In Skype it says the connection could not be established. Your firewall and antivirus may be blocking your connection to Skype. Skype doesn't work, data transfer error - solution

When launching Skype, at the stage of entering your username and password, the error “The connection could not be established” may appear. This error is caused by the fact that the program for some reason was unable to establish a connection to the Skype servers.

The root of the problem, as a rule, lies in the use of an old version or problems with the Internet on the computer.

Today we will tell you what to do if Skype failed to establish a connection and look at all the ways to get rid of this error.

Reasons for the error

The moment you start the program, when you enter your username and password, Skype connects and sends a request to its servers to verify the accuracy of the data. The server, in turn, must send a response request that your data is correct.

If a connection cannot be established between your computer and the Skype servers, the program cannot check your data and the error “Connection could not be established” appears.

The error occurs due to several reasons:

1. You have an old version or your system files are damaged

2. Problems with the Internet on the computer or a problem with the provider

3. Blocking by antivirus or firewall

4. Failures on the company’s servers

Outdated version

This reason is the most common and easiest to correct. Skype developers are constantly releasing updates.

When you send your data to the official servers, not only information about your account and password is sent, but also information about your version of the program. If you are using an older version, you will see the Skype connection failed error.

Solution

The solution is suitable not only for cases when the problem is caused by an outdated version, but also when your critical files are damaged.

Go to the official website and download the latest version of Skype. Run the installation of the downloaded file and try to establish the connection again.

If you can't install Skype, try uninstalling the old version first. To do this, go to Control Panel - Programs - Uninstall Programs. Click on the program and click the “Delete” button.

After deleting, press the Win+R key combination and copy there %appdata%\Skype and click the OK button.

A folder with temporary files will open. Select and delete all folders and files in the window that opens.

Try installing Skype again. In 90 percent of cases, the problem with establishing a connection is solved.

Problem with the Internet on the computer or on the ISP side

Skype requires Internet access to work, so if the Internet is unstable, a connection cannot be established.

Problems with the Internet are usually difficult to miss, since most often they affect the operation of all programs running on the Internet - the browser, instant messengers, and online games do not work.

Solution

Resetting Internet Explorer browser settings

The Internet Explorer browser is an important component of Windows and its incorrect configuration can affect the functionality of the Internet on the computer, and as a result, Skype cannot establish a connection.

Open the folder C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer, right-click on the iexplore.exe file and run as administrator.

Go to the browser properties by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right corner of the browser and go to “Browser Options”.

In the browser properties, go to the “Advanced” tab and click “Reset”.

After this, Internet Explorer browser settings will be reset.

Also, it makes sense to update your Internet Explorer browser to the latest version; this may also help solve the problem with the Internet.

The problem is on the provider's side

If your computer does not have an Internet connection or is unstable, then obviously the problem is not with your settings, but with the provider.

First of all, check whether the Internet is paid for. Perhaps your provider has disconnected you for non-payment. If the Internet is paid for, you should call your provider and tell them about the problems with the network to find out the recovery time. Providers have accidents on the line as a result of which customers suffer. You are not required to do anything other than wait for the problem to be fixed.

Blocking Skype by antivirus or firewall

Another reason why Skype refuses to connect may be antivirus software. Antivirus products are designed to protect your computer from threats, but they must be configured correctly. If the settings are incorrect, Skype cannot connect to its servers because it is blocked by antiviruses and firewalls.

This is very easy to check. Disable the antivirus (in my case it is Kaspersky antivirus) by right-clicking on the icon and clicking “Exit”.

In the window that opens, check the boxes next to “Turn off Windows Firewall” and click OK.

Now that the antivirus and firewall are disabled, try launching Skype. If the connection was successful, then the problem is related to the settings of the firewall or your antivirus. Turn your firewall and antivirus back on and read on.

Solution

Setting up Windows Firewall

Go to Control Panel — system and safety — Windows Firewall.

Click on the item in the left vertical menu "Allow interaction with applications".

In the list of allowed programs and components, find Skype and check two boxes.

If nothing is found in the list, click on the “Allow another application” button.

In the window that opens, specify the path to the Skype.exe file by clicking the “Browse” button. By default, Skype is installed in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone folder.

After specifying the file location, click the "Add" button.

Kaspersky Internet Security settings

I'm looking at setting it up using Kaspersky Internet Security as an example. It is quite possible that you have another antivirus or firewall installed, for example ESET, or Dr.WEB. The setup in these antivirus solutions will be approximately the same.

Open Kaspersky Internet Security and go to settings by clicking on the gear icon in the lower left corner. After that, go to the “Protection” - “Firewall” menu.

