How to Use Skype

Skype is an online meeting tool that has been a round for a while. It's also a popular way to make phone calls, have video chats, and chat online, and much of it is free. Microsoft owns Skype, which is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. You can also install Skype on Linux and use Skype in a web browser. Here's what you need to use Skype.

What You Need To Use Skype

To use Skype, you need three things:

• Smartphone or a computer that meets Skype's system requirements, which we'll discuss platform-by-platform below
• An internet connection
• A microphone

You can use Skype Meet Now to set up free conference calls, with no signup or download required. If you want to set up a Skype account, you'll need a Microsoft ID, in addition to the above requirements.

If your computer has a built-in microphone, Skype will find and use it automatically. For video calls, you'll also need a webcam or front-facing camera on your device.

How to Get a Microsoft ID

A Microsoft ID is similar to a Google account, where one username and password gives you access to the entire suite of web services Microsoft offers. If you already use those services, or if you buy and download apps from the Windows Store, you can use that account to log into Skype.

1. Go to Microsoft’s account page and click on Create Account.

2. Enter the email account you’d like to use.

   We recommend using the account that aligns with how you’ll use Skype, as this name and ID will be searchable by other Skype users. For example, if you’ll be making business calls, use your business email.

3. Then, pick a strong password that's hard for someone to guess.

4. In a separate tab or window, go to the email account you entered. Microsoft will send you a four-digit code to verify your account. Enter the code, and you’ll have a Microsoft ID.

Use your Microsoft ID to log into Skype using either the browser version at web.skype.com or the app you've downloaded from Skype's official site.

How to Use Skype

Video and voice calls between two Skype accounts on any platform are free, but there's a cost if you want to call a dedicated phone number, such as someone's mobile number or their landline. Also, remember that if you use Skype on mobile or with a mobile hotspot, that will use up data.

How to Make a Call on Skype

If you know the Skype name of the person you’d like to reach, enter that in the search bar you see in the upper left-hand corner, underneath your name.

1. Click on the person you want to call, and it'll take you to a window that fills most of the screen.

2. In the upper right-hand corner, there are three buttons. For a video call, click the camera icon; for a voice call, click the phone icon.

3. The third icon, a person, and a plus sign icon lets you add someone to a call.

4. When you click an icon, Skype will “ring” a person until they pick up.

   Be sure to turn your microphone on and set your speakers or headphones to a comfortable level. If you’re using video, make sure the camera is also on.

5. Making phone calls is even simpler. Click on the phone pad button in the upper left-hand corner to open the dial pad.

6. When you type in a number, it will appear at the top of the window.

   If you’re calling overseas, underneath the number, there will be a drop-down menu that adds the country code to your dial, so you won’t need to enter that first.

How to Use Skype Meet Now

Skype Meet Now lets you use Skype without an account, or even the app. You can invite others to meetings using a unique URL and everyone can join using Skype on the Web. Mobile users will have to download the app. You can record Meet Now calls and Skype will save them for 30 days.

1. Go to Skype's website and click Create a free meeting to generate a meeting link (it never expires).

2. Click Share invite to invite participants.

3. You can copy the link or share it via Outlook Mail or Gmail.

4. Click Start Call.

5. Enable audio and video if you like and click Start Call again.

6. Click the red End Call button when the meeting is done.

7. To join a Meet Now call without a login, click Join as Guest.

How to Answer a Call on Skype and End a Call

When you receive a call on Skype, your phone or computer will "ring." If you've muted the volume on your device, you won't hear a ring. but you'll a notification on the screen.

1. To answer, click on the window that pops up on your desktop, or tap the screen of your phone.

2. When the call is over, press the red button with a phone in the center; it will be in the lower right-hand corner of your call window.

Skype On Windows

Skype is very Windows-friendly. It will work with any computer running Windows XP Service Pack 3 or higher. However, you may also need to upgrade your version of Internet Explorer: Windows XP SP3 will need Explorer updated to at least version 8, and Windows 7 users will need to use at least Internet Explorer 11. You can find those downloads on Microsoft's Internet Explorer support page. Also note that if you use a version of Windows before Windows 7, the Skype app will be the only supported method of making calls.

Skype On Mac

To use Skype's app on the Mac, you'll need to have at least macOS X 10.9 or higher. However, if you have an older Mac, you should be able to log into the web version and use that instead.

Skype On iOS

Skype's app is in the App Store, but will only work with iPhones and iPad running iOS 8, or higher.

Skype On Android

Skype will work on any Android device running 4.04 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher. You can download Skype from the Google Play store.