Email, Messaging, & Video Calls Video Calls 196 196 people found this article helpful How to Use Skype for iPad and iPhone Make video calls on your iOS or iPadOS device by Nadeem Unuth Freelance Contributor Nadeem Unuth is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who specializes in information and communication technology with a focus on VoIP. our editorial process LinkedIn Nadeem Unuth Updated on April 27, 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 Learning how to set up and use Skype for iPad and iPhone to make free voice and video calls worldwide is simple. The steps below work the same for the iPad and the iPhone as both run the same operating system. But, there are some minor differences in the hardware. These instructions apply to all supported versions of Skype for iOS and iPadOS. What You Need to Run Skype on Your iPad and iPhone You can use the integrated microphone and speaker of your device or pair a Bluetooth headset to it. You'll also want to ensure good internet connectivity through your iPad's or iPhone's Wi-Fi connection or 3G data plan. Morsa Images / Getty Images Get a Skype Account If you don't have a Skype account, register for one on the Skype.com website. Setting up an account is free, and if you use a Skype account on other machines and other platforms, it will work perfectly on your iPad and iPhone. A Skype account is independent of where you use it, which means if you have a Skype account, you don't need to create a second one specifically for your iOS device. Download Skype on Apple's App Store Whether you're using an iPhone or an iPad, download and install the app to use Skype on that device. It's a simple process. Just search for "Skype" in the App Store, and when you find it, tap the Get button. It will take a few minutes to download, and then you'll be ready to get started. Download for iPhone Download for iPad Use Skype for the First Time Regardless of which device you use, the first time you use Skype, you'll need to enter your username and password. While you're there, you can also check the box to Log-in Automatically so that Skype remembers your credentials each time you log in to start a chat or a call. If you haven't created a Skype account, you can do that the first time you log in to Skype from your iOS device. Select the Sign in or create button. Skype is tied to your Microsoft account login, so if you have a Microsoft account, you have a Skype username and password. The first time you log into Skype from your iOS device, you may also need to walk through a tutorial about how to use the application and grant permissions to access Contacts and other functions of your device. It's fast and easy (and safe!). Read each section, then tap Continue or OK as required by each screen. Make a Call With Skype The Skype interface offers access to your contacts, calls, and other features. Tap the Calls tab. Tap the phone icon for a contact from your People list on the left. In the dialog box that appears, tap the phone number you want to call. The country code is automatically captured, which you can change. If the person you are calling is a Skype user, you can call their Skype account for free. If you're calling a landline or mobile phone number, you'll need Skype Credit to pay for the call. Tap the Get Credit button at the top of your contacts list to add credit you can use for calls. One way to ensure you don't have to pay for calls is to call other Skype users. If you want to communicate with someone that is not a current Skype user, tap the Invite to Skype button to send an invitation for them to join Skype and connect with you as a contact. Add New Contacts to Skype When you have Skype contacts in your contact list, you can tap their names to call, video call, or send messages to them. These contacts are automatically imported to your iPad or iPhone if you use an existing Skype account on which they are found. You can always enter new contacts in your list, either by entering their names manually—tap the people icon at the upper-right of the Contacts list—or search for contacts to add using the search bar in the Contacts tab.