How To Use Skype On Android For Beginners

What Skype Can Do on Your Phone

Skype brings modern communication tools to your mobile phone. With a single free account, you can:

When calling a Skype account, calls are free. For non-Skype telephone numbers, you’ll need Skype credit, which is charged at a very low rate. Calls are receivable on other phones, laptops, tablets, desktop PCs, and any device with the Skype app.

Let’s look at how to use Skype on Android. First, you’ll need to install the app from Google Play. Note that while we focus on Android here, the Skype app for iPhone is similar.

Getting Started With Skype for Android

After launching the app, sign in to Skype. Use an existing Microsoft account or tap Create one to open a new Microsoft account.

Often, Skype will ask you to add call credit to your account. You can use this on any device running Skype tied to your account. If you want to add credit later, you can do so on your Skype account management page.

Before you add credit, however, you should ensure the app is working properly by making a Skype to Skype call. We’ll look at this shortly.

Manage Your Skype Profile

With Skype installed and your account set up, it’s important to make sure your profile is ready.

At the top of the Chats window, tap your avatar. Here, you can set your status (Active/Away/Do Not Disturb/etc.), add a comment, and even buy credit. You can also view your full Skype profile.

On this screen, it’s possible to edit your Skype name, mobile number, and email address. You can also set a new avatar/profile image and share your profile via URL, QR code, and SMS.

How to Make a Call With Skype for Android

Unlike the desktop version of Skype, it isn’t possible to make a test call. The next best option is making a Skype-to-Skype call, which will allow you to confirm that the app works properly. You should also make sure the other person can hear your voice and vice-versa.

To use this feature, open the Calls screen. You’ll find this view split into two. At the top, your Recent calls are listed. Scroll down to find a list of contacts that you can call, then tap the phone icon beside that name. 

Call Groups With Skype on Your Phone

Group calling is an important feature of Skype, as it enables conversation with multiple people. Up to 50 people can engage in a group call on Skype.

Calling a group is useful not just for voice calls, but also video calls and instant messaging. To create a group:

Tap Chats > New Chat (pen icon) > New Group Chat.

Give the chat a name, and perhaps an image too (such as your company logo).

Tap the right arrow.

Add contacts by tapping the circle next to each required contact.

Use the Search feature to find contacts if necessary.

Tap Done to finish.

Once set up, you can use a chat group for calls, video, and instant messaging.

It Gets Better: Video Calling on Android With Skype

Have you noticed the video camera button on Skype? This isn’t for taking photos—it’s for video calls! Find it in the top-right corner of the display when you open an existing Skype contact. It should be next to the phone icon.

Tap the camera button to start a video call. For video conferencing, open or create a group on Skype, then tap the camera icon.

You can also create an ad hoc group by doing the following:

Open the Calls view.

Tap the Group Call button (a video camera).

Tap Share invite to send the invite via email/SMS/social.

Recipients will receive a link to join the call.

When you’re ready to start, tap Start call.

Send Instant Messages With Skype

As well as making calls with Skype, you can use the app to send messages to contacts with Skype accounts. This comes in handy for arranging a call or just having a quick text chat, plus it works with multiple recipients for a group discussion.

Sending a message is simple:

Tap Chats.

Select a contact.

Type a message, then tap the blue arrow to send it.

Tap New Chat to message someone new.

Protect Your Privacy When Using Skype on Android

The Android Skype app includes advanced settings to ensure your privacy. Unfortunately, some Skype users make money from spamming users like you, which they do by sending instant messages.

You can easily stop this behavior from affecting you by opening your Profile and choosing Settings. From there:

In Calling, enable Only to allow Skype calls from contacts.

Under Contacts > Privacy, disable Appear in search results.