Email, Messaging, & Video Calls Video Calls How to Use Skype for Android Discover a super low-cost way to make domestic and international calls By Dawna Roberts Writer Dawna M. Roberts has 20+ years' experience in technology. Her works have appeared in Forbes, Huffington Post, Actiontec, Hackernoon, and other publications. our editorial process Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Dawna Roberts Updated March 17, 2020 The Ultimate Guide to Skype The Ultimate Guide to Skype Introduction Skype Basics Internet Speed Required for Skype HD Calls How Much Does It Cost to Use Skype? How to Delete Your Skype Account Guide to Using Skype as Your Home Phone Getting Started How to Change Your Skype Username Setting up a Conference Call With Skype How to Make a Skype Conference Call How to Make HD Video Calls With Skype How to Share a Screen on Skype Tips for Using Skype How to Record Skype Calls Use Skype's Split View Mode in Windows 10 Stop Skype From Starting Automatically How to Blur the Background In Skype How to Find and Use Skype Emoji How to Skype With Alexa Working with Contacts How to Add Contacts on Skype How to Delete Skype Contacts How to Block Someone on Skype How to Unblock Someone on Skype How to Delete a Skype Conversation Skype on Different Platforms Installing Skype on Ubuntu Installing Skype on a Mac Using Skype on an iPad & iPhone Using Skype on a Chromebook Using Skype in a Web Browser How to Use Skype for Android Creating a Skype Account on Windows Troubleshooting & Updating What to Do When Skype Isn't Working Make a Test Call How to Uninstall Skype How to Update Fix Skype Webcam Problems Tweet Share Email Skype is a VOIP app that you can use to make local and international phone calls easily. Below are all the instructions that you will need to install Skype, set it up, and use it on your Android device. These instructions work on Skype version 8 (all sub-versions) and Android versions 10 & 9. How to Install Skype on Android Installing Skype on an Android device couldn’t be easier. Depending on the version of Android you are using, your screens may look slightly different, but you’ll start in the Google Play Store. Open the Google Play Store. In the search bar type in Skype and tap the magnifying glass to search. Tap the green Install button. After it downloads and installs, tap the green Open button. Start setting up Skype. How to Set Up Skype Before you can start making Skype video calls on Android you have to set it up. You will need a login account before configuring the app. Using an Existing Account If you already have an existing Skype account, follow the steps below. Open Skype on your Android device. You will see a Welcome to Skype screen, tap the blue Let’s go button. The Let’s get started screen will appear asking you to Sign in or create an account. Tap the blue button. Enter your Skype name, phone number, or email address. Tap Next. Enter your password. Tap Sign in. You are now logged into Skype and will see the Find Contacts Easily page. Tap the blue Continue button. Skype will request access to your contacts. Tap either Deny or Allow. The next screen will say, "Almost there!" Skype requires permission to use your microphone and camera. Tap the blue Continue button. Allow access by tapping Allow when the permission boxes pop up. You are now ready to make calls with Skype. Creating a New Account If you do not yet have a Skype account, follow the instructions below to set one up. Open Skype on your Android device. You will see a Welcome to Skype screen, tap the blue Let’s go button. The Let’s get started screen will appear asking you to Sign in or create an account. Tap the blue button. Tap the Create one! link below the sign-in field. Tap Next. Enter your phone number or tap the blue Use your email instead link to enter an email address. Tap Next. You will be prompted to create a password and then tap Next. Enter your first and last names. Tap Next. Choose your Country/region using the dropdown. Enter your birthday using the three dropdowns. Tap Next. Microsoft will send you a verification code through email. Enter the code and tap Next. Enter the Captcha code, verifying you are human. Tap Next. You are now logged into Skype and will see the Find Contacts Easily page. Tap the blue Continue button. You may have to allow Skype to access your contacts by tapping Deny or Allow. The next screen will say, "Almost there!" Skype requires permission to use your microphone and camera. Tap the blue Continue button. Allow access by tapping Allow when the permission boxes pop up. You are now ready to make calls with Skype. How to Use Skype on Android Let’s get started learning how to use Skype. Skype allows you to make voice or video calls to anyone who has a Skype account for free. If you want to dial directly and contact someone without a Skype account, Microsoft may charge you a small fee, but it will be very inexpensive. At the bottom of your Skype screen, there are three icons, Chat, Calls, and Contacts. Tap each one and follow the instructions below. Make a Voice or Video Call To make a voice or video call on Skype, tap the calls button. Tap either the keypad or dial icons at the bottom right. The keypad allows you to type in a phone number. The call button will enable you to choose from your list of contact. Tap the contact(s) you want to call to select them. Tap the blue Call button at the top right. Choose Video Call or Call and tap to select. If the contact is not online or unavailable, the call will end, and you see an error message. Otherwise, they will answer, and you will be connected. Send a Message/Chat Skype also allows you to send instant messages to your contacts using the method below: Tap the Chat icon. Choose from the options at the top: New Group Chat, New Call, Meet Now, Private Conversation. Or, you can just tap on the name of the contact you want to text. Type your message where it says Type a message. Tap the blue send icon. Await their response. Invite Someone to Connect with You If you want to connect with someone through Skype, you can invite them to join by doing the following. Tap the Contacts icon. Tap the blue invite contact icon at the bottom right. Choose between inviting someone already on Skype to connect with you or adding a phone number to your contacts. If you choose to add a number, enter the person’s name and phone number. If you choose to add from a Skype member, copy the link to your profile and send it to them via text or email. You can also use a QR code to invite a contact. Use the More button to send an invitation through SMS, email, or another app. Now you know how to use Skype on a mobile phone. However, we have only scratched the surface of what you can do with Skype. You can also use Skype with a browser, use it host conference calls linking you to your whole team, share your screen for presentations, and more!