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Skype Call Failed: 7 Simple Methods to Make it go Through

A comprehensive guide on fixing this problem within minutes

6 min. read

Updated onJuly 12, 2024

updated onJuly 12, 2024

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Key notes

Has your Skype call failed? Sadly as frustrating as this may be, you are not the only one experiencing it.

Skype is a great app that offers useful services for those who want to chat with their friends, initiate video calls for free, debate projects with business partners in real-time, share files, and more. It can be easily used on any platform, and the app works without problems on any Windows device.

Recently, more and more users have been complaining about a new system issue caused by Skype. To be more accurate, the users say they cannot use Skype to call their friends or connect with others through a video call.

What does call failed means on Skype?

When a call fails on Skype, the call cannot be established, or the connection is lost during the call. There are several reasons why a call may fail on Skype, including:

What can I do if my Skype calls keep failing?

1. Delete the shared.xml file

First of all, ensure that theSkypeapp is closed on your device.
Press theWindowskey +Rkeyboard keys at the same time to open theRundialog.

3.In theRunbox type:%appdata%skype.

4.PressEnteror clickOK.

Search for theshared.xmlfile in the window that opened on your device. Do note that your file might be namedsharedif the file extensions feature is not enabled on your computer.
Right-click on it and selectDeletefrom the list of options.
Once you delete the shared.xml file, try running Skype again and check if the issue still persists.

Another fix is to manually delete the shared.xml file on your device. It might be damaged or corrupted, thus creating the calls failing issue. After you delete it, Skype will automatically replace it. This will ensure a clean reset of your app, without you having to completely re-install it.

2. Check if Skype is up to date

Skype will now check for available updates and download them in the background. After you update Skype to the latest version, the issue should be resolved, and you can use Skype without any problems.

3. Use System Restore

Once your PC is restored, your Skype calls should start working again. If you’re not a fan ofSystem Restore, you can also restore your PC using a hard disk image.

4. Reinstall Skype

You can also uninstall Skype by doing the following:

If you have multiple versions of Skype available, uninstall them all and thendownload the desktop, also known as a classic version of Skype and install it. Once you reinstall Skype, the issue should be resolved entirely.

5. Check your call forwarding settings

Sometimes Skype calls don’t go through due to your call forwarding settings. If you use this feature, you might want to check your settings and see if everything is in order.

According to users, their call forwarding was set to 1 second by accident, and that caused this issue to appear.

To fix the problem, go to Skype’s website, log in with your user account, and set the call forwarding timer to any other value.

After doing that, the issue should be resolved entirely, and your calls should start working again.

Remember that the call forwarding feature is disabled by default, and if you never enabled or used this feature, this solution doesn’t apply to you.

6. Change your Internet Options

After doing that, your Skype calls should be able to connect without any problems.

7. Make sure that Quiet hours aren’t enabled

Once you disable this feature, the problem with Skype should be resolved. Remember that this solution works only with the Universal version of Skype. If you’re using a desktop version, this solution won’t apply.

Also, if you’re makingSkype international calls, ensure you have enough credits.

If yourAction Center doesn’t open, read our dedicated article to find out how to fix it.

That’s it: if your Skype call fails, that is how you may quickly fix the problem on your PC.

Use the comments section below if you know other methods to apply for troubleshooting this issue, and we will update this guide accordingly.

Skype Call Failed: 7 Simple Methods to Make it go Through#

What does call failed means on Skype?#

What can I do if my Skype calls keep failing?#

1. Delete the shared.xml file#

2. Check if Skype is up to date#

3. Use System Restore#

4. Reinstall Skype#

5. Check your call forwarding settings#

6. Change your Internet Options#

7. Make sure that Quiet hours aren’t enabled#