Question [SOLVED] Skype problem on Android tablet

[dj54321]

I downloaded Skype several years ago on my 4 year old Lenovo m8 tablet with Android 10. Until a year ago, it worked fine for making free toll-free calls. But since then, as soon as I try to place the call, the screen blacks out and Skype is unresponsive. Please advise.

 

[B. Diddy]

Try clearing the app cache/data for Skype in Settings>Apps.

Also, have you made sure the app is fully up-to-date?

 

[dj54321]

I cleared storage and cache. Then I uninstalled Skype and then restarted tablet.

Then I downloaded Skype again. The Skype Welcome Page wouldn't let me sign in. I typed my email address and clicked on Enter, but screen said: "Something went wrong. Try again later".

I'll try again tomorrow. Once I'm successful logging in, I'll try placing a toll-free call, and I'll let you know if Skype works or if the screen still blacks out.

Ps, the Skype app has been up to date as I'm constantly updating it, as I receive Skype's frequent updates.

 

[me just saying]

you said you wiped app cache, but did you wipe system cache?

*power off
*press and hold the power and volume up buttons until you see the lenovo logo then release.
*scroll down to wipe cache partition using the volume keys
*press power button

Wipe Cache | LENOVO Tab M8 (4th Gen) 2024

Tutorial for wiping the cache files. Check out how to delete temporary cache files. What's really important this operation won't delete your personal files.

www.hardreset.info

 

[dj54321]

In post #3 above I wrote that after uninstalling Skype and downloading again, etc, I was unsuccessful in signing in to Skype, but I'd keep trying. Well I eventually was successful signing in.

I then tried placing a toll-free call and the screen immediately blacked out again. The call went thru, but the screen was black and the only way to get my normal screen was to restart tablet.

Ok, I viewed the above Lenovo tutorial and followed the steps, but the Lenovo logo never appeared. I waited 60 seconds and nothing happened except the tablet vibrated 3 times. I actually tried twice.

My tablet is 4 years old with Android 10. The tutorial might only work on more recent models... Maybe only 2024 models... (and maybe only Android 13 referenced in the tutorial?)

Please advise.

 

[B. Diddy]

I would send feedback to the Skype devs about this.

It almost sounds like the app is turning off the screen due to the proximity sensor detecting something near it (which is how a phone turns off the screen during a call when it's held up to the ear). I'm not sure if the 2020 Tab M8 has a proximity sensor, but if it does, then something blocking that sensor (like a poorly fitted screen protector, or even some grime overlying the sensor) might trigger that. The sensor would be right near the front-facing camera, so make sure that area is completely clear, and not blocked by a screen protector (even if that protector is clear).

 

[dj54321]

B. Diddy -- this will probably make your day.

I've always used masking tape over the front and back cameras. After reading your last comment, I removed the tape over the front camera. I then placed a toll-free Skype call.

The call went thru and the screen fluctuated/alternated, every second or so, between black and normal. I then cleaned the camera area with a damp paper towel and presto, it stayed normal...no more black screen.

I've always used masking tape over the camera, but for several years Skype worked fine. Apparently, approx 1 year ago the piece of masking tape I used was longer than previously.

I don't have a screen protector, fyi.

Buen trabajo, gracias (I'm traveling in South America at the moment).

 

[B. Diddy]

Aha! Glad we were able to figure that out.

 

[dj54321]

B Diddy... Thank you again for the amazing solution above. I just used my tablet to make another Skype call.