How to Channel Skype Across a Different Port

Use Skype's menus to change port options.

Skype uses a Transport Control Protocol port to handle incoming calls and connections from other computers via your Internet connection. By default, Skype automatically chooses a random port on opening, but it is possible to select a different port within the Skype software manually. This is useful in certain scenarios, such as when your firewall configuration prevents Skype from functioning using the default port.

Instructions

1. Click on Skype's "Tools" menu.

2. Click "Options," and then click "Advanced" on the left side.

3. Click "Connection" on the left.

4. In the right-hand pane, type your desired port number in the section at the top, labeled "Use port xxx for incoming connections."

5. Click "Save" to store your change.

Tips & Warnings

• Skype, by default, also uses ports 80 and 443 for incoming connections if the chosen port is blocked. Computers usually use ports 80 and 443 for browsing and other Web activities. You can disable this default behavior if you wish, using the same menu screen.

• Changing the port settings can stop Skype working properly. Make a test call to check your new configuration before assuming the change is successful.

References

• Skype: Skype and Firewalls
• Skype: Introducing Firewalls

Resources

• Skype: Home Page