Skype Crashing During Calls? Here’s How to Fix It
In our global village, apps like Skype have made it easier than ever to stay connected, whether it’s for work, keeping in touch with family, or catching up with friends. But what happens when your lifeline for communication starts betraying you by crashing during calls? Don’t fret! We’re here to guide you through fixing those pesky problems, so your conversations flow as smoothly as your morning cup of joe.
Why Does Skype Crash?
Before we dive into solutions, it’s helpful to understand why Skype might be crashing. It can be anything from outdated software, corrupted files, to inadequate hardware. But don’t let these technical terms scare you off; troubleshooting can be simpler than you think.
Check Your Internet Connection
First things first, ensure your internet connection is stable. A weak Wi-Fi signal or limited bandwidth can cause Skype calls to drop unexpectedly. Try moving closer to your router or using a wired connection to see if that stabilizes your calls.
Update Skype
Running the latest version of Skype can solve a lot of headaches. Developers regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. To update Skype:
- On desktop, open Skype and go to Help > Check for Updates.
- On mobile, visit your app store and see if an update is available.
Updating could solve your crashing woes in a snap.
Update Your Device
Just as it's essential to keep Skype updated, ensuring your device's operating system is up-to-date is equally crucial. Whether you’re on Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android, head to your system’s update settings and install any available updates.
Clear Skype Cache
Sometimes, the cache (temporary files that help Skype run faster) can get corrupted, causing the app to act up. Clearing the cache can often resolve unexpected crashes. Here’s a quick way to do it on Windows:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type “%appdata%\Skype” and press Enter.
- Locate the folder with your Skype ID and delete it.
Remember, this will log you out and erase your message history, so proceed if you’re okay with that.
Reinstall Skype
If updating doesn’t cut it, try uninstalling and then reinstalling Skype. This can fix issues by giving you a fresh start. Uninstall Skype from your device, download the latest version from the official website or your app store, and install it anew.
Check Your Hardware
Skype might be crashing due to hardware issues. For example, if your computer doesn’t meet Skype’s hardware requirements, or there’s a problem with your microphone or webcam. Try testing your hardware with other applications to check if they’re the culprit.
Close Background Applications
Running too many applications simultaneously can overload your device’s memory and processing power, leading to Skype crashes. Close unnecessary apps before starting your call to give Skype the resources it needs.
Adjust Skype’s Video Settings
High video quality settings demand more from your device and internet connection. Lowering the video quality can make your calls more stable. To adjust these settings in Skype:
- Go to Settings > Audio & Video.
- Under “Video,” select a lower video quality.
Is it Your Firewall or Antivirus?
Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software can mistakenly view Skype as a threat, preventing it from working correctly. Try temporarily disabling these programs (don’t forget to reactivate them later) to see if this resolves the issue. If it does, you can probably adjust your firewall or antivirus settings to allow Skype through.
Reach Out for Help
If you’ve tried everything and Skype still loves to crash more than it loves to connect you with others, it might be time to reach out for help. Visit the Skype support website or community forums where you can search for your issue or ask for help. Chances are, someone else has faced the same problem and found a solution.
Ending your Skype crashing saga doesn’t have to be a Herculean task. With these simple steps, you can troubleshoot most issues and get back to your calls without fearing unexpected goodbyes. Remember, keeping software up to date, ensuring a stable internet connection, and double-checking your hardware are key practices to smooth Skype sailing. Happy chatting!