How to Make a Video Call on Skype: A Comprehensive Guide
Skype, one of the pioneering platforms for video communication, remains a popular choice for connecting with friends, family, and colleagues across the globe. Its user-friendly interface and reliable service make it a go-to option for personal and professional video calls. Whether you’re a seasoned Skype user or a complete beginner, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of making a video call on Skype, covering everything from installation and setup to troubleshooting common issues. Get ready to enhance your communication experience!
## What You’ll Need
Before diving into the steps, ensure you have the following:
* **A Device:** You can use Skype on various devices, including computers (Windows, macOS, Linux), smartphones (Android, iOS), and tablets. Choose the device that best suits your needs and preferences.
* **Internet Connection:** A stable and reliable internet connection is crucial for a smooth video call experience. Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection are recommended.
* **Skype Account:** You’ll need a Skype account. If you don’t have one, creating an account is free and easy.
* **Webcam and Microphone:** Most laptops and smartphones have built-in webcams and microphones. If you’re using a desktop computer, you may need to connect external devices.
* **Speakers or Headphones:** To hear the other person during the call, you’ll need speakers or headphones.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Video Call on Skype
Here’s a detailed guide on how to initiate a video call on Skype, covering different platforms:
### 1. Downloading and Installing Skype
The first step is to download and install the Skype application on your chosen device.
**On Windows or macOS:**
1. **Visit the Skype Website:** Open your web browser and go to the official Skype website: [https://www.skype.com/](https://www.skype.com/)
2. **Download Skype:** Click on the “Download Skype” button. The website will automatically detect your operating system and offer the appropriate version.
3. **Run the Installer:** Once the download is complete, locate the installer file (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click it to run the installation process.
4. **Follow the On-Screen Instructions:** The installer will guide you through the installation process. You may need to accept the license agreement and choose an installation location.
5. **Launch Skype:** After the installation is complete, launch the Skype application from your desktop or applications folder.
**On Android or iOS:**
1. **Open the App Store:** On your Android device, open the Google Play Store. On your iOS device (iPhone or iPad), open the App Store.
2. **Search for Skype:** Use the search bar to find the Skype app.
3. **Install Skype:** Tap the “Install” (Android) or “Get” (iOS) button to download and install the app.
4. **Open Skype:** Once the installation is complete, open the Skype app from your home screen.
### 2. Creating a Skype Account or Signing In
If you already have a Microsoft account (Outlook, Hotmail, Xbox Live), you can use it to sign in to Skype. Otherwise, you’ll need to create a new account.
**Signing In with an Existing Microsoft Account:**
1. **Launch Skype:** Open the Skype application on your device.
2. **Click “Sign In or Create”:** On the Skype login screen, click or tap the “Sign In or Create” button.
3. **Enter Your Email, Phone, or Skype Name:** Enter the email address, phone number, or Skype name associated with your Microsoft account.
4. **Enter Your Password:** Enter your Microsoft account password.
5. **Click “Sign In”:** Click or tap the “Sign In” button to access your Skype account.
**Creating a New Skype Account:**
1. **Launch Skype:** Open the Skype application on your device.
2. **Click “Sign In or Create”:** On the Skype login screen, click or tap the “Sign In or Create” button.
3. **Click “Create One!”:** Look for a link that says “Create one!” or “Sign up” and click or tap it.
4. **Enter Your Email or Phone Number:** You’ll be prompted to enter your email address or phone number. Choose the option that’s most convenient for you.
5. **Create a Password:** Create a strong password for your Skype account. Make sure it’s a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
6. **Enter Your First and Last Name:** Enter your first and last name.
7. **Enter the Verification Code:** You’ll receive a verification code via email or SMS. Enter the code in the designated field to verify your account.
8. **Click “Next” or “Create Account”:** Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account creation process.
### 3. Adding Contacts to Skype
Before you can make a video call, you need to add contacts to your Skype account. You can add contacts by searching for their Skype name, email address, or phone number.
