Skype is a popular program that, despite its many analogues, remains the most demanded for work and communication. But, like any software, this also has disadvantages. For example, sometimes Skype does not see a microphone. There can be many reasons.
Program
Skype is an application that gives users the ability to write text messages, use voice and video communications. It works only when connected to the Internet.
Although the program is free, it has a paid service: calls to mobile and landline numbers.
The development company was founded back in 2003. The basis was taken by the KaZaA program, on which specialists who had come to the newly created organization had previously worked. The first versions of the now popular software appeared in the fall of 2003.
The developers managed to capture the audience thanks to voice communication, which was not in ICQ and similar programs, as well as a simple interface and registration.
Inclusion
Before you understand why Skype does not see the microphone, you need to figure out how to connect it. It all depends on which device you are using. For example, a microphone can be a separate device, or sold with headphones.
One way or another, from the beginning you need to connect the device to the appropriate connector, and then test its performance.
This is done in several ways:
- You can call a friend and chat with him. This is the easiest way to find out if you can hear your interlocutor or not.
- There is an option to call the Echo / Sound Test Service - a contact that is immediately after installing the program in the list. After the beep, you will need to pronounce the words, and after the second beep, listen to the result.
- Finally, you can go to "Settings" - "Basic" - "Sound Settings". There is a volume control for the microphone and headphones. If you start talking, the volume level will begin to fluctuate. So you can determine whether the microphone sees or does not see Skype.
Check
Unfortunately, Skype is not an ideal program. Errors and failures often occur in it. Users also complain that Skype does not see the microphone. If you encounter such a problem, you need to check a few points:
- Proper device connection. Sometimes users confuse the headphone and microphone jacks with each other. As a result, nothing works.
- Sometimes driver installation is required. Of course, now this is an extremely unpopular practice. But some devices are still sold with disks and software.
- Again, go to the basic settings and look at the volume level. Above it there is a choice of microphone. It is possible that several voice devices are connected to your computer at once. Then from the list you will need to select the one you need.
What to do?
If Skype does not see the microphone, you can go to the PC system settings. To do this, go to the "Start", then enter in the search bar "Manage sound devices."
A new window will open. In it you can configure not only a microphone, but also headphones with speakers. Go to the tab “Record”. A list of system microphones opens. There may be one or more options. You need to click on the active option and click "Properties".
A window opens again, in which you need to check the "Levels" tab. The first item here will be the microphone adjustment. You need to move the slider to the right, to the maximum value.
Malfunction
If Skype still does not see the microphone, you can try installing other voice programs or using a standard tool.
In Windows 7, go to "Start" - "All Programs" - "Standard". From the list, select the application “Sound Recorder”. This tool is a computer voice recorder that helps you record sound.
You can also download a program such as Audacity, which is used to record songs. It is easy to check the microphone, its sound and the problems that are associated with it.
If not only Skype does not see the microphone, but other programs do not work with it, most likely there are problems in the malfunction of the device. It often happens that, having bought a headset, the user notices: the headphones are working, but the microphone is not. In this case, the purchase will have to be returned to the store.
Windows 10
Although the performance of devices rarely depends on the operating system, there are developer errors. Of course, they are corrected after detection, but in the first stages, not everyone can understand what to do with them. So, in some updates, "arriving" on Windows 10, "Skype" did not see the microphone.
A message appeared on top of the program stating that a particular voice device was not working. It was required to replace it. At the same time, the microphone easily coped with other programs.
This problem was caused by a system failure. It was easy to fix: in "Start" go to "Settings" - "Privacy" - "Microphone". In this window you need to enable the use of "Skype" device.
Mac OS
Computers on this operating system also often face the fact that Skype does not see the microphone from the headphones. Such situations are very rare, but when they do, you have to look for an answer on the forums.
Users say that the system itself can fold settings and select other devices for voice communication. And you can fix this by reinstalling the program. Some suffered a day, and everything fell into place. There were also tips to restart the PC.
Smartphones
It may be that the mobile version of Skype does not see the microphone. If you have an iPhone, you need to:
- try reinstalling the program;
- go to settings, find the “Privacy” tab and give the program access to the microphone;
- Check for software updates.
If your Android device can:
- reinstall Skype;
- check for updates;
- try to roll back the new version to a previously released one;
- restart the smartphone.
Camera
It so happens that, along with the microphone, Skype does not see the camera either. In this case, the problem is more difficult to fix, because webcams usually require installing, updating, or rolling back drivers.
You can check the performance of the program in the same way as the microphone. But first, take a look at the device itself. If this is a laptop, a light will be on next to the lens. If the webcam is connected separately, then it should also have indicators.
Next in “Skype” you need to find the video settings. They automatically start the camera. Select the device from above. If you use a third-party webcam on your laptop, then there will be two devices in the list. In the remaining cases, one thing.
Below the window displays what the camera lens is aimed at. Under it there is a webcam setting and an avatar change. There are a lot of display settings: you can change the brightness, contrast, colors and much more.
If nothing is displayed in this menu, then go to the system settings. To do this, open "My Computer", right-click and select "Properties". A list appears in a new window. Here selects "Device Manager."
So we will see all the devices that are connected to the PC. In “Sound, video and gaming devices” a webcam should be displayed. If she is not there, she most likely does not work.
If you notice a camera in the list, you need to right-click. You may have to enable it if it is disabled, or update the driver.
Other problems
In addition to the problem, when Skype does not see the speakers and the microphone, their operation may also be incorrect. This is a very common problem. For example, a microphone can hiss, snarl, buzz, etc.
To fix this, you need:
- update drivers;
- remove automatic microphone tuning;
- install auxiliary software to help you tune the sound;
- try reinstalling Skype;
- monitor the quality of your internet connection.
There are problems that cannot be fixed by hardware. The microphone may be of poor quality, or a faulty plug and a loose connector. There are problems associated with low-quality Internet, or lack of RAM.
In this case, the user has to decide: buy another device, conduct high-speed Internet or purchase a RAM module.
findings
Despite its popularity, Skype is slowly losing its audience. Gamers are starting to abandon this program due to communication problems and prefer Discord. For this segment of users, this service is much more convenient and useful.
But Skype remains popular for work and communication with relatives abroad. And although the program cannot be avoided errors and crashes, developers are trying to instantly fix all the problems.