VPN Causing Skype Problems? (4 Easy Solutions)

You might have experienced problems when trying to use Skype while you’re on a VPN connection. That’s not too uncommon, unfortunately.

In this article, we show you exactly how to make it work.

Problems With Skype for Business vs. Private

If you’re using a regular Skype account that’s not a business account you should just move on to the next section where we troubleshoot problems with using Skype over a regular VPN connection.

If you’re having problems with Skype for Business here are some things to try out to solve the issue:

  1. Try connection through another device on the VPN
    If that solves the issue the problem is only related to your PC or your mobile device and you should look at the setting there.
  2. Try to investigate your account
    Maybe your account is having insufficient funds or there can be some other issues. You can ask Skype support to investigate this matter for you.
  3. Disable the firewall
    There might be a local firewall that prevents Skype from working properly on your device. Test it out by disabling the firewall for a little while and then try to make the call again.

If these solutions don’t solve the problems you should contact Skype support.

That’s the good thing about using a paid membership with Skype for Business. That gives you added support that you will not find with a normal Skype account.

Typical Problems With Skype and VPNs (With Solutions)

Now we will take a closer look at some of the most common issues people face when they try to use Skype over a VPN connection.

There can be many reasons so hang on as we dive into them one by one.

1) I Get a Slow Skype Connection With My VPN

If you experience a slower connection over your VPN you might need to try out another VPN server. You can always change the web server you connect to by choosing another location.

Why should that work?

There are multiple reasons for that:

  • Some servers are busier than others
    Some servers get a ton of traffic because they are a popular location for the users of the VPN provider. That can be a server that’s located in Silicon Valley, New York City, or other popular places.
    Simply try to connect to a server that’s located elsewhere.
    But always start with a server that’s near your own physical location to get the best ping time (read more about ping times for VPN servers in our article here).
  • A server can be down or out of order
    Like all other computers, a web server can be fast or slow. Depending on the current of the webserver it might run faster or slower. This can be due to the software that runs on the server. Maybe it’s in the middle of a backup or maybe it’s running some maintenance software in the background.
    It can also be due to slow hardware because the VPN provider is trying to cut some costs.

Solution:
Try another webserver in a nearby location.

That will let you get online with a more stable and better connection.

If that doesn’t do the trick you should try to get a premium VPN.

2) Skype Calls Get Cut Off

If your calls get cut off or they are unstable it might be because the VPN server you are currently connected to is not fast enough. Or maybe the ping time is too high for the signal to be stable for a VoIP call.

That might happen because the server is busy or maybe it’s located too far away from you.

Solution:
The solution here is the same as above.

You need to try another server from the VPN provider. You simply click on the flag or the country list of the interface and choose another server location.

3) Skype Might Create Conflict

Make sure you’re running the latest version of Skype and your VPN.

Whether you’re on a phone, iPad, or on a laptop you might need to update the software once in a while.

When using the VPN on your phone you will be using an app. Depending on the setting on your phone your apps might or might not automatically update to the latest version.

There’s a chance that the problems you are having are a common problem that has been fixed. All you need to do in this regard is to update your apps.

Solution:
Update your Skype app and make sure you’re running the latest version of your VPN apps as well.

You might need to remove the old installation first depending on whether you’re on an iPhone, an Android, or a Windows-based phone.

4) The VPN Killswitch might be engaged

That can also happen if the killswitch inside the VPN program is activated.

The Killswitch might engage when you’re not secured for some reason. Most VPN programs have a built-in killswitch that intervenes in cases of unsecured network activity.

When that happens you cannot connect to the internet at all until you unlock the killswitch. Once you open the VPN program it will typically prompt you with a button that you can use to turn off the killswitch.

As soon as you do that you will be able to reconnect to the internet and reestablish the connection.

Solution:
Disengage the killswitch by opening the VPN program or app.
Press the button to switch it off.

5) Your Internet Connection is Down

It might also be because your VPN connection has not been established properly. There can be problems that prevent the VPN from connection to your internet router.

When that happens all the internet typically shuts off.

Sometimes a VPN will take some time to connect and other times it will simply not connect.

Here’s what you should do:

  1. You should try to go through a local VPN server first to see that everything works at all.
  2. Make sure the VPN is set up correctly.
  3. Try connecting to another server that’s closer to your own location.
  4. Contact the support of your Internet Service Provider.

6) Skype Might Be Banned in Your Area (or at the other end)

Maybe Skype is not allowed in the destination country or maybe you are in a country where it’s not allowed.

Make sure to connect to a webserver from your VPN provider in a country that’s located in a country where Skype is legal to use.

Here’s a list of countries where Skype is banned:

  • China
  • Bangladesh
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  • Oman
  • Morocco

Make sure you’re not using a web server that’s located in one of these countries. You should also make sure the person you’re trying to reach is not located within any of these countries.

If you need to do a VoIP call to these destinations there are alternatives you can use.

Skype alternatives you can use in China:

  • WeChat (video and chat)
  • Mobile QQ (video and chat)
  • Weibo (video and chat)
  • Youni (chat)
  • Wangxin (chat)
  • Momo (chat)

7) Your Firewall Might Be Blocking Skype

It might also be the case that your firewall is causing trouble.

Try bypassing the firewall momentarily to see if it solves the problem. You will know within seconds whether it will connect not or not.

You should be aware that some VPN providers also have a built-in firewall you can turn on and off inside the app. This is true for Windscribe.

You can also easily turn this firewall off when you open the VPN program.

Solution:
Turn off the firewall on your router or computer.
Turn off the firewall on your VPN.
(remember to turn it back on when you’ve located the issue).

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