How do I change Skype sound?

Skype is a popular communication software that allows users to place calls over the Internet or traditional telephone networks. As of 2023, Skype has 2.27 billion monthly active users (Source). Key features include video calling, chat messages, and screen sharing.

Adjusting your Skype sound settings is critical for ensuring high call quality. This guide will cover how to update your audio devices, change Skype audio settings, troubleshoot echo issues, optimize microphone settings, test your Skype call quality, boost your internet speed, configure call options, update Skype software, and reach out to Skype support if needed.

The main sections we’ll cover are:

  • Checking Audio Devices
  • Skype Audio Settings
  • Echo Troubleshooting
  • Microphone Optimization
  • Internet Connection
  • In-Call Options
  • Software Updates
  • Skype Support

Check Your Audio Devices

The first step is to make sure your speakers, microphone, and headphones are properly connected to your computer. Loose connections or disabled devices can lead to no sound coming through on Skype calls.

For Windows users, open the Sound settings and check that the microphone, speakers and headphones that you want to use with Skype are enabled and set as the default devices 1. Adjust volume levels as needed. For Mac users, open Audio-MIDI Setup to verify that your input and output devices are detected by your computer and adjust volume levels. If any devices are not showing up correctly, make sure they are fully plugged in or turn them off and on again to reestablish a connection.

You can also run Skype’s in-app call testing tool to automatically try detecting any issues with your devices 2. Go to your audio and video settings in Skype and click “Make a free test call”. Skype will connect you to an audio test service that can diagnose any problems with missing devices, audio levels, echoes or background noise.

Adjust Skype Audio Settings

To access the Skype audio settings on desktop, launch the Skype application and click your profile icon in the top left. Select “Settings” from the menu, then choose “Audio & Video” on the left side. On mobile, open the Skype app and tap your profile picture, then tap “Settings” and select “Audio & Video.”

In the Audio & Video settings, you can adjust several options:

  • Ringtone Volume – Increase or lower the volume of your incoming call ringtones.
  • Call Volume – Raise or reduce the sound levels during a Skype call.
  • Microphone Volume – Turn up or turn down how loudly your voice projects in calls. Test your volume in the mic test area to optimize.

Adjust these sliders as needed until you reach your desired sound configuration. The Call Volume works independently from your system volume controls, enabling you to set different levels for Skype specifically.

Troubleshoot Echoes

Echo on calls occurs when the audio from the speakers gets picked up by your microphone and then gets replayed by the remote caller. This creates a distracting repetition where callers hear their own voice coming back after a short delay. It makes conversations difficult and disrupts the experience.

There are a few ways to prevent echo from occurring:

  • Use a headset or headphones – This stops any sound from going into your microphone from the speakers.
  • Mute microphone when not speaking – Mute can prevent incidental background noise from causing echo issues.
  • Adjust microphone and speaker volume – Turning down volumes can reduce echo transmission. Perform a test call to optimize.
  • Change audio devices – Sometimes built-in microphones or low-quality headsets can cause echo problems. Try different high-quality audio gear.

Making these adjustments to your microphone technique, hardware, and audio settings should prevent most echo issues during calls.

Improve Microphone Quality

Using a high quality external microphone can significantly improve voice clarity on Skype calls. According to CNET, some top recommendations include:

  • Blue Yeti USB Microphone – Offers excellent sound quality and multiple pickup patterns.
  • Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ – A top choice for recording vocals and instruments.
  • Samson Meteor Mic – Compact USB studio microphone perfect for travel.

For optimal microphone placement, position the mic 6-12 inches away from your mouth and speak directly into it. Avoid pointing the mic at sources of background noise. You can tweak settings like gain for the ideal recording volume without distortion or echoes.

Testing your mic setup is also key. Use Skype’s Call Testing Service or record and playback a test video call to check if your voice comes through clearly on the other end.

