Skype Video Calls on iPhone and iPad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Skype video calls let you talk face-to-face with one person or a group from an iPhone or iPad. You’ll need the Skype app, an internet connection, and permission to use your camera and microphone; the person you call also needs a way to answer on Skype.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone or iPad connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• The Skype app installed from the App Store, updated if possible.
• A Skype account, or another supported sign-in option offered in the app. The person you’re calling needs to be reachable on Skype.
• Working front-facing camera, microphone, and speakers or headphones.
• Camera and microphone access enabled for Skype in iOS or iPadOS settings.

Step-by-Step

1. Install or update Skype. Open the App Store, search for Skype, and tap Get or the update button. Open the app once installation finishes. App labels and layout can change between releases, but the main calling controls remain accessible from a conversation.
2. Sign in. Enter your Skype account details, or follow the sign-in options shown on screen. If you do not have an account, choose the app’s sign-up option and complete the prompts. Avoid creating a second account if you already have one you use to contact the person.
3. Allow camera and microphone access. When iOS or iPadOS asks whether Skype can use the microphone and camera, tap Allow. These permissions are essential for a two-way video call. If you denied a prompt earlier, open the device’s Settings app, find Skype in the app list, and turn on Camera and Microphone access. The exact settings presentation can vary by system version.
4. Check your connection and device. Join a stable Wi-Fi network or confirm mobile data is available. Face a light source so your face is visible, and make sure the camera lens is not covered. If you use headphones, connect them before calling and check their microphone.
5. Find the person you want to call. In Skype, open the Chats or Contacts area and select the person’s conversation. If it is not there, use Search to look up their Skype name, phone number, or other contact details the app accepts. Confirm you have the right person before starting the call.
6. Start a video call. Open the conversation and tap the video camera icon. If you see separate voice and video call buttons, choose video. Wait for the other person to answer; they may need to be online or have notifications enabled. You can usually switch to voice-only by turning off your camera during the call.
7. Check the call controls. Tap the screen if the controls disappear. Use the microphone button to mute or unmute, and the camera button to stop or restart your video. If the app offers a camera-switch button, tap it to change between the front and rear cameras. Use the speaker or audio control to select the sound output when available.
8. Add people to a group call, if needed. Start from a group conversation or use the add-participant control shown in the call or chat. Select the people to include and follow the on-screen prompts. Group-call options and participant limits can change, so rely on what the current app displays.
9. End the call. Tap the red hang-up button. Check that the call screen closes before putting the device away. If you want to call again, return to the conversation and start a new video call.

Common Mistakes

• Choosing the voice-call button: A phone icon starts an audio call; choose the video camera icon to begin with video.
• Rejecting permissions: Without camera or microphone access, the other person may not see or hear you. Change the permissions in Settings rather than repeatedly tapping the call button.
• Calling the wrong contact: Similar names or outdated contact details can lead to a missed connection. Check the conversation and account details first.
• Assuming a ringing call has failed: The other person may be away, offline, or unable to answer. Wait briefly, then send a chat message or try later.
• Blocking the camera or microphone: A case, finger, or connected accessory can obstruct or redirect them. Check the lens and audio source before troubleshooting the app.

Tips

• Use Wi-Fi when available, especially for longer calls. If you use mobile data, check your plan and Skype’s access to cellular data in Settings.
• Put the device on a stand or hold it steady at eye level. Good front lighting makes video clearer than sitting with a bright window behind you.
• Use headphones in a noisy room to reduce echo and make speech easier to hear.
• Close other apps that are actively using the camera or microphone, and keep Skype open while you are waiting for a call.
• For a group call, tell participants in advance and check that the group conversation is the one you intended to use.

Troubleshooting

• The camera or microphone does not work: End the call and check Settings > Skype for Camera and Microphone access. Reopen Skype and try again. If permission is enabled, disconnect headphones or other accessories temporarily and test the built-in camera and microphone in another app.
• You cannot find the person: Check spelling and search using the Skype name or other details they shared. Ask them to confirm their account name and send you a message first; then open that conversation and call from it.
• The call will not connect or keeps dropping: Check that internet access works in another app. Move closer to the Wi-Fi router, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data if available, or restart the connection. Close and reopen Skype; if the issue continues, restart the iPhone or iPad and try again.
• Video is frozen, dark, or poor quality: Improve lighting, clean the lens, and move to a stronger connection. Stop other network-heavy activity if possible. Turn the camera off and back on, or switch cameras and back.
• You cannot hear the other person: Raise the device volume, check mute and audio-output controls, and disconnect Bluetooth devices if sound is going to the wrong accessory. Ask the other person to check their microphone and mute setting.
• Skype is missing or will not open: Confirm the app is installed and update it from the App Store. Restart the device. If you reinstall Skype, first make sure you can sign in again; chats and call history available after reinstall can depend on your account and how they are stored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a Skype video call without signing in?
Skype may offer guest or link-based joining options in some circumstances, but starting a call and using account features generally requires following the sign-in or join options currently shown in the app.

Can I call someone who does not have Skype?
They may be able to join through a Skype call link if the app offers that option and their device supports it. Otherwise, they will need access to Skype to answer the call.

Do video calls use mobile data?
Yes, calls over mobile data use your data allowance. The amount varies with call length, video quality, and network conditions. Use Wi-Fi if you want to avoid mobile-data use.

Can I turn off my video during a call?
Yes. Tap the camera control to stop sending video; tap it again to turn video back on. You can continue with audio if the call remains connected.

Can I make a group video call on an iPad or iPhone?
Yes, if the current Skype app provides group calling for your account. Start from a group chat or use the in-call option to add participants, then follow the app’s prompts.

Why can’t the other person see or hear me?
Check that your camera and microphone are enabled in Skype’s device permissions, and make sure the in-call controls are not muted or switched off. Also check the lens, microphone openings, and connected accessories.

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