Buy Software & Apps Skype for Mac Download and Installation Guide Add Skype to your Mac and make free and low-cost voice and video calls Share Pin Email Print ©Lifewire Software & Apps Email & Messaging Browsers & Internet Video & Audio Backup & Utilities Social Networking News & Reference Antivirus & Security Windows Only Mac Only iOS Only Android Only View More by Brandon De Hoyos Self-described IM veteran covers the latest in messaging trends and videography. Updated January 11, 2019 61 61 people found this article helpful 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. 1:08 How to Download and Install Skype for Mac 01 of 07 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 RAMThe latest version of QuickTimeMicrophone (a headset is recommended)Webcam for video chatBroadband connection with at least 100 Kbps download and upload speeds for voice calls 02 of 07 Download Skype for Mac 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. 03 of 07 Launch the Skype for Mac Installer Open the Downloads folder and double-click the Skype for Mac installation file to start the installation process. 04 of 07 Install Skype on Mac 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. 05 of 07 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. 06 of 07 Log In and Start Using Skype for Mac 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 photosChat through instant messagesStart or participate in group video callsMake low-cost calls to landlines and mobile devicesSend text messages to mobile devices You can even use Skype as your home phone. 07 of 07 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 IDVideo: Both one-to-one and group video callsMessaging: SMS texts, instant messaging, video messaging, and emojis and emoticonsSharing: Files, photos, and videos of any size, as well as contacts and your computer screen with a person or group Continue Reading