Use Skype Call Testing

Skype has a built-in echo test call feature that allows you to easily test your microphone and speaker quality before making a call. This call testing service is called “Echo / Sound Test Service” within Skype.

To access the call testing feature according to Skype’s support site:

  1. Open Skype and go to your contacts list
  2. Look for “Echo / Sound Test Service” in your contacts list and select it
  3. Start a call with the testing service. You will hear a voice ask you to “Speak into the microphone” followed by a tone
  4. Speak into your microphone and your voice will be played back to you through your speakers, testing both input and output quality
  5. Adjust your mic and speaker settings as needed until the echo test call sounds clear without distortion or echoes

Using Skype’s built-in call testing feature is the easiest way to troubleshoot microphone and speaker issues before making Skype calls. Running through the quick echo call will ensure your audio devices are set up optimally.

Optimize Internet Connection

A faster and more stable internet connection can greatly improve Skype call quality by allowing the video, audio, and screen sharing data to flow smoothly. Skype recommends at least 300 Kbps for basic video calls and 500 Kbps for HD video calling.

Here are some tips to optimize your internet connection when using Skype:

  • Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of WiFi whenever possible for maximum speed and stability.
  • Close any other programs using internet bandwidth like streaming video or music.
  • Restart your router if you notice connectivity issues – this can clear temporary glitches.
  • Consider upgrading your internet plan if available speeds are consistently low.
  • Test your upload/download speeds using an online speed test to quantify internet performance.

Making these adjustments can significantly improve Skype call and video chat reliability. Check speeds across different devices and times of day to best optimize connectivity.

Adjust In-Call Settings

During a Skype call, you can adjust several different in-call settings:

Mute Mic

To mute your microphone during a call so the other person can’t hear you, click the microphone icon at the bottom of the call window. The microphone icon will appear crossed out when muted. Click it again to unmute.

Adjust Volume

To change the speaker or microphone volume during a call, move the volume slider at the bottom of the call window left or right to adjust the volume up or down.

Enable Video

If you started as just an audio call, you can click the video camera icon in the call window to turn on your webcam and turn the call into a video call if the other person also has a webcam.

Call Recording

Skype allows you to record your calls. Click on the three-dot menu at the top of the call window and select “Start Recording”. You can later find these recordings in your chat history.

Live Captions

Skype also offers live captions and subtitles during calls. From your profile settings, enable live captions under “Accessibility”. This will transcribe the other person’s speech during calls.

Update Skype

Keeping Skype updated with the latest version can help fix bugs and improve performance. According to the Skype Support page Updating to the latest version of Skype, “We’re continually releasing updates to our application, based on customer requests and software improvements.”

You can either wait for Skype to automatically prompt you to update to the newest version, or manually check for and install updates. On desktop, go to Help > Check for Updates. On mobile, updates are handled through app stores. The latest Skype version numbers for different platforms are listed on the Skype Support page.

Installing the most recent Skype version can potentially fix sound issues you may be experiencing in calls. Updates optimize performance and squash bugs that get identified over time. So keeping Skype up-to-date is generally recommended.

Contact Skype Support

If you are still having issues with changing Skype sound after trying all the troubleshooting steps, it may be best to directly contact Skype customer support for assistance. Here are some ways to get in touch with Skype support:

Skype Support Page: You can visit the Skype support page and select your specific issue to find solutions or submit a request for help.

Skype Customer Service Number: You can call Skype customer support at 1-800-842-5234 (in the US) or find your local Skype support phone number on their contact page.

Skype Customer Service Email: Send an email to Skype customer support at [email protected] describing your issue in detail.

Skype Chat Support: Some countries offer live chat with Skype agents on their contact page. Chat allows you to get real-time support.

Skype Community Forums: You can also post on the Skype community forums to get help from other users and Skype staff.

When contacting Skype support directly, be ready to provide details about your issue, Skype version, operating system, and steps you’ve tried already. This will help them troubleshoot and resolve your problem quickly.

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