How to Make a Skype Test Call

Checking that your Skype connection is in top working order before that important call comes in is crucial, of course — Skype offers a simple, always-available way to be sure: the Echo/Test Sound Service.

Make a Skype Test Call

After you install Skype on your computer or before an important call, verify that your audio is working well and that your computer's connection to the internet and to Skype are strong enough to facilitate a call. You also should check that you're able to hear well and that the person on the other end can hear you, too.

1. Start Skype and log in to your account.

2. Select the Contacts tab in the panel on the left, which is where all your contacts are displayed. Among them, you'll see a link for the Echo/Test Sound Service. If your contact list is sorted alphabetically, it will appear under E. Select Echo/Test Sound Service to open its details on the main pane of the interface.

3. Select the calling button to initiate the call. A female voice will welcome you and introduce you to the service for 10 seconds.

4. After the beep, speak into your microphone; the service records your voice for 10 seconds, so for the most thorough test, continue talking for the duration. After the second beep, your recorded voice will playback for 10 seconds. Then, you'll hear the female voice again, explaining that the test has concluded.

If you hear your voice clearly during the playback, your audio is configured properly, and you can make voice calls without a problem. If you don't hear your own recording, your microphone might be misconfigured or damaged.

If you don't hear Echo, check your audio configurations. Ensure, for example, that your external equipment, such as headphones, speaker, or headset, is connected properly to your computer.

If you hear absolutely nothing right from the start, then you might have a problem with your computer's sound function. Check your sound card settings and drivers. 

The Echo/Sound Test function also checks your connection. When you initiate the call, it tries to connect to a Skype remote server. If it fails, you have a problem with your internet connection. If you're able to use your internet connection but can't connect to the Echo/Sound Test, the problem might lie with Skype.