1. **Open Skype:** Launch the Skype application on your device.
2. **Go to the Contacts Tab:** Look for a “Contacts” or “People” tab in the Skype interface and click or tap it.
3. **Search for Contacts:** In the search bar, type the Skype name, email address, or phone number of the person you want to add as a contact.
4. **Send a Contact Request:** When you find the correct person, click or tap on their name to open their profile. Then, click or tap the “Add to Contacts” or “Send Request” button.
5. **Wait for Confirmation:** The person you sent the contact request to will need to accept it before you can start communicating with them. Once they accept, they will appear in your contacts list.
### 4. Making a Video Call
Now that you have contacts in your Skype account, you can start making video calls.
1. **Open Skype:** Launch the Skype application on your device.
2. **Go to the Contacts Tab:** Look for a “Contacts” or “People” tab in the Skype interface and click or tap it.
3. **Select the Contact:** Find the contact you want to call and click or tap on their name to open their chat window.
4. **Click the Video Call Button:** In the chat window, look for a video camera icon. This is the video call button. Click or tap on it to initiate a video call.
5. **Wait for the Other Person to Answer:** Skype will now attempt to connect the call. Wait for the other person to answer the call. You’ll see a preview of your own video feed while you wait.
### 5. During the Video Call
Once the other person answers the call, you’ll be able to see and hear each other. Skype provides several controls during the video call:
* **Mute/Unmute Microphone:** Click or tap the microphone icon to mute or unmute your microphone. This is useful if you need to cough, sneeze, or have a private conversation.
* **Start/Stop Video:** Click or tap the video camera icon to start or stop your video feed. This is useful if you need to temporarily turn off your camera.
* **Share Screen:** Click or tap the screen sharing icon to share your screen with the other person. This is useful for presentations, demonstrations, or collaborating on documents.
* **Chat:** Click or tap the chat icon to open a text chat window. This is useful for sharing links, files, or additional information.
* **Add Participants:** Click or tap the add participants icon to add more people to the call. This is useful for group video calls.
* **End Call:** Click or tap the red phone icon to end the call.
### 6. Adjusting Audio and Video Settings
To ensure optimal audio and video quality, you can adjust your Skype settings.
1. **Open Skype:** Launch the Skype application on your device.
2. **Go to Settings:** Click on your profile picture or the three dots (ellipsis) in the upper corner, then select “Settings.”
3. **Go to Audio & Video:** In the Settings menu, find the “Audio & Video” section.
4. **Select Microphone:** In the Microphone section, choose the correct microphone from the dropdown menu. You can also adjust the microphone volume.
5. **Select Camera:** In the Camera section, choose the correct camera from the dropdown menu. You can also adjust the camera brightness, contrast, and other settings.
6. **Test Audio and Video:** Skype provides options to test your audio and video settings. Use these options to ensure that your microphone and camera are working correctly.
### 7. Using Skype on Mobile Devices
Making video calls on Skype on mobile devices (Android and iOS) is similar to using it on a computer.
1. **Open Skype:** Launch the Skype app on your mobile device.
2. **Go to the Contacts Tab:** Tap the “Contacts” icon at the bottom of the screen.
3. **Select the Contact:** Find the contact you want to call and tap on their name to open their chat window.
4. **Tap the Video Call Icon:** In the chat window, tap the video camera icon to initiate a video call.
5. **During the Call:** The call controls are similar to those on the computer version. You can mute/unmute your microphone, start/stop your video, and end the call.
**Mobile-Specific Features:**
* **Switch Camera:** You can switch between the front and rear cameras on your mobile device during the call.
* **Use Mobile Data:** If you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, Skype will use your mobile data. Be mindful of your data usage, as video calls can consume a significant amount of data.
## Troubleshooting Common Skype Video Call Issues
Even with a good internet connection and properly configured settings, you may occasionally encounter issues with Skype video calls. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
* **Poor Video Quality:**
* **Check Internet Connection:** Ensure you have a stable and strong internet connection. Try restarting your router or modem.
