What Does a Red Exclamation Mark Mean on Skype?

That red exclamation mark that pops up next to your Skype messages, indicates you’re experiencing a temporary connection drop. As a result, Skype failed to send your messages. The good news is that despite this lapse of connection, the messages you sent should reach your contact as soon as you go back online. For the next 24 hours, Skype will be attempting to deliver the messages it failed to send. But here’s how you can speed up the process.

How to Fix Red Exclamation Mark on Skype

Restart Your Router and Computer

A simple restart can work wonders. So, go ahead and restart your router and computer. Additionally, if it’s been weeks since you last unplugged your router, go ahead and disconnect the power cable. Wait two minutes and then power up your device.

In case you’re using a wireless connection, try switching to a cable connection. Or switch to a different Wi-Fi channel. And if there are other devices using the connection, disconnect them and check if Skype succeeds in delivering the problematic messages.

Ask the Recipient to Check Their Connection

The red exclamation mark may pop up if the person you’re sending the messages to is completely offline. In other words, they’re been disconnected from the Internet for quite some time.

Use an alternative solution to contact the recipient and ask them to maintain a steady network connection. If it’s been less than 24 hours since you sent the messages, Skype will attempt to deliver them. Otherwise, you’ll need to send those messages again.

Add the Problematic Contact Again

Maybe your contact accidentally removed you from their Contacts list. Ask them to add you back and check if the red exclamation mark is gone now. Feel free to do the same on your end. Remove the problematic contact and add them again.

Ensure your contact has added you under their Contacts list. Keep in mind that both ends need to accept the contact request in order to be able to send messages.

Repair or Reset Skype Local Settings

If you’re running Skype version 8.61 or later, try resetting the Skype local settings.

Launch theTask Manager. Locate and close all Skype.exe processes.
Then type %appdata%\microsoft in your Windows Search bar and hit Enter.
Select and rename the Skype for Desktop folder. Rename it to Skype for Desktop_old.
Launch Skype again.

If you’re running an older Skype version, use the Reset option.

Navigate to Settings and click on Apps.
Then, under Apps & Features, select Skype.
Click on Advanced options and scroll down to the Reset button.
Click on Reset and check if this solution worked for you.

Update or Reinstall Skype

If there’s a new Skype version available, install it and check if the problem is solved. Simply click on the update notification to update your Skype version.

If that did not work, uninstall and reinstall the app.

Go to Settings → Apps → Apps & Features.
Select Skype and click on the Uninstall button.
Restart your computer and download a fresh copy of Skype on your machine.

Conclusion

That red exclamation mark you see in the chat window indicates Skype could not deliver your messages. Most likely, this is due to temporary Internet connection issues. Restarting your computer and router should help you troubleshoot the problem.

We hope you were able to solve this issue with the help of this guide. Hit the comments below and let us know if that stubborn exclamation mark is gone.