In the KIS firewall settings, click “Configure application rules”.

In the network rules window, find Skype in the list using search. Click the “Allow” button. The rule will take effect immediately.

Failures on the company's servers

Skype is a powerful company owned by Microsoft. It is extremely rare, but even such companies have failures and problems with servers. The problem with the Skype connection may be due to such a rare case when the company’s servers are temporarily unavailable.

Solution

You cannot influence the situation in any way. Follow the news and wait for the service to restore its operation. Usually such failures last no more than an hour.

We have described all the most common reasons why Skype may write that the connection could not be established. Write your questions in the comments, we will try to help everyone.

“Skype connection failed” is a common problem among users. However, even if you saw such an inscription, the situation is not hopeless. In our article we will try to list all the possible causes of the error.

If Skype writes that it was unable to establish a connection, this means that there is some kind of failure during authorization, there is no connection with the server and, accordingly, you cannot log into your account.

Why can't Skype connect?

Let's list the main reasons why Skype cannot establish a connection to the Internet.

The device you are using has an outdated version of the messenger. We recommend it, updated, beautiful and pumped up. The problem will probably resolve itself.
The program conflicts with an antivirus or firewall, and they block it (do not allow it through). You need to disable them for a while and try to log in again.
Bad Internet, or something happened with its settings.
Skype does not connect to the Internet, although the Internet is working? Perhaps the error is within the application itself (for example, a critical failure occurred).
Problems on the official server of the developer, where user data is received.
Malware, viruses or malfunctioning operating system (will have to be reinstalled).
If you use Skype in an office or enterprise (from a work computer), then keep in mind that full-time IT specialists, at the request of management and within the framework of corporate policy, can limit employee access to applications that have little to do with the work process. In this case, nothing can be done.

If you updated the messenger, but Skype still says “the connection could not be established,” then it’s time to start setting up the settings.

What to do if Skype fails to connect

1. Update the program

Try installing the latest program update. If you updated the messenger, but Skype still says “the connection could not be established,” then it’s time to start setting up the settings.

2. Check your firewall settings

Skype is not working, the “Connection failed” message is still looming, your nerves are on edge. Idea! Let's check the firewall settings.

These programs are not much different from each other, so the algorithm for optimizing their parameters for interaction with Skype is usually as follows:

Turn off the messenger.
Open the firewall. If you can't find it, go to the notification area (bottom right corner of the screen) and look for the icon there.
This software monitors all applications installed on the device. There is a list of them there. Find the messenger in it.
Configure the permissions for it so that the program can connect to the Internet.
Save the changes, then restart Skype and try to log in.

You will find more detailed instructions on using firewalls on the websites of their software developers. Also, do not forget to update the settings of the similar built-in Windows Defender (see Control Panel - System and Security).

We talk about what to do, if at all, in our other article.

3. We diagnose the proxy server parameters

Still having problems with Skype and still unable to establish a connection? Let's diagnose the proxy server parameters (what if your connection to the Internet is made this way).

Important! If you don’t know anything about the characteristics of your proxy server or feel unsure when manipulating the software, then please do not change anything.

For desperate and risky users, we suggest the following procedure:

4. Error within the application

Skype may be unable to establish a connection due to some kind of glitch occurring within the program. In this case it's worth a try reinstall the program.

5. Problems on the official server

If the problems are on the developer’s server side, then nothing can be done on your own. All that remains is to wait.

6. Viruses

If your PC is infected with viruses, seek help from an antivirus. If it detects malware on your computer, you need to clean the system using special utilities, or completely reinstall the operating system.

7. Access restrictions

If access is limited by the company you work for, then there is nothing you can do about it. You will have to wait until the end of the working day.

What else can you do if Skype fails to connect?

Change password

It seems like you've already tried everything, but Skype still hasn't managed to establish a connection - what should you do?

There is another way - you can change the password.

Resetting your browser settings

Well, perhaps the last hack for today is resetting Internet Explorer settings (if this is your default browser). This method also often helps in solving similar problems with authorization.

Close all programs, folders and files, launch the browser.
Hold down “Alt” on your keyboard.
In the menu bar, find “Tools” - “Browser Options”.
In the “Advanced” tab, click “Reset”.
Check the box next to “Delete personal settings” and click reset again. You can restart your computer.

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What should I do if Skype gives me this connection error?

When we enter our username and password in Skype, the data is sent to the server for verification. If the characters are entered correctly, the server reports that the operation was successful or that the data could not be verified.

The most well-known and common connection setup problems:

Let's look at each point in detail.

