To date, Skype is a vital channel of communication for families, friends, and businesses. The app goes back a while and still maintains its users despite the problems it’s been having. Issues on login, on startup, on call or video — Skype has had them all. Sometimes the application gets stuttery after a few seconds into the call, which, ultimately, leads to a force close with a crash code. On other occasions, you might find yourself in the situation where your microphone is not working or app not connecting at all. Dealing with these sorts of problems is never an easy job, especially considering that usually you need an urgent fix. Therefore, this guide will help deal with Skype’s most common issues related to “my Skype is not working” question.
Naturally, whenever you double-click an application icon, you expect the app to launch. Unfortunately, this is not always the case with Skype which leaves most user scratching their heads wondering “Why is my Skype not launching?”. This can happen for a number of reasons which depend on macOS version, Skype app version, your Mac’s specs, apps launched, etc.
- To quickly fix the issue you will have to open Activity Monitor app located in Applications -> Utilities. Don’t worry, the app comes preinstalled on every Mac.
- Start the application and find all Skype-related processes using the Search bar in the upper right corner.
- Select and force quit all of Skype's running processes and relaunch the application.
Step 2: Remove Skype for Business cache. Exit Skype for Business. For example, click the down arrow next to the gear icon, select File, and then Exit. Start Registry Editor. To do this, right-click Start, click Run, type regedit in the Open box, and then press OK. Locate the following subkey: Skype for Business 2016: HKEYCURRENTUSER Software. Dear All, After a migration from Lync,Exchange to Office365 we have 1 user that is unable to connect not even launch Skype for Business. The environment is Server2008R2,Citrix Xenapp 6.5,appsense based using thin clients, Office365 uses OKTA as authenticator, the user profile is mandatory (spoofe. Recommend that you reinstall Skype for Business on Mac. Skype for Business Mac Version = 16.9.37. When jon.doe logs into Skype for Business with the Windows SFB client, the profile pic and contacts Open Keychain Access from /Applications/Utilities folder. Delete all keychains starting with Skype For Business. Please update the client to the latest. Wait for Skype to Launch if it hasn’t opened yet; Right-Click on the Skype icon in the Dock; Scroll up to ‘Options’ and uncheck ‘Open at Login’ Quit Skype; Now the next time you login or boot up your Mac you shouldn’t see Skype launching itself. Just be sure that the “Open at Login” item is unchecked.
If any of Skype’s processes have failed and became unresponsive, closing them and relaunching can fix the problem.
Another way you can resolve the issue is by completely reinstalling Skype on your Mac.
- Completely remove Skype using MacFly Pro or any other app that features a complete uninstaller.
- Download the latest version of Skype and install the app.
Reportedly, users have had problems launching Skype. On various forums, you will constantly find discussions such as “Skype is not available”, “Why is Skype not loading?” or “My Skype application not responding”. In most of the cases, the reason this issue keeps happening is a corrupted file in the Skype folder. To fix the problem, it is recommended you perform a clean reinstall of Skype. Note, clean installation won’t be possible unless you fully delete Skype from your Mac first.
- Go to Finder -> Applications and move Skype app to Trash.
- Hold Shift-Command-D in Finder for 'Go to folder' pop-up.
- Navigate to the ~/Library/Application Support directory and delete all folders that contain Skype in the name.
- Go to ~/Library/Preferences and remove com.skype.skype.plist.
- Use Search to look for all remaining Skype files and delete those too.
- Empty your Trash and install the latest version of Skype.
Besides logging into the app itself, Skype users encounter other frustrating issues related to camera, microphone and video/sound in general. Cases, when external hardware won’t work with Skype, are nothing new for anyone who’ve used Skype more than 3-4 times. Neither is the problem with sound and video. Yet finding the right solution to these problems isn’t always easy.
The process of setting up a camera for Skype is often unreasonably unwieldy and takes more time than it ever should have. Moreover, users often end up with their camera not working when attempting a scheduled call. As a rule, frustration kicks in when you are in a hurry and can’t find the right solution on the web for the dreaded ‘Why won’t my camera work?’ question that’s continuously running through the back of your mind. Begin by checking up on your Skype settings.
- Open Skype.
- Click on Skype menu in the menu bar.
- Select Audio & Video Settings.
- Scroll down to Video section and ensure the camera you want to use is selected.
This should get you right on track quickly, especially if you are using an external camera.
Unfortunately, troubleshooting the camera question does not necessarily fix the absence of video in a call. When in a call, check the camera button to ensure your webcam is switched on. It is quite common for users to forget about this button which ultimately becomes an easy “how to fix” solution to video problems and when your interlocutor can’t see you. Lastly, if none of the mentioned methods cover the topic of “Why won’t my camera work?” or “How come it’s not letting me see?” you will need to reinstall Skype, reboot your Mac and reconnect the camera. And don’t forget to check whether you have a sticker on your laptop camera.
