How to Fix Skype Call Issues

 Millions of people are now using video conferencing apps like Skype for professional meetings and family games night due to the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic. But when millions of new users started using the app, many new issues started troubling the users. To make your life easier and Skype calls smoother, we have put together this guide to troubleshoot some of the common Skype calls issues.

Unwanted Echoes

Receiving an important call only to listen to those shrill and bouncy noise patterns can be seriously annoying. Such reflecting sounds are not only difficult to understand but are also distracting. According to our observations, such echoing voices are heard while using the earphones. While attending a call on the speaker mode is not possible every time, you can try using a Skype-certified headset like Sennheiser’s. It is known for efficiently filtering unwanted echoes. If the issue occurs even without connecting earphones, then either yours or the receiver’s microphone is faulty.

Microphone Issues

Microphone issues can be avoided by taking certain precautions, but you will have to consider replacing it if yours is already faulty. Talking about the things that can be kept in mind during a call applies to both you and the person you are talking to. You can start by downloading the latest version of Skype and request the other person to do the same. Also, make sure that you and your caller have lowered the microphone volume. You also need to maintain a distance of at least twenty centimeters from your microphone while speaking. The same goes for the person on the other end of the call. It is always a good idea to make your calls in a quiet place.

Speaker Issues

On the built-in Skype app of a Windows desktop, you can easily modify the speaker volumes by navigating to “Audio & Video” settings in the app. In case you are using the Skype app on your phone, you will have to download a Volume Control app, such as “App Volume Control.” Also, make sure that this downloaded app is set as your default mechanism for volume controls. A few hits and trials and your Skype speakers will start sounding perfect.

Packet Delay Jitters

Another annoying phenomenon that you can experience on your Skype calls is to hear back your voice after a few seconds of speaking. It kind of feels creepy when you hear the app mimicking what you said and how you told it. Fortunately, this weird issue can be solved. First, verify if there are any latency issues with your internet connection by downloading SpeedTest by Ookla to measure the internet speed. Technically, the voice repetitions occur when the round-trip delay for the packets are between 200 to 300 ms. If your internet speed is sufficient, consider moving away from obstructions such as furniture, walls, and other people.

Webcam Not Working Properly

Sometimes the person on the other end in a video call appears to be stationary. This is because of the slow frame rate of videos. To avoid this issue, you can try a few workarounds. For one, place yourself in front of a stationary background, such as a wall or sofa. By doing so, Skype will focus on the core image, which is you in this scenario.

Another way possible to resolve this problem needs you to use Skype on a Windows computer. Open the search bar, and enter %appdata% to select your Skype ID. Then you will see a file named Config XML. Open this file with notepad or by using other text editors. After opening the file, scroll down to find the video devices, below which you will have to add the following line:

<Fps>Frames per second number</Fps>

This should smoothen your video calls on Skype.

On reporting the above Skype call issues to Microsoft support, they usually point fingers at the poor quality of your camera or microphone, no matter you bought a new, costliest, and the best one. However, the workarounds mentioned above will help you make a seemingly fair Skype call with average Internet speed.

Everleig is a Blog expert and has been working in the technology industry since 2003. As a technical expert, Everleig has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites such as blogstar.uk.com

Source: Call Issues