* **Close Other Applications:** Close any other applications that are using your internet connection, such as streaming services or file downloads.
* **Adjust Video Settings:** In Skype settings, reduce the video resolution to improve performance.
* **Update Skype:** Make sure you’re using the latest version of Skype.
* **Poor Audio Quality:**
* **Check Microphone:** Ensure your microphone is properly connected and selected in Skype settings.
* **Adjust Microphone Volume:** Adjust the microphone volume in Skype settings or your operating system’s sound settings.
* **Reduce Background Noise:** Minimize background noise in your environment.
* **Restart Skype:** Try restarting the Skype application.
* **Cannot Connect to the Call:**
* **Check Internet Connection:** Ensure you have a stable and strong internet connection.
* **Firewall Settings:** Check your firewall settings to ensure that Skype is allowed to access the internet.
* **Skype Server Issues:** Sometimes, Skype servers may be experiencing issues. Check the Skype status page for any known problems.
* **Restart Device:** Try restarting your device.
* **Echo Issues:**
* **Headphones:** Using headphones can help eliminate echo issues.
* **Microphone Placement:** Ensure your microphone is not too close to your speakers.
* **Mute When Not Speaking:** Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking.
* **Camera Not Working:**
* **Check Camera Connection:** Ensure your camera is properly connected to your computer.
* **Camera Drivers:** Update your camera drivers.
* **Skype Permissions:** Check your operating system’s privacy settings to ensure that Skype has permission to access your camera.
* **Restart Skype:** Try restarting the Skype application.
## Advanced Skype Features for Video Calls
Beyond the basic video calling functionality, Skype offers several advanced features to enhance your communication experience:
* **Screen Sharing:** Share your entire screen or a specific application window with the other person during the call. This is useful for presentations, demonstrations, or collaborating on documents.
* **Background Blur:** Blur your background during a video call to protect your privacy or create a more professional appearance. This feature uses artificial intelligence to distinguish you from your background.
* **Live Subtitles:** Enable live subtitles during a video call to get real-time transcriptions of what the other person is saying. This is useful for people who are hard of hearing or for calls in noisy environments.
* **Call Recording:** Record your video calls for future reference. This is useful for meetings, interviews, or capturing important conversations.
* **Group Video Calls:** Make video calls with multiple people simultaneously. Skype supports group video calls with up to 100 participants.
* **File Sharing:** Share files with other participants during a video call. This is useful for sharing documents, images, or other important files.
* **Reactions:** React to what others are saying during a call using emojis and animations. This can help to make your video calls more engaging and interactive.
## Tips for a Better Skype Video Call Experience
Here are some tips to help you have a more enjoyable and productive Skype video call:
* **Find a Quiet Location:** Choose a quiet location with minimal background noise to ensure clear audio.
* **Ensure Good Lighting:** Make sure you have good lighting so that the other person can see you clearly. Avoid backlighting, which can make you appear dark.
* **Position Your Camera Properly:** Position your camera at eye level so that you’re looking directly at the other person. Avoid looking down at the camera, which can be unflattering.
* **Speak Clearly and Slowly:** Speak clearly and slowly so that the other person can understand you easily.
* **Maintain Eye Contact:** Maintain eye contact with the other person by looking at the camera as much as possible.
* **Be Prepared:** Before the call, prepare any materials you need to discuss or share.
* **Test Your Equipment:** Before the call, test your microphone, camera, and internet connection to ensure they are working properly.
* **Dress Appropriately:** Dress appropriately for the call, especially if it’s a professional meeting.
* **Be Respectful:** Be respectful of the other person’s time and attention.
* **Have Fun:** Relax and enjoy the conversation!
## Conclusion
Making a video call on Skype is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your communication experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily connect with friends, family, and colleagues around the world. Remember to troubleshoot any common issues and take advantage of Skype’s advanced features to make your video calls even more productive and enjoyable. With a little practice, you’ll become a Skype video call pro in no time! Enjoy your virtual conversations!