Audio problems with Skype on Mac are less common than other issues. Upon encountering any audio issues, head over to Skype menu in menu bar and choose Audio & Video settings. In the Speakers section, you can adjust the volume, set correct output device as well as run an audio test. Selecting the right output and adjusting the volume should fix the problem.
Troubleshooting Skype microphone problem can get a little tricky if you choose to use an external mic. This has everything to do with Apple’s choice of the headphone jack, which, in brief, simply means you should opt for USB powered microphones to avoid issues. In order to figure out how to fix your microphone, open Skype menu in the menu bar and choose Audio & Video settings. Under Microphone section, choose your mic as desired input device make a free test call to check if everything works.
Once your preferences are set, pay attention to the microphone mute button during the call as it can be the reason you are not being heard.
This story is being continuously updated…. New updates are being added at the bottom…..
Original story (from Feb 20) follows:
Looks like Skype is acting glitchy for some users currently. According to reports, the Windows 10 client of the service is closing / crashing at the moment. Users are taking to social media to report the problem.
Here are some reports:
@Skype your PC app is broken. It kicked me from a call and then closed completely. Now when I open the app it loads but then closes again
@Skype Hey guys, I’m having a huge problem with my skype for Windows 10 app. The window keeps force closing by itself, even through the app is still running in the background.
Any fixes to this? pic.twitter.com/2q1Zx1Q2qx
— Big Boss Isaac 🐯 (@BigBoss_Isaac) February 20, 2019
My SKYPE was working perfectly earlier. Now it won't work at all. Everytime I click on one of my contacts. The screen blanks out and minimizes.
— Joshua Kricker (@KrickerJoshua) February 20, 2019
@SkypeSupport what's going on with Skype, suddenly cycling like it can't connect.
Preview Version on Desktop (Chrome) same as stand Alone.
skype-8.39.0.180 is title of Exe file.
— Fi (@Fleafi7) February 20, 2019
my skype (for windows) keeps closing after opening and i've tried so many things and even when i installed an older version it's still the same thing
— 17's amy 🗝 (@gaIaxyhan) February 20, 2019
Skype PC version is totally unusable now for me as well. https://t.co/qGty7wzBC4
— Scott Kuberski, KKBC (@scott_kuberski) February 20, 2019
well im not getting an error message but when i keep opening skype after the update it goes to the screen like normal but then goes to the blue loading screen for no reason then back to the normal screen for a few times and then it closes out of nowhere
— RetroClausIsComingToTown (@KennyT83) February 20, 2019
/001-stop-skype-starting-automatically-4177357-a1bfd03c36e742a3a391633765296382.jpg "Skype for business not opening")
In addition to reports from Windows users (which are pouring in from several regions (indicating widespread outage)), some Mac users are complaining as well:
@SkypeSupport why does Skype keep freaking out on my Mac. It opens and closes ten times then closes altogether. Won’t let me make any calls or anything! Help!
Skype For Business Not Opening Mac
— Bucks N Bass (@bucksnbass_) February 20, 2019
@SkypeSupport I cant access Skype on my mac.
— Sarah (@spiritedunic0rn) February 20, 2019
For it’s part, team Skype or Microsoft hasn’t said anything about this sudden glitch. But we’re keeping a close eye. Will update this story with more relevant information in real time. So keep checking back.
Update 1
Someone who got in touch with Skype chat support got the following response.
It seems this is an emerging issue now globally. We are having massive reports with same issue
Meanwhile, some users say old version of Skype (available here: https://web.skype.com/en/) works fine. Do give it a try and let us know how it goes.
Update 2
For some users, the service is back to normal now.
It's working again for me!
— Sue Trowbridge (@trow125) February 20, 2019
But we’re still keeping a close eye.
Update 3
The official Skype Twitter account confirms the outage has been fixed.
Hi, Angela. There has been a temporary glitch a moment ago that was already fixed. Please check it on your end.
— Skype (@Skype) February 20, 2019
Update 4 (Dec 16)
Going by the latest reports on micro-blogging site Twitter, Skype for Business is encountering some issues. Here’s what some of those affected have to say:
@OfficeSupport
Skype for Business seems to be down in The Netherlands, cannot connect from different tenants.
source
Skype For Business Mac Issues
Skype is probably older than you kid pipe dow
source
Skype For Business
Skype for Business is definitely down, UK and Munich in our organisation
source
While reports continue to proliferate, there’s no word from the official sources as yet. Rest assured, we’re keeping a close watch and will update this page as and when any new development catches our sight.
Developing….
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