How to install Skype on Ubuntu

Last Updated : 02 Jun, 2022

Skype is a Microsoft-owned proprietary telecommunications application best known for VoIP-based videotelephony, videoconferencing, and voice conversations. It also includes services such as instant messaging, file transfer, debit-based calls to landlines and mobile phones (through standard telephone networks), and more. Skype is available on a variety of platforms, including desktop, mobile, and video game consoles. On Linux operating systems, Skype is not installed by default. This post will show you how to install Skype on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS using several techniques. If you're running an older version of Ubuntu, you can install Skype using the same commands and steps. We shall employ the following strategies:

Skype may be installed using Ubuntu software (GUI)
Download Skype from the Snap Store (GUI)
Skype may be downloaded from the official website (Command Line)

Method 1: Skype may be downloaded from the official website (Command Line)

We'll get the Skype.deb package from the official Skype website and install it with the Dpkg package manager in this approach. To download and install Skype, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Download the Skype.deb package.
Different packages for various distributions are available on the official Skype website. We'll download the .deb package since we wish to install Skype on Ubuntu.

Use the following command to get the Skype.deb package from the official website:

wget https://repo.skype.com/latest/skypeforlinux-64.deb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Step 2: Download and install Skype. Using the Package Manager Dpkg

Using the dpkg package manager, we will install the Skype.deb package that we obtained in the previous step. Use the dpkg command to install the Skype.deb package as follows:

sudo dpkg –i skypeforlinux-64.deb

Skype has now been successfully installed on your computer.

Step 3: Start Skype

To open Skype, press and hold the super key on your keyboard while typing skype. When the Skype icon displays, click it to begin using the software.

You may also use the Terminal to launch Skype using the following command:

skype

The following window will appear once Skype has been opened. When you click the Let's Go button, you'll be able to sign in or create a new account if you don't already have one.

Method 2: Install Skype using the Snap Package method (Command Line)

Skype is also included in the snap bundle. Snap is a single program that includes all of the necessary dependencies and libraries. Snap must be installed on your system before you can install any snap package. The snap is already installed in Ubuntu 16.04 and later. If this package is not installed on your system, use the following command in Terminal to install it:

 sudo apt install snapd

Simply execute the following command in the Terminal to install the Skype snap package:

sudo snap install skype --classic

The report above indicates that the Skype program was successfully installed on the system.

Method 3: Skype may be installed using Ubuntu software (GUI)

Skype is incredibly simple to install using the Ubuntu Software Center. To install Skype on Ubuntu through the Software Center, follow these simple steps:

Search for the Ubuntu software center in the Activities search bar to open it.

When the Ubuntu Software Center appears, put skype into the search box in the upper left corner. Select the Skype programme from the list of search results.

To begin the installation procedure, click the Install button.

The following authentication dialogue box will pop up as a result. Click the Authenticate button after entering your user account password.

The installation process will now start. The following window will display, indicating the installation process' progress in real-time.

Depending on your internet speed, the installation procedure may take some time. When you're done, you'll see the following screen, which indicates that Skype is now installed on your computer.