You can make video calls using the Skype application to a variety of devices. If you have the Skype application installed, you can make video calls from your computer or mobile phone.
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Method 1 of 2: Skype Call using Windows PC or Mac
Step 1. Check the webcam
make sure your computer has a webcam. In general, the webcam on a laptop will look like a small hole above the screen/monitor. Laptops made in the last five years generally have a webcam.
If your laptop doesn't have a webcam, you'll need to purchase an external webcam, either at a local store or online. You don't have to buy an expensive one, but if you are going to make frequent video calls, then you can buy a webcam with high video quality
Step 2. Install Skype
The link to download Skype will be different for Windows users or Mac users.
- For Windows users: Visit this link: [1]. Click on the green button that says, "Get Skype for Windows Desktop."
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For Mac users:
Visit this link: [2]. Click on the green button that says, "Get Skype for Mac."
Step 3. Follow the installer's instructions
The Skype download will automatically start, and instructions will appear on how to install Skype.
Step 4. Launch Skype
Once the Skype install is complete, launch Skype. If you're having trouble finding Skype's location, follow these instructions.
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For Windows users:
Press the Windows key (to the left of the Alt key), then type Skype and press Enter.
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For Mac users:
Open Finder, then search for Skype, and click the Skype program.
- If you can't find Skype, try reinstalling Skype.
Step 5. Click a contact
If you've ever had a contact, you'll see a list of your contacts on the left of the screen. Click on one of your contact's names to start a conversation.
You must add at least one contact if you don't already have one. You can ask your friend's Skype ID, click Contacts at the top left of the window, click Add Contacts, then type your friend's Skype ID
Step 6. Make a video call
To make a video call, you must first have a conversation. There are slight differences in the instructions for Mac and Windows users.
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For Windows users:
Click on the icon in the upper left corner of the window that looks like a video camera. You will see a blue circle with a white video camera.
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For Mac users:
Click on the icon in the upper left corner of the window that looks like a video camera. You will see a green circle with a white video camera. The video call icon will still say "Video Call," regardless of which version of Skype you're using.
- Skype will ask for your consent to use the video camera. Click "Allow" if you are comfortable allowing Skype to access your camera.
Step 7. End the call when done
End the call by pressing the red button at the bottom of the video call window. The display icon for ending a call looks like a red circle with a white phone inside the circle.
To bring up the end call button, you can move your cursor around the video call window
Method 2 of 2: Making a Skype Call on a Mobile Phone
Step 1. Check your webcam
Make sure your camera has a main camera and a front camera. Generally, the camera will be located in the upper corner of the screen on your mobile phone.
Step 2. Install the Skype app
A link to download Skype will be sent from the Skype page to your mobile phone. Visit this link: [3]. Click "Get the app" under your phone's title, then press Enter on your phone.
Another way is to find and install it via the App Store on your phone
Step 3. Launch Skype
Search for Skype on your phone and run it. The Skype icon will be blue with a white "S" symbol in it.
Step 4. Click a contact
On the "People" tab at the top of the screen, click one of your friends' names to start a conversation. If there's no contact yet, look for our article on how to add a contact on Skype.
Step 5. Run a video call
During the conversation, click on the camera icon at the bottom of the screen. You will start a video call.
Be aware that the recipient of your video call must also have a front camera
Step 6. End when done
You can end the video call by pressing the red button at the bottom of the screen. To bring up the end call button, you can press anywhere on the screen.
