The bandwidth required by Skype depends on the type of calls you want to make. Check the following information for the minimum and recommended speeds for best performance.

The following table provides the minimum download and upload speeds required, as well as the recommended speeds for best performance.

Call type

Minimum download

/ upload speed

Recommended download

/ upload speed

Calling

30kbps / 30kbps

100kbps / 100kbps

Video calling /

Screen sharing

128kbps / 128kbps

300kbps / 300kbps

Video calling

(high-quality)

400kbps / 400kbps

500kbps / 500kbps

Video calling

(HD)

1.2Mbps / 1.2Mbps

1.5Mbps / 1.5Mbps

Group video

(3 people)

512kbps / 128kbps

2Mbps / 512kbps

Group video

(5 people)

2Mbps / 128kbps

4Mbps / 512kbps

Group video

(7+ people)

4Mbps / 128kbps

8Mbps / 512kbps

If you are signed in to Skype but not making any calls, Skype will use on average 0-4kbps. When you make a call, Skype will use on average between 24-128kbps.

Audio calls should be possible with most internet connections. Video calls use a lot more bandwidth, so if you are having issues with the quality of your video calls, we recommend:

  • Closing other applications that use the internet, especially those playing music or video.

  • Cancelling any file transfers in progress.

If this does not resolve your problem, you may need to increase your bandwidth. Contact your Internet Service Provider if you need more information regarding your download and upload speeds.

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