How to Update Skype

The process is pretty straightforward for most devices

Skype
Skype running on a Mac.
By
Simon Chandler
Simon Chandler
Writer
Simon Chandler is a former Lifewire writer who covered cryptocurrency, social media, AI and other topics. His work has appeared in Wired, TechCrunch, and The Verge.
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Simon Chandler
Updated January 06, 2020

Skype is common as a means of communicating with others. However, as useful as it can be, it's never the best idea to use an older version of the app when a newer one is available. This guide explains how to update Skype, with tips on updating Skype for Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android.

How to Update Skype on Mac

Checking for Skype updates on Mac
You can update Skype for Mac by clicking the menu bar's Skype button.

Updating Skype on your Mac computer is easy. Here's how to perform a Skype update on the most recent versions of macOS (i.e. Yosemite through to High Sierra):

  1. Launch the Skype app
  2. Click the Skype button on the left-hand side of Mac's menu bar
  3. Click Check For Updates

In most cases, you'll see a new window that reads, "You're on the latest version of Skype." This means there's no need to update.

However, if you don't have the latest version, you'll be told something like, "There's a new version of Skype available." In this case, you'll then have to click Download, which will begin the updating process.

How to Update Skype on Windows

Updating Skype for Windows
You can update Skype for Windows by clicking the Help button.

The process is virtually identical with Skype for Windows, save for a difference in the exact menu bar and button used. Here's how you do it:

  1. Launch the Skype app
  2. Select the Help button on the right-hand side of the Skype menu bar
  3. Select Check for updates manually

Once again, you'll be told "You're on the latest version of Skype" if an update is unnecessary. If you're told "There's a new version of Skype available" you'll also have to select Download to begin updating.

With Skype for Windows (and also for Mac), you shouldn't actually need to run through this process, since the app is normally set to update automatically. This feature can be turned off, however (see the section below), enabling you to update manually.

How to Update Skype on iPhone and Android

Updating Skype for iPhone
You can update Skype for iPhone by opening the App Store and tapping the Updates tab.

To update Skype on your iPhone, you have to do the following:

  1. Open the Apple App Store app
  2. Tap Updates (in the bottom-left corner of the screen)
  3. Scroll down to check whether an update for Skype is available
  4. If an update is available, tap UPDATE (image above shows OPEN, since the app was already updated)

An alternative way of checking whether you have the latest version of Skype installed on your iPhone:

  1. Launch the Skype app
  2. Tap your profile picture at the top of the screen
  3. Scroll down to About, which you can tap to see which version of Skype you have. Comparing your version against the latest released will let you know whether you should launch the App Store to install an update.

When it comes to performing a Skype update for Android, a similar process to updating for iPhone is required.

  1. Open the Google Play Store app
  2. Tap the More button on the left-hand side of the screen
  3. Tap My apps
  4. Scroll down to Skype, then tap on it
  5. Tap Update

It won't be possible to perform step 5 if you already have the latest version. However, it's worth checking back every month or so to see if a new version has become available.

How to Update Skype via Automatic Updates

Switching off automatic updates on Mac
You can switch off automatic updates, although for Mac this turns off auto updates for all apps at once.

It has to be repeated that you shouldn't need to perform a Skype update yourself; for Mac and for Windows, Skype updates automatically. Nevertheless, you can turn off automatic updates if you're so inclined, and you can also turn them back on again, in case you miss the convenience of not having to think about whether you're using the latest version.

Here's how to turn automatic Skype updates for Mac off or on:

  1. Launch System Preferences
  2. Open App Store settings
  3. Uncheck the Install app updates option. Check this again to switch auto-updates back on.

Doing this deactivates automatic updates for all the apps on your Mac, so it's not really a good idea unless, for whatever reason, you really dislike Skype being updated automatically.

And here's how to turn automatic Skype updates for Windows off or on:

  1. Launch the Skype app
  2. Select Tools on the Skype menu bar
  3. Choose Options
  4. Select Advanced > Advanced Options > Turn off automatic updates
  5. Select Save

You can turn auto-updates on again by going through the exact same process, except this time you select Turn on automatic updates.