Skype users impacted by major sign-in problems, Microsoft says fix underway

The problem is also stopping people from changing their status if they're signed in, and hampering updates to other Skype account details, the company said. People should still be able to send instant messages to contacts, but in some cases messages to group chats may not work.

The issue has been ongoing for a few hours. Microsoft noted that it's working on a solution and is hoping to have an update "soon."

One reported workaround, according to CNet, is to use the Web version of the service, as the bug appears to be affecting only the dedicated mobile and desktop clients. Anyone else participating in a call also has use the Web app to circumvent the glitch.

For many people, VoIP clients like Skype, FaceTime, and Viber are of growing importance to their daily communications. Apple has been hit with multiple FaceTime outages in the past.