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How to use Skype – set up, making calls, adding contacts and groups


WITH more of us having to spend time indoors due to the coronavirus outbreak, virtual communication is key.

This is where apps like Skype can be very useful so you can video chat with your family and friends from the safety of your home.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

 Many people across the world have been asked to stay at home
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Many people across the world have been asked to stay at homeCredit: Alamy

How to set up Skype

You can setup Skype on lots of internet connected devices like your computer, smartphone or tablet.

You can download the Skype app from the Google Play Store or the App Store.

If you're on your computer you can also go to and click "download".

If you don't have an account already then you'll need to click the sign-up or "create" option and fill in your details.

 Skype also has a group chat feature
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Skype also has a group chat featureCredit: Alamy

You'll need to agree to the terms of service and click "Continue".

These steps will come after you've downloaded the app on your smartphone or before you download on your PC.

Once you've downloaded and setup your account you can then login.

How to add Skype contacts and groups

You can add a contact to Skype via their Skype username, email address or phone number if they have a number connected to their account.

You should see a "+Contact" button from which you can click "Add New Contact" or you can search for people in the search box.

Once you've found your contact of choice you can click "Add".

Then wait for them to accept your request.

To create a group to chat with, open a new chat and click "New Chat Group" or the group chat icon of a few stick figures.

Here you'll have the option to "Search" for contacts to add to the group and can start chatting once you've clicked done.

You can also add a picture for the chat and a group name.

How to make Skype calls

First, find the person you want to call in your contacts list.

The select the audio or video button, depending on whether you want to video-chat or not.

You can switch between the two once you're in the chat.

To end the conversation just click the "End call" button.

History of Skype

Here's what you need to know about the video chat service...

  • Skype is an online video chat and voice call service which also provides an instant messaging platform
  • Skype was founded in 2003 by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis
  • On 10 May 2011, the Microsoft Corporation acquired Skype Communications for $8.5billion (£7.9billion)
  • In August 2015, Skype was estimated to have 300million active users each month
  • It had 1.33billion users by 2017
  • Skype is predicted to accumulate 2.27billion users worldwide by 2024
John Cleese offers fans the chance to ‘meet’ him via video call for up to £235 a pop

In other news, WhatsApp coronavirus text hoaxes are spreading like wildfire.

Facebook has begun rolling out its new design but some people think it's "ugly".

And, your internet may be getting slower as the coronavirus outbreak causes a huge surge in daytime traffic.

Are you a big fan of video chats? Let us know in the comments...


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