Using Skype during Covid-19 (coronavirus) lockdown

Using Skype to keep in touch with relatives and other loved ones while being socially isolated is going to require some planning. It’s great to be able to use the phone and text messages to keep in contact, but it’s a lot more reassuring and rewarding to be able to see your family and friends, and Skype is the way to do it.

Skype

There are a number of video calling platforms available, we review some of them here, but none are as universally well known, and supported, as Microsoft’s Skype.

Unlike Apple’s FaceTime, Skype can be used on any phone, Android or Apple, it can be used on tablets, laptops, computers, games consoles, direct from the web and even on smart TV’s

It’s a reliable platform to use, it’s free and it allows you to video call upto 50 users at once.

Getting Started

https://go.skype.com/get.skype.page

If you’ve not already got a skype account, you’ll need to create one. The easiest way to do this is through the app, so follow the links below to find the app that works best for you. Skype can be installed on several devices at the same time, so you don’t need to pick just one.

Windows 10

If you’ve got a Windows 10 online account (you can log in with an email address – go to On the website

https://www.skype.com/

https://web.skype.com/

Skype on the website works for anyone using Microsoft Edge, Edge Chromium or Google Chrome browsers.

Windows 10 App

Install from the Microsoft App Store

This is the easiest way to get Skype on Windows 10 machines.

The app installes from the app store and runs as a native Windows 10 WUA app (a bit like apps on your phone)

You can get to all the features of Skype from this app, including managing your account, but some links will open up in your web browser so may require you to sign in again.

Windows, Linux or Mac desktop/laptop computers

• Windows PC
• Mac
• Linux DEB
• Linux RPM

Running the Skype for desktop app is pretty much the standard way of getting Skype on non Windows 10 computers, although you can still install the program on Windows 10, the app version above is a much better alternative.

Mobile Phones (Android & iPhone)

• Android Phones
• Apple iPhones
• Windows 10 Mobile (well, it’s still listed on the Skype page!)

Getting the Skype app on your mobile is going to be one of the most useful ways of using Skype

Keep in touch with your friends and family even when you’re out making an essential trip. Found a shop with toilet roll in it? get in touch with your grandma to see if she wants any dropping off at her house. Wanting to talk to your friends from the garden? the mobile is the easiest device to take out with you.

Tablets (Android, iPad and Kindle)

• Android Tablet
• Apple iPad
• Amazon Kindle Fire HD
• Windows 10

Like the Skype for Mobile, Skype for tablets gives you that bit more freedom to move around your home and into the garden, but with a larger screen to be able to see your loved ones.

Skype on Alexa

https://www.skype.com/en/alexa/

If you’ve got an Amazon Echo Show or spot, you can receive and make Skype video calls through them. If you’ve got any other Amazon Echo device, you can receive and make audio calls via Skype through them.

Just say “Alexa, Skype Ben“

To setup Skype on your Alexa, you need the Alexa app on your smartphone, and you need to have already created a Skype account.

• Open the app
• Go to Settings > Communication > Skype
• Link your accounts

XBox

https://www.justpushstart.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/skype-xbox-one.jpg

The Skype app is very well integrated into XBox, designed for gamers to be able to chat with their online gaming buddies, it also means you can catch up with your granny while sniping zombie soldiers or stealing a helicopter. Multitasking 21C style.