Internet availability

This can be easily checked by going to any website. If sites do not open, it means that the Internet speed is too low or there is no internet at all. To eliminate the cause, you need to either contact the provider in your region.

Outdated version of Skype

It also interferes with intensive communication and causes a lot of trouble. You need to monitor updates and promptly change outdated versions to new ones. To do this, you need to remove the installed Skype program from your PC, reboot the system, and then install the latest version. Many users, having downloaded the installation distribution for a couple of years, never tried to update or replace it.

Before downloading a new version, the old Skype program must be completely removed from the computer, not a single folder of it should remain, otherwise other problems may arise. Typical actions to be performed:

It is recommended to install a new version of the program only from the official website of the developer skype.com. When you enter the page with the downloader file, you need to select the latest version of Skype specifically for your device.

After downloading, check the year of publication. If it matches the current one, it means you downloaded exactly what you need.

Some users install the new version without uninstalling the old one. This is possible, but not recommended.

It is important to keep in mind that not all devices will run the latest version of Skype without glitches. If you encounter problems with the normal operation of the program after installing the latest version, try using the more reliable, also functional 7.14.0.106.

If after testing several versions of the program the same error occurs, we look for the problem further.

Manually resetting browser settings:

close all running programs, including Explorer;
launch the problematic browser;
press Alt, select “service” as the path;
in the window that opens, select “properties”, the “advanced” tab and “reset”;
check the “delete personal settings” option and press the reset button again;
Be sure to restart the browser; restarting the computer is not required.

Automatic reset of firewall settings is carried out using a special utility from Microsoft "Fix it". To automatically reset settings, you will need to download and run the program on your computer. Then follow all the guide instructions in order.

Blocking Skype by firewall or antivirus

A failure in the settings of the built-in Internet Explorer system browser can lead to various types of errors when launching programs installed on your computer. These include the “connection could not be established” error in Skype. Often this problem can be solved very simply - by resetting the settings in Internet Explorer. If you don't want to, or don't know how to properly configure the system's main browser, you can temporarily disable it.

You can do this as follows:

If, after disabling or resetting the firewall, Skype continues to display the message “failed to establish a connection,” perhaps a similar procedure should be done with the antivirus program installed on your PC. Most often, the problem of Skype being blocked by an antivirus program occurs when additional functions are installed on it, such as “parental controls”, etc. To establish a connection on Skype, the antivirus program must be temporarily disabled.

The problem with launching Skype may be that it is overloaded with outdated data. They can prevent the program from starting quickly and working normally. In this situation, all unnecessary files must be deleted manually. We perform the following actions:

After this, you will see a table with files and folders on the screen. It is these that need to be removed, having previously been selected. You should now restart Skype.

Very often it is impossible to achieve a normal connection in Skype if access to the skype.com domains is limited. What restricts access can be easily checked by running a special test. Access restrictions can be a firewall, network administrator, or home region provider. Having seen the source of the problem, solve it by contacting your system administrator, your provider, or change the settings of Skype blocking programs yourself.

The status of Skype servers can be checked on certain online services, and if they work without problems, then the problem lies in your system.

Errors in the operation of Skype system servers occur very rarely, and you just need to wait a little until the problem is fixed by the developers.

In all other cases When the "connection failed" problem occurs and cannot be resolved, OS files such as the database or configuration items may be damaged. Sometimes finding damaged files and deleting them helps. If you are experiencing similar problems intermittently while running other problems installed on your computer, you should call a PC repairman to your home.

After reading the article, you can determine why your Skype program does not start.

If you cannot fix the problem yourself, you can leave comments on our website or call a specialist. He will help you understand the nuances and find a solution to your problem!

In addition to Windows itself, problems with Internet connection may occur in individual programs. So in the Skype program, the error “Unable to establish a connection” or “Unfortunately, unable to connect to Skype” very often appears. Obviously, these errors appear due to problems with your internet connection. But as is usually the case, the Internet on the computer is connected and working, but Skype still says that there is no connection and does not allow you to log into your account.

Despite the fact that now there are a huge number of different instant messengers that are better in functionality, stability and other parameters, many continue to use Skype for work or communicating with their loved ones and friends. I also use this messenger, and I have never had any special problems or errors with it. But that's when I had to set up other people's computers (install Windows and other programs), then after installing Skype a message appeared that the connection could not be established. Although the Internet was connected in other programs (including in the browser) he worked.

Since there can be many reasons that prevent you from logging into Skype, there is no one universal solution. But the problem is popular, the program is also popular, which means that basic and working solutions have already been found experimentally, which I will share with you. Some of them have been tested from our own experience. I will try to make the most simple and understandable instructions, with the help of which you can independently fix your Internet connection in Skype.

