Skype for Mac Download and Installation Guide

Add Skype to your Mac and make free and low-cost voice and video calls

Skype for Mac startup screen on macOS desktop showing an African savannah
by Brandon De Hoyos
Self-described IM veteran covers the latest in messaging trends and videography.
Updated November 25, 2018

Microsoft's Skype for Mac is a messaging client that facilitates peer-to-peer video chats, computer-to-phone calling, text messaging, and file sharing. Although some services require a subscription, the basic functions of Skype are available free to users. Subscribers can choose from packages that allow unlimited calls to domestic and international locations for a low monthly fee.

In addition to being a free download on your Mac, ​the Skype app is available for your iPhone, as well as for Windows, Linux, and Android devices. Skype is also compatible with certain Xbox One and Amazon Kindle Fire HD devices.

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How to Download and Install Skype for Mac

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Check That Your Mac Meets System Requirements

Before downloading the Skype for Mac client, confirm that your Mac meets the following system requirements:

  • Mac OS X/MacOS 10.9 or higher 
  • At least 1 GHz Intel processor (Core 2 Duo)
  • At least 1 GB RAM
  • The latest version of QuickTime
  • Microphone (a headset is recommended)
  • Webcam for video chat
  • Broadband connection with at least 100 Kbps download and upload speeds for voice calls
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Download Skype for Mac

Get Skype for Mac download button on the web

In your web browser, go to the Skype for Mac download page. Click Get Skype for Mac. The Skype installation file downloads to your Downloads folder by default or to whatever folder you select.

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Launch the Skype for Mac Installer

Open the Downloads folder and double-click the ​Skype for Mac installation file to start the installation process.

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Install Skype on Mac

Skype install icon in macOS

After you double-click the installation file, a Finder window opens prompting you to add the Skype app to your Applications folder. Drag the Skype logo to the Applications folder on that screen.

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Locate Skype in Your Applications Folder

Launch Skype for Mac by opening the Launchpad in your Mac dock. Find the Skype app icon and click on it.

You can also find the Skype for Mac app by going into your Applications folder. Double-click the Skype icon to launch the service.

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Log In and Start Using Skype for Mac

Skype settings page in macOS showing latest version of the app

After launching Skype for Mac, you are prompted to log in to your Skype account to begin.

After you log in, you can use Skype on your computer to:

  • Share files and photos
  • Chat through instant messages
  • Start or participate in group video calls
  • Make low-cost calls to landlines and mobile devices
  • Send text messages to mobile devices

You can even use Skype as your home phone.

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Skype Features

Whether you use Skype on your Mac to communicate with your family and friends or with co-workers and clients, you can get more from the conversations using Skype calling features. They include:

  • Calling: Free Skype-to-Skype calls anywhere in the world, calls to mobiles and landlines worldwide at low rates, group calls up to 25 people, call forwarding and caller ID
  • Video: Both one-to-one and group video calls
  • Messaging: SMS texts, instant messaging, video messaging, and emojis and emoticons
  • Sharing: Files, photos, and videos of any size, as well as contacts and your computer screen with a person or group