How to Use Skype for iPad and iPhone

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 these devices run similar operating systems. Still, there are minor differences in the hardware.

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 mobile data plan.

Get a Skype Account

If you don't have a Skype account, register for one on the Skype website. Setting up an account is free. If you use a Skype account on other computers and other platforms, it will work perfectly on your iPad and iPhone. A Skype account is independent of where you use it, so if you have a Skype account, you don't need to create a second one specifically for each device.

Download Skype on Apple's App Store

Whether you use an iPhone or an iPad, download and install the app to use Skype on that device. It's a simple process. Search for Skype in the App Store, and when you find it, tap the Get button. It takes a few minutes to download, and then you're ready to get started.

Use Skype for the First Time

Regardless of which device you use, you'll need to enter your username and password the first time you use Skype. Then, when you log off, tap Yes when prompted to remember your account so you can log in automatically the next time you open the app.

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.

1. Tap the Calls tab.

   

2. Tap the phone icon for a contact from your People list on the left.

   

3. If your contact has more than one number, a dialog box appears, where you can tap the phone number you want to call. The country code is automatically captured, which you can change. If the person is a Skype user, you can call their Skype account for free. If you call 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.

   

4. 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 who isn't a current Skype user, tap their name in your list of contacts. Then tap Invite to Skype to send an invitation asking 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 in the upper-right corner of the Contacts list—or search for contacts to add using the search bar in the Contacts tab.