Skype's own settings
Open Skype, click the three dots next to your profile, choose Settings, then Audio & Video. A live preview appears at the top along with camera selection, microphone selection and a level meter.
Unlike some apps, Skype shows the preview continuously rather than only while a button is held, which makes it easy to confirm the right camera is selected.
The Skype test call
Skype has a built-in echo test service. Search for Echo / Sound Test Service in your contacts and call it. It records a short message from you and plays it back, which is the fastest way to confirm your microphone works end to end through Skype's own audio path.
This matters because it tests the whole chain, including Skype's audio processing, rather than just whether the device responds.
Two versions of Skype exist. Some Windows machines have both the Microsoft Store version and the desktop version installed. They keep separate settings and separate permissions, and having both installed can cause camera conflicts. Uninstalling the one you do not use resolves a surprising number of problems.
Permission on Windows
Open Settings, Privacy & security, Camera. If you use the Store version of Skype, it appears in the app list and needs its own toggle. If you use the desktop version, it is governed by Let desktop apps access your camera at the bottom of the page. This distinction catches people out when they enable the wrong one.
Permission on macOS
System Settings, Privacy & Security, Camera, and confirm Skype is ticked. Quit Skype with Command-Q and reopen it afterwards, since the change only takes effect on a fresh launch.
Skype quality settings
Skype adjusts video quality automatically according to bandwidth and does not offer much manual control. Compare against the frame rate test to see what your camera can actually deliver. If your video looks poor while this test looks fine, the likely causes are connection speed, CPU load or Skype throttling on a busy network. Closing other applications and using a wired connection are the two changes that help most.
Skype for Business is a different product
If you are using Skype for Business, now largely replaced by Teams, the settings are in a different place and behave differently. Most organisations have migrated, and if yours has, the Teams guide is the relevant one.
Common questions
Skype shows no camera at all.
Skype lists devices when it starts. If the webcam was plugged in afterwards, restart Skype. If it is still missing, check the Windows privacy setting that matches your Skype version, Store or desktop.
What is the Skype echo test?
A built-in service that records a short message and plays it back, confirming your microphone and speakers work through Skype's own audio path. Search your contacts for Echo / Sound Test Service.
My video is fine here but poor in Skype.
Skype reduces quality automatically when bandwidth or CPU is constrained. Close other applications and use a wired connection if possible.
I have two versions of Skype installed.
That can cause camera conflicts, since the Store and desktop versions keep separate settings and permissions. Uninstall the one you do not use.