Remove Background Noise in Skype Calls

To remove background noise in Skype calls, use Skype’s built-in noise suppression feature, which is enabled by default and can be adjusted in Settings, or use a headset and a quiet room for the best results. This article explains how to configure these options, what causes background noise, and how to troubleshoot persistent issues.

Understanding Background Noise in Skype

Background noise in Skype calls comes from two main sources: your environment and your microphone. Environmental noise includes keyboard clicks, room echo, traffic, or other people talking. Microphone-related noise includes electrical hum, fan whir, or the mic picking up sound from speakers (echo). Skype’s noise suppression is a digital filter that attempts to remove non-speech sounds from your audio stream in real time. It works best for constant, low-level noise like hums or fans, but may struggle with sudden, loud sounds like a door slamming or a dog barking.

How to Turn On/Off Noise Suppression in Skype

Skype’s noise suppression is a toggle in the audio settings. Here’s how to access it on desktop (Windows and Mac):

1. Open Skype and click your profile picture or the three-dot menu (More) in the top-left corner.
2. Select Settings (gear icon).
3. Go to Audio & Video.
4. Under the Microphone section, find Noise suppression.
5. Choose from: Off, Low, Medium, or High. The default is usually Medium or High, depending on your version.

On mobile (iOS/Android), the option may be under Settings → Call → Noise suppression. If you don’t see it, your device may not support it (older versions or some Android devices).

Important: Higher suppression levels can sometimes make your voice sound muffled or cut off, especially if you speak softly or have an unusual accent. If you notice that, try a lower level or turn it off and rely on a headset.

What Actually Causes Background Noise?

Before tweaking settings, it helps to know what you’re dealing with. Common culprits:

• Keyboard and mouse clicks – Mechanical keyboards are the worst offenders.
• Room echo – Hard surfaces (walls, floors, bare windows) reflect sound, creating a hollow effect.
• Fans and HVAC – Air conditioning, ceiling fans, or computer fans produce a constant hum.
• Electrical interference – Poorly shielded cables or USB ports can cause a buzzing or hissing sound.
• Speakers vs. headset – Using speakers makes the microphone pick up the other person’s voice, causing echo.
• Background voices – People talking in the same room, TV, or music.

Skype’s noise suppression works best on constant, low-frequency noise (like a fan). It is less effective on irregular, loud noises (like a dog barking). For those, you need physical solutions—like closing the door or muting yourself when not speaking.

Beyond the Built-in Filter: Other Fixes

If Skype’s noise suppression isn’t enough, try these steps in order of effectiveness:

• Use a headset with a microphone – This physically places the mic close to your mouth and away from ambient noise. Even a cheap headset beats a built-in laptop mic.
• Mute yourself when not talking – Press the mute button (or Ctrl+M on desktop) during the call when you’re not speaking. This is the most reliable way to block noise.
• Choose a quiet room – Close windows, doors, and turn off fans or TVs. Soft furnishings (curtains, rugs) reduce echo.
• Adjust microphone input level – In Skype’s Audio & Video settings, lower the microphone volume. If the gain is too high, it amplifies background noise. Aim for the green bar to reach about 75% when you speak normally.
• Use a USB microphone with noise-cancelling features – Many modern USB mics have built-in DSP (digital signal processing) that filters noise before it reaches Skype.
• Update your audio drivers – Outdated drivers can cause crackling or static. Check your device manager (Windows) or system preferences (Mac) for updates.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Problem: Noise suppression is not available or grayed out.
Solution: This can happen if your microphone doesn’t support the feature (some USB mics or Bluetooth devices) or if you’re using an older Skype version. Update Skype to the latest version. If it’s still grayed out, try a different microphone.

Problem: The other person hears an echo.
Solution: Echo is almost always caused by speakers. Switch to a headset. If you must use speakers, lower the speaker volume and ask the other person to do the same.

Problem: My voice sounds robotic or cut off.
Solution: This is often due to high noise suppression. Lower it to Medium or Low, or turn it off entirely. Also check your internet connection—poor bandwidth can cause audio artifacts.

Problem: Noise suppression works, but my voice is too quiet.
Solution: Increase your microphone input level in Skype, but not too much—if you go above 80%, you’ll start picking up more background noise again. Also, speak closer to the mic (2-3 inches for most headsets).

Skype vs. Other Apps: Noise Suppression Comparison

Skype is not the only app with noise suppression. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet all have similar features, but they work differently:

• Skype – Offers manual levels (Off/Low/Medium/High). Good for basic filtering.
• Zoom – Has a “Perpetual” noise suppression that is always on, plus a “High” mode for heavy background noise.
• Microsoft Teams – Uses AI-based noise suppression that can remove a wide range of sounds, including keyboard clicks and even some speech from others.
• Google Meet – Automatically filters noise, but you can’t adjust it manually.

If you frequently have noisy backgrounds, you might find Teams or Zoom’s AI-based suppression more effective. However, Skype’s manual control is useful if you want to fine-tune the balance between noise removal and voice clarity.

Costs and Alternatives

Skype’s noise suppression is free—it’s built into the app. There is no paid tier for this feature. If you need more advanced noise removal, you have two options:

• Hardware: A good noise-cancelling headset (like those with active noise cancellation for the mic) can cost anywhere from $30 to $150. These are the most effective solution for persistent noise.
• Software: You can use a virtual audio cable (like VB-Cable) and a free tool like Audacity to apply noise reduction filters to your mic input before it reaches Skype. This is more technical, but offers complete control. There are also paid apps like Krisp that integrate with Skype and use AI to remove noise in real time. Krisp has a free tier with limited minutes per week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Skype have a noise suppression setting?
A: Yes. In Skype’s Settings → Audio & Video, under Microphone, you’ll find a “Noise suppression” drop-down with Off, Low, Medium, and High. It’s enabled by default on most versions.

Q: Why is my Skype call still noisy even with noise suppression on?
A: The built-in filter can’t remove all sounds—especially loud, irregular ones like a dog barking or a door slamming. Also, if your microphone is very sensitive or you have a lot of echo, the filter may not be enough. Try a headset, mute when not speaking, or lower the mic input level.

Q: Can I remove background noise from a recorded Skype call?
A: Yes, but not in Skype itself. You can use audio editing software like Audacity (free) or Adobe Audition (paid) to apply noise reduction to the recorded file. In Audacity, select a few seconds of pure noise, go to Effect → Noise Reduction, and apply.

Q: Does Skype noise suppression work on mobile?
A: It depends. On iOS, Skype uses the device’s built-in noise cancellation, and there’s no manual toggle. On Android, some versions have a noise suppression option in Settings → Call. If not, your phone’s system-level noise cancellation (if any) will apply automatically.

Q: Will turning off noise suppression improve my voice quality?
A: Possibly. If you’re in a very quiet room, the filter might make your voice sound slightly processed. Turning it off can give a more natural sound. But if there’s any background noise, you’ll hear it. Test both settings with a friend to see which sounds better.

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