Solutions to common issues relating to Skype for Business are described in the sections below. If your issue is not resolved by any of the topics below:
- Try rebooting your computer.
- Get more information support from Microsoft Support
Select an Audio Device in Skype for Business
Select a Video Device in Skype for Business
Verifying Your Operating System
Skype for Business is only supported on 10.11 (El Capitan) or newer operating systems.
- To verify the version of your Operating System:
- Click on the Apple Icon in the top right of the screen
- Click on About This Mac
- The version is displayed in the Overview Tab
- If you don’t have a 10.11 (El Capitan) or newer operating systems, an upgrade is needed to use Skype for Business.
- Go to Apple Support to check your computer's compatibility with the latest operating system.
- If the computer can support 10.11 or later, decide if you want to install the latest supported version for your computer.
Select an Audio Device in Skype for Business
- Click the Settings Icon (three dot icon in lower right corner).
- Click on Meeting Options -> Audio Device.
- Select the device you want.
You can't Hear or Others Can't Hear You
- Make sure you are not muted.
- You can see that you are muted in the meeting when the blue microphone icon has a line through.
- To un-mute yourself, click on the microphone icon (the line should disappear).
- Increase the Microphone Strength.
- Go to Skype for Business Main window.
- Click on the Settings Wheel Icon -> Tools -> Audio Device Settings.
- Slide the Microphone Slider to the right.
- Make sure the correct device is selected.
- Before the Skype for Business meeting.
- On the lower-left side of the Skype for Business main window, choose a device from Select Primary Device.
- Choose either your microphone, computer's internal speakers, external speakers, or headphone.
- During the Skype for Business meeting
- Click on the Telephone Icon in the bottom right corner of the Skype for Business meeting.
- Select the correct device.
- Before the Skype for Business meeting.
- Check the volume in Mac Settings
- Select the Apple Menu
- Select System Preferences
- Select Sound
- Select Output and make sure:
- “Internal Speakers” is selected.
- The “Output volume” slider is not all the way to the left.
- The Mute checkbox is not selected.
- Check the Permissions in Mac Settings.
- Select the Apple Menu.
- Select System Preferences.
- Select Security and Privacy.
- Select the Privacy tab.
- Verify that Skype for Business is selected in the Microphone section. If the microphone is checked, uncheck and check it again.
- Restart Skype for Business.
- Check the Microphone
- If using your computer's built-in microphone, make sure it isn't muted.
- If using an external microphone:
- Check that it is plugged in.
- Try plugging it in to a different USB port.
- Check for a physical mute button on the headset or headset cord.
- Remote Desktop Users
- Disconnect from the remote desktop session.
- Connect to Skype for Business using the computer you are physically using.
Improve Sound Quality
Audio quality can be improved by increasing the contrast between the sound of your voice and all other sounds around you.
- Speakerphone or Webcam: Move closer to the microphone.
- Built-in computer microphone: Make sure nothing is blocking it.
- Handheld device: Make sure your hand or a finger is not blocking the microphone entrance when you hold the device.
- Reduce background noise.
- Reduce the volume of the playback. Turn down the volume on your speakers and, if possible, move them farther away from the microphone.
- Use a headset. Almost all the issues described can be improved or solved by using a USB headset.
Select Video Device in Skype for Business
To select a Video Device in Skype for Business, check your Camera settings in Skype for Business:
- Go to Tools > Video Device Settings.
- Click on Video Device and select the Camera.
- You should see a preview of what Camera see's in this window.
- If the camera doesn't appear in the list
- Make sure the camera is plugged in.
- Make sure the webcam is installed correctly.
- If the camera shows up in the list but doesn't show a preview
- Make sure another application is not using the webcam.
- Check the Camera's Privacy Settings by clicking on Camera Settings under the preview section.
You Can't See
- Click the Settings Icon (three dot icon in lower right corner).
- Click on Meeting Options -> Video Device.
- Select the device you want.
- Make sure you start your video.
- Click the blue Video icon.
- Click "Start My Video."
- If you can't see documents, files or programs being discussed, ask them to share their desktop.
Mac OS Catalina Users
Skype for Business may not have permission to use the microphone.or camera.- Go to the Apple menu.
- Click on System Preferences.
- Open Security & Privacy and click on Privacy.
- Click on Microphone.
- Check the box next to Skype for Business. (If already checked, uncheck and check the box.)
- If Skype for Business is not listed under Microphone, try the camera.
- Click on Camera.
- Check the box next to Skype for Business. (if already checked, uncheck and check the box.)
- You might need to unlock the padlock and confirm the change.
- Restart the computer after steps 4 and/or 5.
- Open Skype for Business.
- Skype will ask for permission to use the camera and the microphone. Click Allow.
- If the above did not fix your problem, uninstall Skype for Business and install the previous version of Skype for Business.
- Go to Finder > Application.
- Drag Skype for Business from the list to the Trash.
- Download Skype Installer Package.
- Restart the computer.
- Find the Skype for Business Package (called SkypeforBusinessInstller-16-28-0-142.pkg). For more help, see Installing Skype for Business on a Mac.
- Double-click to install Skype for Business.
- Restart the computer.