3 Ways to Use Skype on Chromebook

With Skype Meet Now, Skype stands out among other video conferencing applications. Due to web-first approach by Microsoft, it works seamlessly across platforms. So, now you can easily use Skype on Chromebook through web version. But you can also install Skype on Chromebook via Play Store or Linux.

So, there are 3 simple ways to install or use Skype on Chromebooks. First one is web based, second method uses Android app from Play Store. But your Chromebook must have Play Store support. And the third method uses Linux app. So, you will have to enable Linux on your Chromebook first if not enabled already.

SEE ALSO: How to use Zoom for Video Conferencing like a Pro?

Install and Use Skype on your Chromebook

It’s time to discuss all 3 methods to get Skype working on Chromebook in details. So, we will first start with Web method, then Android app method and finally we will see Linux app method. Let’s start with easiest method.

Method 1: Use Skype on Chromebook using Web App

Though Microsoft provides native Skype apps for Windows, Mac and Linux. But with Skype web app, Microsoft has made it quite easy to use Skype on almost every platform using Chrome browser. And Skype web app now supports call notifications, screen sharing and Skype Meet Now feature. So, you won’t be missing a lot of features besides virtual background.

Step 1: Open Skype on Chrome and Login to your Account

First of all, launch Google Chrome on your Chromebook and go to web.skype.com. After that login with your Microsoft account. You can also create a Microsoft account for free if you don’t have one.

Step 2: Use Skype web on Chromebook

Now, you will see your Skype dashboard. Here you can start video call, group video call using Skype Meet Now or simple chat. Best part is that you can also share screen on Skype web just like desktop app. You can use Skype web the way you want on your Chromebook.

Step 3: Enable Notifications to Get Incoming Call Alerts

It’s time to enable notifications for getting alerts for incoming messages and calls. But make sure to keep Skype running in the background.

So, to enable notifications, click on padlock icon on address bar. Then select Allow from Notifications drop-down and you are done. Now, you will get notifications for incoming calls and messages.

Step 4: Create Standalone App for Skype Web

Besides using Skype via Chrome browser, you can also create a standalone app get better experience on Chromebook. And it’s quite easy to do that.

Simply click on 3-dot menu on the top right corner of the Chrome browser. Then, go to More Tools > Create Shortcut. Next, check the box next to “Open as window” and click Create to create standalone app. Now, Skype web will launch in a new windows just like desktop app.

SEE ALSO: How to use Android Phone as Webcam on Windows 10 and 11?

Method 2: Install Skype Android App on Chromebook

Now, we will see how to install and use Skype Android app on Chromebook. However, your Chromebook must have Play Store support. Without Play Store support, you won’t be able to run Android apps on your Chromebook.

On Android app, you won’t have access to few features like background blur and real-time caption. These features are available on Desktop app only. But you will get notification support even when app is not open.

Step 1: Install Skype App from Play Store

As mentioned earlier, your Chromebook must have Play Store support. So, first of all open Play Store on your Chromebook. Search and install Skype (Free) app.

Step 2: Login to your Skype Account and Enjoy

After installing the app, it’s time to login using your Microsoft account. You can access all your chats, calls etc. on Skype Android app. Just like your phone, you will have notification access even when app is not running.

SEE ALSO: How to Fix Skype Installation Error Code 1638?

Method 3: Use Skype on Chromebook using Linux App

Finally, it’s time to see Linux app method for getting Skype work on Chromebook. As Chromebooks support Linux, we can install Linux Skype app and enjoy desktop app features. Everything on Linux app works fine but one big thing, i.e. camera.

Since Linux on Chromebook doesn’t have access to webcam yet, so, no video calling is possible. But you can make audio calls, messages and use all other features.

Step 1: Setup Linux on Chromebook

First of all, you will have to enable and setup Linux on your Chromebook. Your Chromebook may not have support for Linux. So, it’s better to check in advance. Check this tutorial for enabling Linux.

TUTORIAL: How to Enable and Use Linux on Chromebook?

Step 2: Download and Install Skype for Linux (DEBIAN)

Once, you have enabled Linux on your Chromebook, go to Skype download page. Here, click on Get Skype for Linux DEB link from drop-down.

Once, you have downloaded the installer, open the Files app and double-click downloaded file. Now, you can install Skype Linux app on your Chromebook. Simply click Install and follow on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Use Skype Linux App on Chromebook

Now, you will find the Skype app under the Linux folder in Launcher. Open Skype app from there and sign-in using your Microsoft account.

If you face problems with Skype Linux app, simply exit and re-launch the app few time and it should work fine. Now, you can use all Skype desktop app’s features except Video calling (no webcam support on Linux).

SEE ALSO: How to use Skype Meet Now for Free Video Conferencing?

3 Easy Ways to Get Skype Working on Chromebook

Above tutorial explained 3 simple ways to install and use Skype on Chromebook. If you are looking for quick trick, simply use first method. It doesn’t require you to install any app, it simply runs in the browser. Rest of the 2 methods require Play Store and Linux support respectively on your Chromebook.

Android app works fine, but you won’t get features like background blur and real-time caption. Similarly, you can’t make video calls in Linux app as Linux on Chromebook still doesn’t have webcam access. Hope you liked this tutorial. In case you face any problems, feel free to share them in comments.