How do I adjust the sound settings on my computer and in Skype for Linux?

In most cases, you will be  able to use Skype as soon as it has been installed, and unless you encounter a problem with Skype we do not recommend that that you change your sound settings. However, it's possible that your sound system may not be compatible with Skype, and if so you will need to configure them to work with Skype.

Skype for Linux supports the PulseAudio and ALSA sound systems. As of version 4.3, the ALSA sound system is no longer supported without PulseAudio.

To use PulseAudio with Skype:

1.  Download and install the pavucontrol package. You can do this directly from the website*, or obtain it from within the Ubuntu Software Centre (if you use the Ubuntu distribution).
   1. In Ubuntu, select Applications > Ubuntu Software Centre.
   2. In the navigation pane on the left, select Get Software > Provided by Ubuntu.
   3. Search for PulseAudio Volume Control from within the Software Centre and then click to select it.
   4. Click Install.
       
   * Skype is not responsible for the content of external sites.  
2. Open the PulseAudio Volume Control and check that the microphone/recording input for your microphone is enabled in the audio mixer settings. 

   

   Check that your hardware settings are correct in both the Input and Output tabs.

3. Check that Skype is using PulseAudio:
   1. Sign in to Skype.
   2. Click Main Menu in the bottom left corner of the application and select Options > Sound Devices.

      

   3. Make a test call.

      If you need to adjust the PulseAudio settings, click Open PulseAudio Volume Control to open pavucontrol again and alter as necessary. When you are finished, click Playback to check that all is in order.