Skype is not working (While chatting)

An update a day (or as soon as they are released) keeps the bugs away. Maybe an outdated operating system is the reason why Skype is not working, or maybe the latest version of Skype is partially incompatible with your current operating system version.

To fix this, you need to update your mobile device's operating system to the latest version. Usually, updates are installed automatically, when they are released to the public, however, it's best to check for updates manually. If you are not sure how to check for updates manually, feel free to check our guide on updating the operating system.

Maybe the outdated operating system version installed in your computer caused the newer version of Skype to misbehave, mainly due to incompatibility. Alternatively, maybe a bug in your current operating system affects Skype. In any event, updating Windows to the latest version can fix this error.

Windows updates are usually installed automatically, however, you can check and install an update manually, any time. To check for updates, feel free to follow the steps below:

1. Open the start menu and type Check for updates;
2. Click on the Check for updates button in the start menu;
3. If there is an update available, click on the Install button.

Maybe the reason why Skype won't be able to establish a call is your firewall's settings, which might not permit Skype to run correctly (e.g. you accidentally clicked 'no' when you ran Skype for the first time).

To test if this is the case, disable the Windows firewall, check Skype's behavior, and then reactivate the Windows firewall.

To deactivate the Windows Firewall, feel free to follow the steps below:

To activate the Windows Firewall:

If the firewall was indeed the culprit, feel free to follow the steps below:

1. Open the start menu and type Windows Firewall or Windows Defender Firewall;
2. Click on the option once it appears;
3. From the top left side click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall;
4. Tick Skype for all networks (Home, Private, Public) if you are not sure which one you have. 

Outdated drivers (especially sound and video drivers) may cause your Skype to crash (e.g. after a video call ends, or when calling someone, or receiving calls). Make sure you have the latest ones.

There are more ways of updating the drivers, some of which are:

• Via your computer manufacturer's website;
• Via a driver management tool.
  
  

To learn more about how to update computer drivers, feel free to check the how to update drivers guide.

Updating your computer's operating system version is a must, so as to ensure that the latest performance and compatibility updates, as well as bug fixes are applied to your computer. An outdated operating system version may be the reason why Skype crashes, too.

To update to the latest macOS version, feel free to follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Apple icon and select System Preferences;
2. Click on Software Update;
3. If an update is available, click on the update button to install it.

If Skype crashes whenever you call someone or receiving a call, then try disabling start-up items and non-Microsoft services, by following the steps below:

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig.exe and click OK.
2. Click on the General tab, under "Selective startup" uncheck "Load startup items".
3. Click on the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click on Disable all.
4. Click on the Startup tab and uncheck everything you don't need to start automatically (On Windows 8 & 10 the Startup tab is found in the Task Manager).
5. Click on Apply, and then OK.
6. Restart your computer after it.

Skype's App data and cache files contain data and resources that will ensure faster performance of the app, by retaining the user history (depending on the app), and the user preferences. Unless you want it on purpose, you won't be asked to log in and configure Skype every time you open it.

Unfortunately, data and cache files can become corrupt due to many reasons, including software updates, other apps, and more. Clearing the corrupt files should fix this error because once you clear the corrupt files, clean ones will be stored on your device the next time you open Skype.

You can clear the data and cache files of Skype, if you follow the steps below: 

1. Go to Settings;
2. Select Apps/Applications Manager;
   

   

3. Select Skype from the list and tap on the clear data and clear cache buttons;
   

   

Here is a video tutorial on where to clear app data and cache files (taken on a Samsung Galaxy device, running on Android OS 8 - steps may vary from one device to another):