Use Skype on Chromebook – 3 Ways Explained

With Skype Meet Now, Skype stands out among other video conferencing applications. Due to the web-first approach by Microsoft, it works seamlessly across platforms. So, now you can easily use Skype on Chromebook through the 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. The first one is web-based, and the second method uses an Android app from the Play Store. But your Chromebook must have Play Store support. And the third method uses a 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 detail. So, we will first start with the Web method, then the Android app method and finally we will see the Linux app method. Let’s start with the easiest method.

Method 1: Use Skype on Chromebook using the Web App

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

Step 1: Open Skype on Chrome and Log in to your Account

First, launch Google Chrome on your Chromebook and go to web.skype.com. After that, log in 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 calls, group video calls using Skype Meet Now, or simple chat. The best part is that you can also share your screen on Skype web just like the 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 the padlock icon on the 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 a Standalone App for Skype Web

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

Simply click on the 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 the standalone app. Now, Skype web will launch in a new window just like the 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 the 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 the Android app, you won’t have access to a few features like background blur and real-time captioning. These features are available on the desktop app only. But you will get notification support even when the app is not open.

Step 1: Install the Skype App from the Play Store

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

Step 2: Log in to your Skype Account and Enjoy

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

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

Method 3: Use Skype on Chromebook using the Linux App

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

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

Step 1: Setup Linux on Chromebook

First of all, you will have to enable and set up 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 the Skype download page. Here, click on the Get Skype for Linux DEB link from the drop-down.

Once, you have downloaded the installer, open the Files app and double-click the downloaded file. Now, you can install the Skype Linux app on your Chromebook. Simply click Install and follow the 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 the Skype app from there and sign in using your Microsoft account.

If you face problems with the Skype Linux app, simply exit and re-launch the app a few times 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 Enable Developer Mode on Chromebook?

3 Easy Ways to Get Skype Working on Chromebook

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

The Android app works fine, but you won’t get features like background blur and real-time captioning. Similarly, you can’t make video calls in the 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.