Email, Messaging, & Video Calls Video Calls 125 125 people found this article helpful How to Download and Install Skype for Mac Add Skype to your Mac to make free voice and video calls by Brandon De Hoyos Writer Brandon de Hoyos is former freelance contributor to Lifewire and a self-described IM veteran who covers the latest in messaging trends and videography. our editorial process LinkedIn Brandon De Hoyos Updated on March 23, 2020 reviewed by Ryan Perian Lifewire Tech Review Board Member Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. our review board Article reviewed on Oct 13, 2020 Ryan Perian 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 hosts video chats, computer-to-phone calling, text messaging, and file sharing. Although some services require a subscription, the basic functions of Skype are available for free. Subscribers can choose from packages that allow unlimited calls to domestic and international locations for a monthly fee. In addition to being a free download, the Skype app is available for iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux devices. Skype is also compatible with certain Xbox and Amazon Kindle Fire devices. 1:08 How to Download and Install Skype for Mac Download Skype for Mac Before downloading the Skype for Mac client, confirm that your Mac meets the following system requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher At least 1 GHz Intel processor (Core 2 Duo)At least 1 GB RAMThe latest version of QuickTime It's also recommended that you have a microphone, a webcam, and a broadband connection with at least 100 Kbps download and upload speeds. When you're ready, open a web browser and follow these steps: Go to the Skype for Mac download page. Select Get Skype for Mac. The Skype installation file downloads to your Downloads folder. Launch the Skype for Mac Installer Open the Downloads folder and double-click the Skype for Mac installation file to start the installation process. Install Skype on Mac After you double-click the installation file, a Finder window opens and prompts you to add the Skype app to your Applications folder. Drag the Skype logo to the Applications folder on that screen. Locate Skype in Your Applications Folder Launch Skype for Mac by opening the Launchpad from the Mac Dock. Find the Skype app icon and click it. Alternatively, find the Skype for Mac app by going to the Applications folder. Double-click the Skype icon to launch the service. Log in and Start Using Skype for Mac After launching Skype for Mac, log in to your Skype account to use the service. Once logged in, use any of the Skype calling features, which include: Calling: Free Skype-to-Skype calls anywhere in the world. Subscribers can also call mobile and landline numbers for a cost. Both services allow for group calls of up to 50 people, as well as call forwarding and caller ID. It's possible to use Skype as a home phone.Video: Place one-to-one or group video calls for up to 50 people for free.Messaging: Send SMS texts, instant messages, video messages, and emojis and emoticons.Sharing: Send or receive files, photos, and videos of any size, as well as contacts and your computer screen with a person or group.