How to Video Chat on Skype

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 Tested

If you enjoy trading instant messages over Skype with your friends, you'll really enjoy talking to them face-to-face with Skype video calls! It's a great way to share face time, do business, or just have fun with friends and family around the world.This article will show you what you need to do to set up a video call on Skype.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Skype on a Computer

1
Sign into Skype. Check to make sure your camera is working properly.
- On a PC, from the Tools menu, select "Options," and then under General, choose "Video Settings."
- On a Mac, from the Skype menu, select "Preferences", then click on the Audio/Video tab.
2
Select your camera. Turn on your webcam or connected video camera. You should see your webcam output in the window. If you have multiple cameras hooked up, select the desired one from the Camera menu.
- When you've made your connection and verified it's working properly, close the Preferences window.
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3
Click Contacts. Then, click on "Online" to show only your Skype contacts that are available for a call. If you have many contacts online, you can quickly find the person you're looking for by entering their name into the search field at the top right of the screen.
4
Initiate the call. Position your cursor over the person you wish to call. A green button will appear over their picture that says "Video Call," with a small camera icon to the left. You'll hear a ringing tone until the other person answers, or the call times out.
- Note: if the button only says "Call," check to make sure your camera is hooked up and functioning properly.
5
Talk with your friend. Once the call is connected, you'll see your friend's picture in the window. When you're finished chatting, click the red phone icon at the bottom of the window to end your call.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Skype for iOS

1
Launch the Skype app. Tap "People" to view all your contacts, then select "Online Contacts from the Contacts menu. You can also enter their name in the search field.
2
Tap your contact. Locate the person you want to do a video call with, then tap their picture or name. A window will open with several buttons.
3
Tap Video Call. This will initiate the call, dialing the person. When they answer, they'll be displayed full-screen, while your image will be in a thumbnail that you can tap and drag to place on screen wherever it's convenient.
- If you're on a voice call and want to switch to video, tap the camera icon at the bottom to switch to video.^{[3]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Skype on Android

1
Launch the Skype app. Make sure you're using Android 3.0 or later, and click the menu button or tap the menu icon.
2
Select "Settings." Then tap "Enable video calling" to check it.

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3
Tap to select the Contacts tab. Locate the person you wish to contact. When you find them, tap their picture.
4
Tap "Video call." This will call them up, starting the video call.
- Tap the camera icon at the bottom if you wish to switch from a voice call into a video call.

Community Q&A

Question

What if I can see the person but I can't hear them?

Community Answer

Try deleting Skype and re-installing it. If that doesn't work, there may be an issue with the other person's microphone.

Warnings

To have multiple people on a video call, you will need to get Skype Premium or purchase Skype Credits

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Things You'll Need

Before getting into Skype video, make sure your system meets the following requirements:
- Skype 4.2 or higher for Windows
- Skype 5.0 or higher for Macintosh
- Skype TV
- High-speed broadband connection
- A webcam
- Mic and speakers
- Compatible video card