My Skype for Business (SFB) for Mac is randomly dropping incoming and outgoing calls, and sometimes incoming calls go straight to voice mail without ringing. What is causing this?

Answer: The most recent version of Skype for Business (SFB) for Mac (version 14.05) is known to cause the behavior you described. If you or Microsoft auto-update upgraded your installation of SFB to version 14.05, UIT recommends you downgrade to version 14.04. For downgrading instructions, see UIT document SFB for Mac Downgrade – 14.05 to 14.04 [pdf].

I am transferring to a new department. What is the procedure for obtaining a new phone number?

Answer: Phone numbers are now assigned to people. Similar to the handling of an email address, you keep the same phone number during your time with UH. When you transfer to a new department, there ought to be a phone for you to sign-in to (CX600) or plug-in to (CX300) your computer. Department phone numbers stay with the department. If you are currently signed-in to a phone, sign-out before you move to your new department.

After listening to a voice mail message on my phone, how can I forward that message to a co-worker?

Answer: While the message is playing or when it ends, say “Forward to [first name, last name]”, then hang up or wait for more options.

How do I make a long distance call using my soft phone (SFB client)?

Answer: In the Search field, using your keyboard, enter a domestic long distance number or 011 followed by an international long distance number and press return. In the Conversation Window that opens, click the keypad icon . After the long distance number is dialed, one or two beeps can be heard. After hearing the beep(s), enter your long distance authorization code in the keypad.

How can I add a long distance number to a conference call using my Macintosh soft phone?

Answer: It is not possible.

How do I update the Contact information for a non-UH personal contact in Skype for Business (SFB)?

Answer: It is not possible to update Contact information using only Skype for Business (SFB), you must also use Outlook. In Skype for Business (SFB), right-click on the Contact you want to update and select Add to Outlook from the menu. An Outlook Contact Card appears with the Contact’s information. Using the Outlook Contact Card, add a name for the Contact or update other information. Click Save & Close. Exit and restart Skype for Business (SFB) to see the updated Contact information.

How can I copy my Outlook Contacts to Skype for Business (SFB)?

Answer: It is not possible to copy Contacts from Outlook to Skype for Business (SFB). To add an Outlook Contact to Skype for Business (SFB), using your hard phone or soft phone (client software), search for the name of the person you want to add to Skype for Business (SFB). Skype for Business (SFB) will search your Outlook Contacts. Mac users must use their soft phone to search Outlook Contacts. When the Contact’s name appears, add the person to your Skype for Business (SFB) Contacts. Consult the appropriate Skype documentation for instructions on how to search for a Contact and how to add a Contact to Skype for Business (SFB).

How is Skype for Business (SFB) different from my existing phone service?

Answer: The unified communications system provided by Microsoft Skype for Business (SFB) utilizes the Internet as the transmission medium via an infrastructure of hardware, software and high-speed fiber optic cabling. The prior system was a voice-only Private Branch Exchange (PBX) telecommunications system that utilized a copper cabling infrastructure.

How can I learn more about how to use Skype for Business (SFB)?

Answer: Visit our training page to view user guides and video tutorials. 

What features have changed in Skype for Business (SFB) on Mac?

Answer: Read about the features that are available in Skype for Business (SFB) is now on Mac

Does Skype for Business (SFB) on Mac run on my version of Mac OS?

Answer: Skype for Business (SFB) on Mac runs on OS X El Capitan or later versions. To find out which OS version you have, from the Apple menu, click About This Mac. See other system requirements.

How do I join a Skype for Business (SFB) meeting on a Mac?

Answer: You can join a meeting right from the Skype for Business (SFB) on Mac main window, without having to go to Outlook. See Join a Skype for Business meeting.

How do I share my desktop to others in a meeting?

Answer: It's easy to share your desktop with other people in a meeting by clicking the button. You need to be a presenter in a meeting to share your screen. If the option appears dimmed, ask one of the presenters to give you presenter access.

Why don't I see a Join button next to a meeting?    

Answer: Make sure the meeting is set up as an online meeting. If it is, in the Skype for Business (SFB) main window, click on the meeting you want to attend to make the Join button appear.

I have recurring meetings that were scheduled in Lync for Mac. Do I need to cancel and reschedule them or run an update to change them to Skype for Business (SFB) on Mac meetings?

Answer: No, you do not need to cancel and reschedule your meetings that were scheduled in Lync for Mac. Your meeting invitations will still work.

Are the phone numbers the same for dial-in conferencing on Skype for Business (SFB) on Mac as they were on Lync for Mac?

Answer: Yes. The phone numbers will remain the same for Skype for Business (SFB) on Mac.

I am on Skype for Business (SFB) on Mac, but will invite users that still have the Lync for Mac. Will they be able to join the meeting?

Answer: Yes. When users join the meeting, they will join on whichever client (Lync or Skype for Business (SFB)) is installed on their system. If a user does not have either product, they will be prompted to install the Skype for Business (SFB) Web App.

Can I use the Meet Now feature with Skype for Business (SFB) on Mac?

Answer: Yes. On the menu bar, click Conversations > Meet Now.

Where can I find help topics about Skype for Business (SFB) on Mac?

Answer: On the menu bar, click Help > Skype for Business (SFB) Help.

Can I add and remove contacts?

Answer: Add and remove contacts feature is supported for users on Microsoft 365 and Skype for Business (SFB) Server 2015. It is not supported for Lync Server 2013.

For Skype for Business (SFB) related questions or problems, send email to sfbsupport@uh.edu.