Why does Skype say that the connection could not be established?

Everything is very simple. Skype uses an Internet connection. Including logging into your account. When we enter our login (phone number, email) and password, the program sends this data to the server for verification. If everything is fine, then we log in to Skype. Or we receive a message that such an account does not exist, or the password is incorrect.

And if Skype cannot connect to the server, an error appears "Connection failed".

In newer versions of Skype, another error appears: . Check your Internet connection and try again.

Pay attention to the screenshot above. The program does not see an Internet connection, but the computer is connected to the Internet (I have it via Wi-Fi, you may have it via cable) and there are no connection restrictions. I have "without internet access" or something else.

And after updating to the newest version of Skype 8.25 (which was at the time of writing this article) the program, even without an Internet connection, after clicking on the “Sign in with a Microsoft account” button, simply tried to download something and this login button appeared again.

No errors or messages. Perhaps this will be fixed in future versions. And in the new version there is no longer access to connection settings (port, proxy). It’s also not possible to check for updates and see the version of Skype itself. (you can view it in the Add or Remove Programs window in Windows). Until the ports are logged in to your account.

What to do if Skype does not connect to the Internet?

The solutions you can see below should work for Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows XP. Of course, some settings may differ slightly depending on the operating system version. I will show the whole process using Windows 10 as an example, but I will give instructions if possible (links to other articles) for previous versions.

Main reasons and solutions:

There is no internet connection. You need to make sure that the Internet on your computer is working.
You have an outdated version of Skype installed on your computer. You need to update, or download and install a new version of the program. True, it is often the other way around - the older version works.
There have been cases when Skype did not work due to an outdated version of Internet Explorer. You need to update your browser.
Something with Windows network settings, proxy settings, Internet Explorer browser settings, or Skype itself. There may also be a problem in the hosts file. All these settings need to be checked/cleared.
Skype cannot connect to the Internet due to a firewall or antivirus that is blocking the program. Temporarily disable the antivirus and check the firewall settings.
Connection problems due to VPN. If you have a VPN connection configured, you need to disable it.
Temporary problems on the server side, so the connection in Skype cannot be established.

Let's now look at these solutions in more detail.

Checking your Internet connection

Perhaps a slightly stupid decision, and in the comments you will write something like: “how is the Internet not working, and how did I get to this site?!”, but still. I don’t have the opportunity to look at your computer, so I recommend that the first thing you do is make sure that you have an active Internet connection.

It doesn't matter how your computer or laptop is connected to the Internet. This can be a wireless WI-FI network, a 3G/4G USB modem, or a cable connection. View connection status (by clicking on the tray icon). Also pay attention to this icon to see if there is a yellow exclamation mark next to it.

Open any program that uses the Internet and check if the connection is working. Well, launch your browser and try to open any site.

If you have connection problems, errors in your browser or other programs, then these articles may be useful to you:

Well, if the Internet works, but Skype does not connect, then see other solutions below.

Updating or reinstalling Skype

If you still have the seventh version of Skype, then click on “Help” and select “Check for updates”.

If the program can connect to the server and check for updates, and if there is a new version, a message will appear asking you to download and install it - we agree.

Perhaps after installing the update everything will work.

But an error may appear: “There was a problem downloading the Skype update,” or the new version will not be detected. In this case, you must first completely remove the program from your computer, download the new version from the official website and install it.

Go to "Add or Remove Programs" (in Windows 10 can be found through search), or in “This PC” open “Uninstall and change a program”. In Windows 7, this tool can also be launched from “My Computer” or through the Control Panel. Find Skype and delete it.

You can also use the CCleaner utility to remove it. It would be a good idea to clean up unnecessary files and the registry after removal using the same utility.

Before installing the new version, you can delete the user folder at: Username/AppData/Roaming/Skype.

Press Win+R and enter %appdata% and click Ok. A folder will open containing the “Skype” folder with the necessary files.

Just in case, create a backup copy of this folder. For example, correspondence history is stored there.

Download Skype from the official page - https://www.skype.com/ru/. Save the installation file to your computer, run it and follow the installation instructions.

After installation, try to log into your account. If that doesn't work, you can install an older version. For example, 6.22. Especially if you have Windows XP or Windows Vista.

Updating Internet Explorer

Skype works with Internet Explorer. And if you have an old version of the browser installed, then Skype may not be able to connect to the Internet. You need to download and install the latest version of Internet Explorer that is available for your Windows operating system.

You can download from the official website - https://support.microsoft.com/ru-ru/help/17621/internet-explorer-downloads

Reset Internet Explorer settings

Judging by the reviews, this solution very often helps to get rid of the “Unable to connect” error in Skype.

