To use Skype, download the app on any device, create a free Microsoft account, and sign in. You can then make free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls, send messages, share files, and use Skype Credit or a subscription plan to call mobile and landline numbers worldwide at low rates.
Staying connected across cities, countries, or continents used to mean expensive phone bills and unreliable connections. Today, Skype makes it possible to call, video chat, and collaborate — often completely free — from any device you already own. Whether you want to catch up with family abroad, join a remote meeting from your laptop, or make affordable international calls, Skype has a feature for it.
If you have never opened the app before, or if you have only scratched the surface of what it can do, this guide is for you. From downloading and setting up Skype on a laptop, to making your first call, to placing international calls using Skype Credit, every step is covered in plain language.
Key takeaway: Skype is free to use for Skype-to-Skype calls. Calls to phones and mobiles require a small amount of Skype Credit or a subscription — but the rates are significantly cheaper than most traditional phone plans.
Table of Contents
What Is Skype and Why Use It?
Skype is a communication platform owned by Microsoft that supports voice calls, video calls, instant messaging, screen sharing, and file transfers. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and in a browser — meaning you can use it on virtually any device you own.
Unlike many modern communication tools, Skype has a unique dual capability: it allows free Skype-to-Skype calls and paid calls to real phone numbers (mobile and landline) in almost any country. That combination makes it one of the most versatile communication tools available, particularly for travellers and remote workers.
In practice, Skype tends to be the go-to choice for people who need to call actual phone numbers internationally at low cost — something most messaging apps simply cannot do.
- Free HD video calls and voice calls to other Skype users
- Affordable calls to mobile and landline numbers worldwide
- Screen sharing and real-time collaboration tools
- Cross-platform: works on laptop, desktop, mobile, and browser
- Live subtitles and translation features built in
How to Use Skype on a Laptop: Getting Started
If you are setting up Skype for the first time, the process takes only a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step overview for getting started on a Windows or macOS laptop.
Step 1: Download and Install Skype
Visit the official Skype download page at skype.com/en/get-skype and choose the version for your operating system. The installer is free and takes under two minutes to complete.
Step 2: Sign In or Create a Microsoft Account
Skype uses your Microsoft account. If you already use Outlook, OneDrive, or Xbox, you can sign in with the same credentials. If not, creating a new Microsoft account is free and takes about two minutes.
Step 3: Set Up Your Profile
Add a profile photo and display name so contacts can recognise you. You can also add a mood message, though this is optional.
Step 4: Add Contacts
Use the search bar to find people by their Skype name, email address, or phone number. Once you send a contact request and they accept, you can call or message them instantly.
Step 5: Test Your Audio and Video
Before your first important call, go to Settings > Audio & Video to test your microphone, speakers, and camera. Skype includes a built-in test call you can use to hear how you sound.
Pro tip: Always run an audio and video check before a professional call. Poor audio is the leading cause of frustration in remote meetings — it pays to check beforehand.
How to Make a Call Using Skype
Making a call on Skype is straightforward, whether you are calling another Skype user or a phone number. The process differs slightly depending on which you choose.
How to call a Skype contact (free)
- Open Skype and find the contact you want to call in your contacts list or search.
- Click or tap their name to open the conversation window.
- Click the video camera icon for a video call or the phone icon for a voice-only call.
- Wait for the person to answer. If they are online, you will typically connect within seconds.
- To end the call, click the red phone icon.
Skype-to-Skype calls are completely free regardless of distance. A call between London and Sydney costs the same as a call across the street — nothing.
How to call a phone number (requires credit)
- Click the dial pad icon in the Skype sidebar.
- Select the country code using the flag dropdown.
- Enter the phone number and click the green call button.
- If prompted, add Skype Credit to your account before the call connects.
The call quality to landlines and mobiles is generally excellent, and rates for most countries are a fraction of standard international calling costs.
How to Use Skype to Make International Calls
One of Skype’s most powerful use cases is making affordable calls to international phone numbers — mobile and landline. This is where Skype Credit and subscription plans come in.
Option 1: Skype Credit
Skype Credit works like a prepaid balance. You top it up manually, and calls are deducted at a per-minute rate based on the destination country. Most international rates are under $0.05 USD per minute, which is dramatically lower than standard mobile roaming rates. You can add Skype Credit from Skype’s official pricing page at skype.com/en/international-calls. Credit does not expire as long as you make at least one paid call every 180 days.
