How to Install Skype on Android

Skype is a VOIP app that you can use to make local and international phone calls easily. Depending on the version of Android you are using, your screens may look slightly different, but you’ll start in the Google Play Store.

Open the Google Play Store. In the search bar type in Skype and tap the magnifying glass to search. Tap the green Install button. After it downloads and installs, tap the green Open button. Start setting up Skype.

How to Set Up Skype

Before you can start making Skype video calls on Android you have to set it up. You will need a login account before configuring the app. 

Using an Existing Account

If you already have an existing Skype account, follow the steps below.

Open Skype on your Android device. You will see a Welcome to Skype screen, tap the blue Let’s go button. The Let’s get started screen will appear asking you to Sign in or create an account. Tap the blue button. Enter your Skype name, phone number, or email address. Tap Next. Enter your password. Tap Sign in. You are now logged into Skype and will see the Find Contacts Easily page. Tap the blue Continue button. Skype will request access to your contacts. Tap either Deny or Allow. The next screen will say, “Almost there!” Skype requires permission to use your microphone and camera.   Tap the blue Continue button. Allow access by tapping Allow when the permission boxes pop up.

You are now ready to make calls with Skype.

Creating a New Account

If you do not yet have a Skype account, follow the instructions below to set one up.

Open Skype on your Android device. You will see a Welcome to Skype screen, tap the blue Let’s go button. The Let’s get started screen will appear asking you to Sign in or create an account. Tap the blue button. Tap the Create one! link below the sign-in field.   Tap Next. Enter your phone number or tap the blue Use your email instead link to enter an email address.   Tap Next.   You will be prompted to create a password and then tap Next. Enter your first and last names. Tap Next.   Choose your Country/region using the dropdown. Enter your birthday using the three dropdowns. Tap Next.   Microsoft will send you a verification code through email.  Enter the code and tap Next. Enter the Captcha code, verifying you are human. Tap Next. You are now logged into Skype and will see the Find Contacts Easily page. Tap the blue Continue button. You may have to allow Skype to access your contacts by tapping Deny or Allow. The next screen will say, “Almost there!” Skype requires permission to use your microphone and camera.   Tap the blue Continue button. Allow access by tapping Allow when the permission boxes pop up.

You are now ready to make calls with Skype.

How to Use Skype on Android

Let’s get started learning how to use Skype. Skype allows you to make voice or video calls to anyone who has a Skype account for free. If you want to dial directly and contact someone without a Skype account, Microsoft may charge you a small fee, but it will be very inexpensive. 

At the bottom of your Skype screen, there are three icons, Chat, Calls, and Contacts. Tap each one and follow the instructions below.

Make a Voice or Video Call

To make a voice or video call on Skype, tap the calls button. Tap either the keypad or dial icons at the bottom right. The keypad allows you to type in a phone number. The call button will enable you to choose from your list of contact.

Tap the contact(s) you want to call to select them. Tap the blue Call button at the top right. Choose Video Call or Call and tap to select.

If the contact is not online or unavailable, the call will end, and you see an error message. Otherwise, they will answer, and you will be connected.

Send a Message/Chat

Skype also allows you to send instant messages to your contacts using the method below:

Tap the Chat icon. Choose from the options at the top: New Group Chat, New Call, Meet Now, Private Conversation. Or, you can just tap on the name of the contact you want to text.   Type your message where it says Type a message. Tap the blue send icon. Await their response.

Invite Someone to Connect with You

If you want to connect with someone through Skype, you can invite them to join by doing the following.

Tap the Contacts icon. Tap the blue invite contact icon at the bottom right. Choose between inviting someone already on Skype to connect with you or adding a phone number to your contacts. If you choose to add a number, enter the person’s name and phone number. If you choose to add from a Skype member, copy the link to your profile and send it to them via text or email. You can also use a QR code to invite a contact. Use the More button to send an invitation through SMS, email, or another app.  

Now you know how to use Skype on a mobile phone. However, we have only scratched the surface of what you can do with Skype. You can also use Skype with a browser, use it host conference calls linking you to your whole team, share your screen for presentations, and more!