Skype Hardware FAQ

• How do I dial a SkypeOut phone number from a USB phone?
• How do I dial a Skype contact from a USB phone?
• How do I use a USB phone and my computer's speakers at the same time?
• What is SkypeMate? What is SkyMACMate?
• Which Skype phones and accessories work with Mac OS X?
• Can I use a USB Phone Adapter/Gateway without a landline connection?
• Why am I hearing an echo on Skype calls?
• Can I connect a USB phone/adapter through an unpowered USB hub?
• How do I make a test call?
• I use a VoIP service other than Skype. Which USB phones will work?

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Dialing SkypeOut Phone Numbers

 

You can dial any regular phone number (SkypeOut) from the keypad using the following format:

 

00 + country code + area code + phone number + SEND

For example, a phone number in the United States would be dialed:

00 1 310 555 1212 then SEND

 

00	Tells Skype you are making a SkypeOut call
1	Country Code
310	Area Code
555 1212	Phone Number
SEND	Sends the phone number to Skype and places the call

How to Use Your USB Phone and Speakers at the Same Time

 

Left to its own devices, Windows will normally choose the last USB audio device you plugged into your computer as the default audio device for your whole system.  But you may want to use your USB phone for Skype audio only, while using your computer's speakers for music and other non-skype audio. 

 

We recommend specifically selecting the USB device(phone, adapter, headset) you want to use for Skype conversations, separate from your default Windows audio device(typically your sound card): 

1. In Windows --> Control Panel --> Sounds and Audio Devices --> Audio --> Sound playback, select your sound card as Default device.
   
   
2. In Skype --> Tools --> Options --> Sound Devices, select "USB Audio Device" for Audio in and Audio out.

For detailed instructions, see Skype Sound Device Settings(Windows).

 

SkypeMate

 

SkypeMate is the Windows driver for the USB phone or adapter. It must be installed and running to allow the keypad work with Skype. The Skypemate icon in System Tray will show its status:

• Green- Connected and running properly.
  
  
• Red- USB phone or adapter is not connected properly. Unplug and reconnect USB cable. Also make sure the unit is connected directly to a USB port on your computer- do not connect through an unpowered USB hub.
  
  
• Grayed out - Make sure Skype is running. If Skype is running and you still see the gray icon, see Allowing SkypeMate Access to Skype.

You can adjust the speaker and microphone settings of the phone in SkypeMate's control window. Double click the icon in system tray to bring the control window into view.

 

SkypeMate is updated frequently to support the latest Skype release. We recommend downloading and installing the current version, which may be more recent than the version that comes on the included CD-ROM. The current version of SkypeMate is always available at our support page.

 

Which Skype phones and accessories work with Mac OS X?

 

We have a section devoted to Mac OS X compatible Skype phones.

 

Can I use a USB Adapter without a landline connection?

 

Yes, you can use the USB-RJ11 Adapter without connecting it to a landline. This is useful if you don't have a landline but want to use a regular phone to make and receive Skype calls. See SkypeMate Settings for instructions. When you use the Adapter for Skype calling only, you won't need to press * to switch calling modes, you will be in Skype mode when you pick up the phone.

The AU-600 Gateway also will work without a landline connection. It automatically selects either POTS or USB as the default calling mode.

 

Why am I hearing an echo on Skype calls?

 

Echo is often caused by feedback from the other party's speaker/microphone. See Echo and Sound-Quality Problems page for solutions.

 

Can I connect a USB Phone/Adapter through an unpowered USB hub?

 

Usually not. Most USB phones and adapters require more power than an unpowered USB hub provides. We recommend connecting the phone to a USB port on the computer directly, or through a powered hub(a USB hub with its own AC power adapter). See USB Hubs troubleshooting page.

 

How can I make a test call?

 

You can test your Skype audio settings with Skype's Echo123 service. Call Skype ID: Echo123. See how to test Skype audio settings with Echo123 for details.

 

I use a VoIP service other than Skype. Which phones will work?

 

Many of our phones work with other VoIP services and softphones such as X-Lite, Yahoo Messenger, VoipBuster, etc. Go to the Non-Skype phone section to find the phones which are compatible with your VoIP service.