How to Use Skype on Chromebook

Plus special tips to enhance the experience

Skype remains one of the best platforms for instant messaging, voice calls, and video conferencing. You can use Skype on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, smart speaker, console, etc. Skype also works perfectly onChromebooks.

If you bought a new Chromebook,converted your old laptop into a Chromebook, or you’re still getting familiar with Chrome OS, we’ll show you how to install and use Skype for Chromebook.

Download and Install Skype on Chromebook

There are several ways to access Skype on Chromebook. You can download the app from the Play Store, install the Linux version, or use the Skype web client. We’ll show you how to access Skype using all three methods.

If you’re reading this article on your Chromebook, visit theSkype download page on the Play Storeand clickInstall. If you’re reading this post on another device, follow the steps below to download Skype for Chrome OS.

  1. Tap thelauncher iconat the bottom-left corner of the screen to open the Chromebook desktop.

  2. Tap theApps viewer icon.

  3. SelectPlay Store.

  4. Typeskypein the search bar and pressEnter.

  5. Click theInstallbutton to download Skype to your Chromebook.

Not too many people know that Chrome OS supports apps designed for Ubuntu Linux. This means you caninstall and run Linux apps on your Chromebookwithout any issues. Follow the steps below to install the Linux version of Skype on your Chromebook.

Note:Running Linux apps on Chromebook requires the Chrome OS 69 or later. Go toSettings>About Chrome OSto check your Chrome OS version or update your Chromebook’s operating system. Likewise, you also need to first enable the Linux environment on your device.

  1. Go toSettings>Developers>Linux development environment (Beta)and select theTurn onbutton.

  2. ClickNextto proceed.

  3. Enter a preferred name in the Username dialog box or use the system-generated name. In addition, use theRecommendeddisk size and selectInstallto proceed.

  4. Chrome OS will download the files required to set up the Linux development environment. This will take a couple of minutes, depending on your Chromebook’s hardware configuration and internet speed.

  5. Upon successful installation of the Linux virtual machine, go toSkype’s official download pageand tap theGet Skype for Windowsdrop-down button.

  6. SelectGet Skype for Linux DEBfrom the drop-down option.

  7. Select the destination folder and selectSave.

  8. Launch the Files app, right-click the Skype setup file and selectInstall with Linux.

  9. SelectInstallto proceed.

When the installation is complete, you’ll find the Skype app in the Linux apps folder when you open the apps viewer.

You’re better off accessing Skype from a web browser if you don’t use the conferencing service frequently. Or if your Chromebook is running low on storage space; the Skype app creates hidden cache files that consume storage unnecessarily.

To use Skype for Web on your Chromebook, you’ll need to have the latest versions of either Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Using unsupported browsers (e.g. Firefox or Opera) to access Skype for Web will display a “Browser not supported” error message.

Visit theSkype for Web page, sign in to your Microsoft account, and you’re all set. It’s worth mentioning that Skype’s web and app clients have similar interfaces, features, and functionalities.

Uninstall Skype from Chromebook

There are many reasons why you may need to uninstall Skype from your Chromebook. It could be to free up storage space, or because you’re switching to analternative call conferencing app. To delete Skype from your device, open the Chrome Desktop, right-click on Skype, and selectUninstall.

If your Chromebook is in tablet mode, long-press the Skype icon and selectUninstall. You can also uninstall Skype from the Chrome OS settings menu: Go toSettings>Apps>Manage your apps>Skypeand select theUninstallbutton.

Chromebook Tips for Skype

Here are some tips that’ll help you use Skype smoothly on your Chromebook.

If you use Skype regularly, say everyday, you should pin it to the Shelf—the small area at the bottom of the screen. The Shelf is the Chrome OS’ equivalent of the Windows Taskbar and macOS Dock.

When using Skype, right-click or long-press the app icon on the Shelf and selectPin.

Another way to do this is to right-click or long-press Skype on the app viewer and selectPin to shelf.

Now you can quickly launch Skype anytime without having to open the Chrome OS apps viewer.

Using Google Assistant, you can open Skype on your Chromebook by saying “Hey Google. Open Skype” or “OK Google. Launch Skype.”

Check out this comprehensive guide on how to set up Google Assistant on Chromebook.

To create a new Skype meeting, launch the app and tap theMeet Nowicon next to the search bar.

[17-skype-video-call-chromebook.png]

Skype will create and display your meeting details on the next page. You can copy the meeting link, add your Skype contacts, or share the meeting link with others. Select theStart Meetingbutton to commence the meeting or selectChatto return to the messaging window.

To start a new meeting from your browser, visit theSkype for Web meeting portaland selectCreate a free video call.

Skype the Chromebook Way

If you choose to install Skype on your Chromebook, we recommend downloading the Android version from the Play Store. It’s smaller (size-wise) and easier to update. However, if you have multiple Skype accounts, you can install both the Android and Linux versions and run different accounts on them.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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