How can I test my sound is working properly?

If you want to practice making a call and check that your speakers and microphone are working properly in Skype, you can make a test call to our friendly assistant Echo. She will prompt you to record a message, and then play it back for you – so you’ll know right away if your sound is working.

1. Plug in your speakers and microphone
   

   If you’re using your device’s built-in speakers and microphone, you don’t need to plug anything in – but if you’re using a separate mic, speakers or a headset, make sure they’re plugged in and switched on.

   Need help with that? See our guide to plugging in a headset, mic, and speakers.

2. Find the Skype sound test service
   

   Sign into Skype and look in your contact list for Echo/Sound Test Service. If you don’t see her in your contact list, type echo123 into the search field and click Search Skype. She will show up as Echo/Sound Test Service.

    
   
    

   (These pictures are from Skype for Windows desktop. The steps for adding a contact and making a call are slightly different if you’re using Skype on something else – but you can find guides for all platforms on this site.)

3. Call
   

   In the calling pane, click Call.

    
   
    
4. Follow the instructions you hear
   

   Your new friend Echo will ask you to record a message, and then will play your message back to you.

Did it work?

If you heard Echo’s voice and heard your recorded message, then your sound and microphone are working just fine and you’re good to go.

If you didn’t hear Echo’s voice, you probably have a problem with your speakers or headphones. Check out our guide to solving your speakers/headphones issues.

If you heard Echo’s voice but didn’t hear your own recorded message played back, you probably have a problem with your microphone. Check out our guide to solving your microphone issues.