Option 2: Skype Subscription Plans
If you make regular international calls, a monthly subscription plan often works out cheaper than pay-as-you-go Credit. Plans typically include a set number of minutes per month to specific regions — for example, unlimited calls to landlines in the US, Canada, and Western Europe.
Real-world example: A freelancer working with clients in the US, UK, and Australia found that a Skype monthly subscription plan reduced their communication costs by over 70% compared to their previous mobile roaming plan.
How to Use Skype Credit in Teams
If your organisation uses Microsoft Teams, you may be wondering whether Skype Credit carries over. In practice, Skype Credit and Teams calling features operate through separate systems. Teams uses Microsoft Teams Calling Plans or Direct Routing for phone calls — these are separate from personal Skype accounts. If you need to make outbound calls to phone numbers via Teams, speak to your IT administrator about setting up Teams Calling Plans rather than attempting to transfer Skype Credit directly.
Skype Free vs Subscription: Feature Comparison
Understanding what is included in Skype’s free tier versus a paid subscription helps you decide whether a plan is worth it for your usage.
| Feature | Skype (free) | Skype subscription | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voice & video calls | Skype-to-Skype only | Skype-to-Skype + mobile/landline | Subscription |
| International calls | Not included | Included via Credit or plan | Subscription |
| Group video calls | Up to 100 participants | Up to 100 participants | Tie |
| SMS messaging | Not available | Available (select plans) | Subscription |
| Screen sharing | Yes (free) | Yes (free) | Tie |
| File sharing | Up to 300 MB | Up to 300 MB | Tie |
| Live captions | Yes (free) | Yes (free) | Tie |
| Call recording | Yes (free) | Yes (free) | Tie |
Bottom line: If you only ever call other Skype users, the free tier is all you need. If you call phone numbers — especially internationally — a subscription plan typically saves money within the first month.
Skype Features Most People Never Use (But Should)
Screen sharing
Skype includes screen sharing at no cost. During any call, click the ‘+’ or ‘More’ button and select ‘Share screen.’ This is useful for remote support, presentations, or simply walking someone through a task visually.
Live captions and subtitles
In Settings > Accessibility, you can enable live captions during calls. Skype transcribes speech in real time, which is useful in noisy environments or for hearing-impaired users. This feature is available for free.
Call recording
Skype allows you to record calls — all participants are notified automatically, which handles consent transparently. Recordings are saved to the chat and available for 30 days. For longer storage, download them before they expire.
Skype Number (Online Number)
A Skype Number is a real phone number that people can call from any phone, and it rings in your Skype app. This is useful if you want to appear locally present in a specific country — for example, a UK Skype Number allows people in the UK to call you at local rates even if you are based elsewhere.
For freelancers and small businesses, a Skype Number is one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain a local phone presence in multiple countries simultaneously.
Skype: Honest Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free Skype-to-Skype calls globally — no limits on duration or frequency
- Very competitive rates for international calls to phones
- Available on virtually every platform, including browsers
- Useful features (screen sharing, call recording, captions) were included free
- Integrates with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem
Cons
- Less popular than WhatsApp or Zoom among casual users — contacts may not have it installed
- Microsoft has shifted focus toward Teams; Skype’s future is not guaranteed long-term
- Credit expiry policy (180 days of inactivity) can catch infrequent users off guard
- Group video calls require all participants to have the app — no guest browser join for all features
Microsoft has confirmed it continues to support Skype, but it is worth noting that Microsoft Teams is its primary focus for business communication. For personal and small-scale professional use, Skype remains a solid and cost-effective option.
How do I use Skype to Skype calls now?
How to make a call using Skype in Teams Free?
How to use Skype credit in Teams?
How to use Skype in laptop?
How to use Skype to make international calls?
Is Skype still available as a separate app?
What if I have old Skype Credit or subscription?
You now know exactly how to use Skype—whether for free Skype-to-Skype calls, international dialling with credit, or using it on your laptop. The switch to Microsoft Teams Free keeps everything simple, reliable, and familiar while adding modern improvements.
Three key takeaways:
- Sign in once, and everything transfers automatically.
- Free calls and chats work exactly as before.
- Legacy Skype Credit still powers international calls via the Dial Pad.
Ready to explore more productivity tools and communication guides? Visit Geniostack.com for expert tips that help you work smarter every day.
