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How to download and install Skype on my Android phone or iPhone for free, easy and fast? Step by step guide

In the application store of your mobile device you can find a wide variety of tools for instant communication, each with its own functions and peculiarities. Skype has its advantages, starting from the fact that it is free and is available for different platforms, including Android and iOS.

The creators they do not stop working and every year they present news to satisfy demanding users. In their most recent update, they claim that performance on platforms such as Android will be 2,000% higher, improving the use of the camera, creating calls with QR codes and new reactions to improve interactivity.

The features and functions of this tool never cease to amaze. If you still don’t have it on your mobile, here we are going to show you how to install it, along with the best tips and tricks to get the most out of it.

Learn step by step how to download and install Skype on your Android smartphone or iPhone from scratch

So that Skype works smoothly on any mobile device, it is convenient to verify that the voice input and output is activated and configured, Either with the microphone and speaker that are integrated or that we are using an external peripheral.

Once we do the review, we can take the steps described below to download and install the application on any computer:

On Android

Although there are many ways to install Skype on your Android smartphone, It is best to do it from the Play Store looking for the official application that gives us the necessary support.

It is not complicated to have the tool, here we explain it in a simple way:

  • On your mobile, enter the application store “Play Store” and in the search engine write “Skype”.

 install skype on android

  • After you get it, click on the button “Install” and it will start saving to your computer.
  • Once the installation is complete, tap “To open” and click “Let’s get started”.

download skype on android

  • Then a window will appear inviting you to log in or create a Skype account according to the case.

On iOS

As in Android, the version of Skype for iOS Is completely free. In recent updates, the application includes a greater number of emojis to react to calls, support for night mode as well as more stability.

So you cannot leave it outside of your mobile:

  • The first thing to do is enter the App Store.
  • In the search engine, type “Skype” and start the search.
  • Next to the application, click on “Get” and then you may be asked to enter your password to continue with the download.
  • When done, tap “To open” and you will get to the welcome screen.
  • There you can log in with your Outlook email and password.

install skype on ios

  • If you don’t have an account, click on “Create Account”.

Skype functions and features What can I do with this tool on my mobile?

Skype allows you to communicate with people anywhere in the world for free, with the advantage of having a web version from which it can be used without downloading anything additional.

In order for you to better understand this Microsoft application, we have selected some of its functions and features:

  • Audio and video calls: Its high definition quality allows you to make individual or group calls with up to 100 people for free. The only thing necessary is to have a microphone and depending on the case a camera on your computer.
  • Record calls: Many times you need a backup of the conversations, Skype gives the option to save them and have them available for up to a month in the inbox.
  • Sending text messages and phone calls: This function is available by purchasing a credit, not only with those who are connected in Skype but to any number.
  • Private conversations: The data you send or receive via chat is end-to-end encrypted, available only on one device at a time.
  • Reactions to messages: You can send emojis to make communication more fun but also use the mentions to call attention to a particular contact.
  • Share your screen: It can be divided according to the number of participants in the conversation so that everyone can see it equally.
  • Encrypted content: Thanks to its private VoIP protocol, all call data is encrypted and kept safe, preventing computer attacks.
  • Share files: You can send documents in various formats to your contacts, be it text, audio, videos or images of different sizes.

List of the best Skype tricks on Android and iOS to get the most out of this communication tool

The toolbar and settings of the applications hide a large number of tricks that many times not everyone knows. Thus, We want to share features that you can activate to use Skype at a higher level.

Go for it:

Add new contacts

It could happen that the application It seems boring to you because you enter and you have no contacts with whom to share or converse.

But this is not complicated, finding and adding people to strengthen your Skype agenda is done in the following way:

  • In your Skype account look for the option “Contacts” > “Add contacts”.
  • Once there, in the search engine enter keywords to get people. You can use their first or user name, telephone number and email, among other elements that help you identify them.

Share your screen in video call

This function is very useful in different fields. For example, if you have to explain to someone the procedures for doing a task, you can share your screen and understand it more easily.

To do so, develop the following steps:

  • Select the contact the one you are going to call and once the call is established, press the three dots in the lower menu and click on the option “Share screen”.

share skype screen on mobile

Indicate that you are absent

In Skype you have several ways to show yourself to your contacts. The green indicates that you are connected, but also the yellow color that means that you are absent at that moment.

Enabling the function is not complicated as you will see below:

  • Locate the area where your state is located current and change it looking for the option “Absent”.
  • You can also configure it automatically. In this case, you are going to “Tools” > “General”. > “Show me absent.”

Change your username

Once you create the Skype account a username is generated.

However, what is shown to the contacts can be changed, to do it from the mobile you only need the following:

  • Find the photo in the center of the screen and in “Manage” click on “Skype Profile”.

Save mobile data

This trick is useful for any device, either Android or iOS preventing data from being wasted quickly, especially when many images or videos arrive that are very heavy.

To apply the saving function in Android you do it in the following way:

  • Sign in to the function of “Settings” of your device. > “Applications” > “Manage applications”> “Skype”.
  • When you find it, press the button “Use of data”.

skype data usage

  • There there are two things you must configurer. First deactivate “Allow background data usage” and then activate “Allow with active data saving” or “Wifi”.

In the case of using an iPhone or iPad, you must apply the following trick:

  • Within your device, you go to the section “My information”> “Settings”> “Wifi only” to avoid downloading files when you are with your mobile data.