How to Allow Skype Through a Firewall

Allow Skype through your firewall if you're experiencing connectivity issues.

Skype requires your operating system's firewall to have specific ports opened for the program to connect properly. If you do not have Skype enabled for your firewall, you will not be able to log in to the program, make phone calls or receive multimedia chat requests from your contacts. You can enable Skype through your firewall in a few steps.

Instructions

1. Click "Start" and type "Windows Firewall" into the search box. Click "Windows Firewall" in the results list that appears.

2. Click "Allow a Program or Feature Through Windows Firewall" in the window's left pane, then click the "Change Settings" button. Type your Windows administrator password, if prompted. Locate "Skype" on the list under "Allowed Programs and Features," then click the box to the left of the program name. Click the box under each network location to the right of Skype's entry to allow Skype through the firewall for both private and public networks.

3. Click "OK" at the bottom of the window to allow Skype through the firewall.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're having problems connecting to a specific contact, your contact may need to allow Skype through their own firewall to fix the issue.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Allow a Program to Communicate Through Windows Firewall