audio call.
The test call will verify that you can hear through the speakers as well as speak through the microphone. You’ll hear the test service speak to you and then be given an opportunity to record a message that can be played back to you.
If you can’t hear the voice during the sound test, or your recording doesn’t get played back to you and you’re told that there’s a problem with the audio recording device, repeat the steps above to make sure the hardware is working properly and set up correctly.
Otherwise, continue with Step 7 below for some other options.
You can also use the Echo/Sound Test Service contact to make a test video call, but all this really does is shows you your own video during the audio call. This is another way to test Skype video calls.
Step 7: Reinstall Skype
If after trying the above troubleshooting steps, you still can’t make Skype work and it’s definitely not a problem with the Skype service (Step 2), try removing the app or program and then reinstalling it.
When you remove Skype and then install the latest version, you’re basically resetting the program and all of its connections with your camera and microphone, which should resolve any issues. However, you might then have to follow the steps outlined above once more to make sure the new connections are set up properly.
You should definitely grab the freshest copy of Skype if you can use Skype normally through the web version but not the desktop version. If the webcam and mic work through your web browser just fine, then there’s a problem with the offline version that needs to be taken care of through a reinstall.
How to Properly Reinstall Software in Windows
Download Skype
Step 8: Update Device Drivers
If Skype still doesn’t let you make calls or receive video, and you’re using Skype on Windows, you should consider checking the device driver for the webcam and sound card.
If there’s something wrong with either, then your camera and/or sound won’t work anywhere, including with Skype and you may need to update your drivers.
Step 9: Verify the Microphone Works
If your microphone ultimately still does not work, try testing it with Online Mic Test. If it doesn’t let you talk through it there either, then your microphone probably isn’t working anymore.
Replacing your microphone would be a good idea at this point, assuming it’s an external mic. If not, you can always add one.
The 7 Best Microphones for Streaming in 2021
Step 10: Check the System Sound
If you can’t hear audio anywhere else on the internet, the speakers are plugged in (if they’re external), and the sound card drivers are updated, then see if the operating system is blocking the sound.
You can do this in Windows by choosing the small volume icon next to the clock; turn the volume up as loud as it can go for testing purposes, and then try using Skype again.
If you’re on a mobile device, open the Skype app and then use the volume buttons on the side to make sure the phone or tablet is on loud.
If you’ve followed everything on this page to find that the test call works just fine and you can see your own video, then chances are slim that any existing Skype problem rests with you. Have the other person follow these steps, too, since it’s now most likely a problem on their side.
Thanks for letting us know!
Unable to connect to Skype
Back to search resultsIf you are experiencing issues connecting to Skype, go to the Skype Status page to check for any current issues. You can also try the following steps for additional help: Verify your device has a working internet connection with the required bandwidth. Verify you have the latest version of Skype. Check your security software or Firewall settings to make sure they aren’t blocking Skype. Are you using a VPN? If you are connected to a VPN and the call is unable to connect, then disconnect from the VPN and try the call again. Are you using a proxy server? If you are connected to the internet through a proxy server, you may need to verify settings with your network administrator. Need to make an urgent call and don’t have time to work through these steps? On desktop you can use Skype for Web now without having to install anything, and then come back to these steps later. Launch Skype for Web on desktop now.
Frequently Asked Questions about set up how skype connects to the internet
How do I enable Skype to access the Internet?
Open Settings and then Apps. Find and open Skype and then Permissions. Select Allow.Aug 6, 2020
Why does my Skype says no Internet connection?
If you are experiencing issues connecting to Skype, go to the Skype Status page to check for any current issues. … Verify you have the latest version of Skype. Check your security software or Firewall settings to make sure they aren’t blocking Skype.
How do I setup a Skype connection?
To get Skype Connect, first you need to set up your Skype Manager:Create your Skype Manager account.Follow the instructions to register for Skype Manager. You can either use your existing personal account or create a new one specifically for your Skype Manager.