Many often use the Skype application today. We are talking about software that allows interested parties to communicate effectively. In fact, there are millions of individuals, companies, and organizations that use it. This instrument will enable you to make free audio and video calls, both individual and collective, send instant messages, and share files.
And the best thing is that its functional versatility allows you to use it from different devices. You can do it from your phone or tablet, as well as from a PC without problems. However, to get the most out of it, it is always advisable to consult an instructional guide in this regard. Therefore, today we bring you from Insiderbits a detailed step-by-step step to use the Skype application.
Previous steps to use the Skype application
As a mandatory start of this guide to use the Skype application, you must perform some previous compulsory steps. It is a series of simple acts that will allow you to achieve this goal. These are:
1. Proceed to download the Skype application from the Google Play Store.
2. Subsequently, you must create a free account in the app.
3. Log in with your username and password.
Once you have completed these three simple steps, you will be able to start using the Skype application to communicate with people. You will enjoy its numerous functions, which you can see below.
Skype elements are at your disposal.
This application will allow you to establish effective communication from your mobile device, using different resources that it makes available to you. Among them, the following stand out:
• Video calls. To communicate with one or more people up to a limit of 50.
• Chat. With instant message sending, that is, in real-time.
• Big on Skype. To participate in individual or group chats and obtain AI-based responses in the context of your conversations.
• Share files. These include photographs, images, and videos.
• Voice calls. You can make calls to your contacts who are anywhere in the world.
• Express. An interesting service that allows you to liven up your conversations using emoticons, GIFS, stickers, and even images.
As you can see, using the Skype application means having a very versatile communication tool, as well as free. And with the user guide that we will give you immediately, you will discover that it is definitely very easy to operate.
Step by step to correctly use the Skype app
Once you are inside the application, you will have numerous functions grouped into three sections. These are Chats, Calls, and Contacts. Below we give you a practical guide on what to do to enjoy them effectively.
Find your contacts
Previously, you required a lot of information about your friends to be able to add them to your contact list on Skype. But today it is much easier to do it by:
• Step 1. When you sign in to Skype for the first time, you will be asked if you want to import your contacts into your Microsoft account. When you answer yes, you will avoid having to add them manually.
• Step 2. If you want to find someone else, you have to go to the box identified as “Search Skype”. It’s at the top of the screen. There you put the person’s name, their Skype name, or even their email.
To add a new contact to your list, you have to click on the blue button on the right of the screen.
Chat Service
When it comes to your chat communications, you will be able to see your open conversations or even include a new one. To do this you only have to:
1. Press the blue notes icon at the bottom and to the right.
2. Search among your contacts with whom you want to chat with, click on them and the corresponding chat is immediately activated.
3. If you require it, you can search for another user in real-time. So you can invite him to chat on Skype mobile.
Options available during your conversation
Among the options available to you when chatting via Skype, include:
• Send text messages, which makes this application considered one of the best options compared to WhatsApp.
• Use emoticons, stickers, and GIFS.
• Transfer media like photos directly from your camera, as well as contacts, location, and even surveys.
• Schedule a call.
• Transfer credits as gifts.
• Share items from OneDrive if you use this app to store in the cloud.
• Start voice or video calls.
As you can see, there are many resources via Skype chat. You have to familiarize yourself with each of these to use them as you like whenever you want.
Call service
Perhaps the most emblematic service for which we bring you this guide on how to use the Skype application is its calling function. In order to enjoy it you must do the following:
1. Go to the icon identified as “Calls”. That is present at the bottom corresponding to the start of the app.
2. Choose between the different types of calls. You can choose to make an audio-only call as well as a video (video call) from Skype to Skype. However, you should know that it is also possible to make calls to landlines and mobile phones.
However, at Insiderbits we consider it appropriate to clarify that to make calls to a phone you require money in balance. To do this you must go to the blue button called “Buy Credit” at the top and to the right. There you have different rates per minute for sending messages and even monthly subscriptions.
Some options available during your call
The fact of being able to make Skype calls, in itself, is a notable contribution. But not satisfied with that, its developers enhanced its benefits, incorporating functions that enrich the process, such as:
• Be able to mute the microphone. It is for exceptional cases, such as when you are coughing or when you need to chat with a person in the room secretly.
• Employ speakerphone service. You can activate or deactivate the speaker as needed, like with the video image.
• Share the screen. It is for cases in which, for example, you need to show something to others.
• Set pauses for the call. Then you can return to it whenever you want.
• Add new people to the call. This function is widely used by those who organize group meetings in this way.
• Make recordings. It is about the conversations that take place in this way.
• Screenshots. In some way, it makes it easier to preserve in images what you consider key regarding your communication.
• Use subtitles. To outline what you communicate.
• Use the translation system. Its operation is instantaneous.
Group Calls
Don’t forget that using the Skype application allows you to make group calls. This app has a maximum limit of up to 50 people. To enjoy this service, you only have to do the following:
• Go to “chats” and click the blue icon at the bottom right.
• Click on the “New Group Chat” option.
• Give a name and an image or photo to said communication group
• Incorporate those of your contacts who are part of this group.
This is a service widely used by those who usually organize video conferences. Well, it is convenient, reliable, and manageable when using the Skype application.
Steps to download and install Skype on your Android and iOS
Downloading and installing Skype on both your Android and iOS devices is very easy. Therefore, below, we give you the steps in each case, and then you can use the Skype application.
Go to the app store
If you are one of those who have an Android device, you must go to the Google Play Store. But if, on the other hand, you have an iOS, you must do so with the Apps Store. In both cases, you look for the most recent version:
• iOS. Version 8.77.1.85
• Android. Version 8.78.0.85.
Both were placed on the market in 2022. Then, you click on download, and it will end up being installed.
How do you start using the app if you already have a Skype account?
1. Open the Skype app.
2. You will receive a message welcoming you. There you press the blue button called “Let’s get started”.
3. Then you press the blue button identified as “Sign in or Create”.
4. Use the credentials from your Skype, Outlook, or Hotmail account. If you have previously configured it, you can also start your session using your Skype ID. This is through your phone number.
5. Click “Next” and also enter your password.
6. Click “Sign In”.
7. Once inside, a window will appear to search for your contacts. Click on “Continue”.
8. Later, Skype will ask you to grant it certain permissions to access your contacts. You can click on “Allow or Deny” as you deem appropriate.
9. On the next screen it is necessary to grant permissions so that the app can use the microphone and camera. This will allow you to use the video calling service whenever you want.
10. Optionally, it will ask you if you want to provide diagnostic and usage data. You are free to offer them or not.
By satisfying all these steps, you are definitely all set to use the Skype application. And keep in mind that most of their services are free. However, you can also enhance the benefits of this app by recharging your balance, as we indicated before.
Are you ready to use the Skype app going forward?
Given the above, you only have to decide if you will use the guide just mentioned to use the Skype application. As you can see, the benefits are numerous and far-reaching, and if you wish, you can enjoy them.
However, in case you want to go a little deeper about it, at Insiderbits we can also help you do it. We recommend you enter this link where you can see a comparative analysis between Skype and some of its competitors.
