Updated 6/3/2015 9:40AM: Microsoft has released a new version of Skype that fixes this crash bug, it can be downloaded immediately for Android, iOS and Windows.
Original Text: If you’ve noticed that Skype has been a little glitchy lately, you’re not alone. As it turns out, a Skype bug was discovered on June 2, and it causes the app to crash every time it’s restarted. The bug impacts individuals using Skype for Windows desktop, the iOS app and Android app, according to Winbeta.org. Once you receive a particular eight-character message, Skype will crash and continue to do so, stopping you from using the service.
Sending the eight characters “http://:” (without the quotation marks) will prompt the bug to strike. If you receive these characters, Skype will also start crashing every time you try to sign in. However, it’s worth noting that Mac app users and Windows Store app users are not being impacted by the bug.
If you think that deleting your chat history might do the trick, you may be disappointed, according to The Verge. Skype is designed to redownload data from the cloud, so when the program reboots, the crashing starts all over again.
Microsoft has stated that it is aware of the problem and they’re working to resolve the issue. However, they didn’t have a specific time frame for when it might be fixed. For now, you can downgrade to Version 6 of Skype in order to use the program. However, you’ll also need to make sure that whoever sends you the eight-character message deletes it from his or her end. Your chat history could end up causing the bug to strike once again if your fellow Skype users are unaware.
This isn’t the first time that a serious bug has been spotted within Skype. In December 2014, a Reddit user spotted one in the Skype app for Android, according to Microsoft-News.com. The bug allowed individuals to spy on Skype users’ conversations. Needless to say, Microsoft quickly worked on a fix for the issue.
