How to Use Skype for Free Video Calls

Skype lets you make free video and voice calls to family and friends anywhere in the world. Here's how to get started from scratch.

In this guide (4 steps):

1.Download and install Skype
2.Create a Skype account or sign in with Microsoft
3.Find a contact and make your first call
4.Use Skype during a call

Download and install Skype

~30s

On a computer: go to skype.com and click "Get Skype for Windows" or "Get Skype for Mac." Download and run the installer. On iPhone: open the App Store and search "Skype" — it's the blue app with a white "S" by Microsoft. On Android: open the Google Play Store and search "Skype." Download and install the free app. Open Skype after installing.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: Skype is also built into Windows 11 computers — you may already have it. Look for the Skype icon in the Start menu before downloading a new copy.

Create a Skype account or sign in with Microsoft

~25s

When Skype opens, click "Sign in or create." If you have a Microsoft account (the same email you use for Outlook, Hotmail, or Windows), you can sign in with that. If not, click "Create account" to make a new free Microsoft account — you'll just need an email address and password. Once signed in, Skype may ask permission to use your camera and microphone — click Allow. This is needed for video calls.

Find a contact and make your first call

~35s

Click the search bar at the top of Skype and type the name or email address of the person you want to call. They need to have a Skype account too. Click their name in the search results and click "Add to contacts." Once they accept your request, their name appears in your contact list. Click their name → click the video camera icon to start a video call, or the phone icon for a voice-only call.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: The person you're calling needs to have Skype open on their device to receive your call. Let them know you're about to call so they're ready.

Use Skype during a call

~39s

During a call, you'll see buttons at the bottom of the screen. The camera icon turns your video on or off. The microphone icon mutes or unmutes your voice. The red phone icon ends the call. If the other person's picture is small or you want to fill the screen, hover over their video and look for a full-screen option. You can also type in the chat box on the right side of the screen during a call — useful if someone can't hear you clearly.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: Skype calls work best on a stable Wi-Fi connection. If the video keeps freezing or dropping, try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router, or turn off your video (audio-only calls use much less bandwidth).

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Use Skype for Free Video Calls

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Skype has been one of the most popular free video and voice calling apps for over two decades. It lets you call other Skype users anywhere in the world — from the United States to Europe, Asia, or anywhere else — completely free of charge. You can also use Skype to call regular phone numbers at low per-minute rates, which is useful for calling landlines abroad.

Skype is owned by Microsoft and is available on Windows computers, Mac computers, iPhones, Android phones, and tablets. Many families use Skype to stay in touch across long distances. If you have family members living in another country who you want to call regularly without expensive phone bills, Skype is a reliable option.

This guide covers setting up Skype and making your first call.

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