Launch Internet Explorer, in the "Tools" menu (or by clicking on the gear icon) you need to select "Internet Options". Next, on the “Advanced” tab, click on the “Reset” button.

And press the reset button again. Then try logging into Skype. You can also restart your computer, or close and open the program again.

Firewall and antivirus may be blocking your connection to Skype

If you have an antivirus installed, then disable it for a while. It may have blocked the connection and Skype is not connecting to the Internet for this very reason. Typically, you can disable an antivirus in the settings, or by right-clicking on its icon. I’ll show you using ESET as an example.

Go to "Control Panel" and select "System and Security" there. Next select "Windows Firewall". Or find these settings through search in Windows 10, it’s faster.

In the firewall settings, you need to click on “Turn Windows Firewall on or off” and temporarily disable it for private and public networks.

If after these steps everything in the messenger says that unfortunately it was not possible to connect to Skype, then turn the firewall back on and try other solutions.

Network settings, DNS, VPN, proxy and hosts file

I hope my tips helped you revive Skype, and it was able to establish a connection to the server without any problems. Perhaps the recommendations in this article did not help you, but you found another solution to this problem. I would be grateful if you share your solution in the comments. There you can leave your question on the topic of this article.

Skype is one of the most popular programs for communicating people via the Internet. It is used by millions of people almost every day, connecting with their relatives, friends, work colleagues, business partners and so on. Everyone knows that no program is thorough, so such a “monster” can also have glitches, that is, the service automatically generates errors. The most common error that Skype gives is that the connection could not be established.

What is the reason for such problems? As practice shows, there may be a lot of problems and factors due to which the Skype connection could not be established. Some of the problems are minor, so they can be easily fixed, others require setting up the service, which will also not take much time.

Unsuccessful deletion

Quite often there are cases when, after removing old versions, the program is not completely removed, so files remain on the computer that cause such connection failures. What to do in this case? The answer is quite simple - you need to remove old versions of the messenger from the computer’s memory, and also make sure that the work was completed successfully and all program files were deleted.

The second point is that the version you downloaded must be suitable for your computer’s operating system. After all, mistakes often happen only because of this factor. That is, after installation, the version of the messenger does not “work” with the operating system of the computer device, so Skype cannot establish a connection. There is only one solution to this issue - carefully select the version of Skype, this will help you quickly install the program and use it in the future without problems.

Firewall Settings

It is advisable to check your firewall settings, because it is because of this that Skype very often gives a connection error. If your device operates from a router signal, then you need to check its connection.

You also need to check the settings of the router, as there may be a mode for blocking applications or a setting “ parental control" Very often, “parental controls” are installed when PC users do not have experience in working with the device, so they can make incorrect settings, as a result, all applications are strictly blocked.

To establish a Skype connection, all these settings must be removed.

If the router is not used. There may be a problem with the firewall. However, you need to remember that the firewall may be built-in or located in other programs, such as antivirus programs. Therefore, to check the connection, it is advisable to temporarily disable your antivirus program. This work will only take a few minutes, so you will not have time to catch the virus, but you will find out whether the firewall is causing the program to fail. If you realize that this is not the case, then you need to check the operation of the built-in Windows firewall, especially for Windows 7, which often causes such problems.

It needs to be disabled, which can be done in the settings. To disable the Windows Firewall, go to the Control Panel, then to the Security System and disable this application. And if this was the only reason, then you will be able to use the application immediately.

Internet Explorer

The next common reason when there is no download server is Internet Explorer. At first glance, this may not be the case, but sometimes this program can also cause a lack of connection. The main reason lies in older versions of the browser, in which the installation content becomes corrupted, causing Skype to display an error. Solving this problem is quite simple, there are only two ways:

install Skype version 6.14 and higher;
install the latest version of the browser.

Communication program settings

If you have the Internet, and all the settings have already been revised, then there is one more option why Skype is writing an error; these are incorrect settings of the communication program itself. The user may have specified an incorrect communication port or something else. There may also be connection errors if there is a problem in the hardware department of the computer. That is, the microphone or video camera could break, or the user could install the drivers incorrectly. After all, early versions do not always make contact with later ones, so there are software-level conflicts. Another very common problem of failures is the overload of “supernodes”, that is, the directory that the user accesses when dialing is clogged. And if there are a lot of calls to one node at once, then there may be no connection.

Based on this, you can see that the error when connecting to Skype is insignificant and can be easily solved. Therefore, if you encounter this problem, there is no need to be upset. Everything can be solved in a few minutes on your own, without resorting to the services of specialists.