Skype: microphone does not work - what to do?
It has already happened to everyone that the microphone does not work during a Skype call. This is annoying, but can usually be fixed with a few settings. In this practical tip you can read how it works.
Check microphone settings from Skype
Especially with computers with integrated microphones, as is the case with most notebooks, it can often happen that Skype has activated the wrong microphone. To check that the correct microphone is active:
- Open Skype and log in. Click Actions, and then click Options.
- Click on "Audio Settings" on the left (see screenshot).
- You can select your microphone in the drop-down menu to the right of "Microphone". If available, try all the entries and leave it activated where the volume indicator below it is the most important when you speak. Also check the "Activate automatic microphone setting" checkbox.
Check system-wide microphone settings
The problem does not have to be Skype, sometimes Windows is set incorrectly. Check the settings as follows:
- Go to the Control Panel and select the "Sound" item.
- Click on the "Recording" tab.
- Activate all microphones by right-clicking on the entry and then selecting "activate".
- Double click on each entry and switch to the "Levels" tab. Move the volume control all the way to the right. If there is also a further control for the amplification of the microphone, set this to the right as well. Click OK".
- Check your audio settings again in Skype. If it still doesn't work, your microphone is probably defective.
The tip was created on Windows 10 with Skype version 7.6.0.105. In our next practical tip, you will read how you can top up your Skype credit with PayPal.