How to install skype on linux

Having been around for nearly two decades, Skype is still the video calling app of choice for casual users and professionals alike.

Skype is an instant messaging and video conferencing application developed by Microsoft. It allows users to make free one-on-one audio and video calls and group calls, send instant messages, and transfer files. However, calls to landlines and mobile phones require a subscription.

Far from being a Windows only product, you can install Skype on Linux operating systems such as Debian based distributions (Ubuntu, Debian), RHEL based distributions (CentOS, Fedora), Arch based distributions and OpenSUSE.

How to install Skype on Ubuntu and other Debian-based distributions

On Debian-based distributions, you can install Skype using the DEB package. Use the APT package manager to install the DEB package via the command line, and for a graphical installation, use the Software Center.

Install Skype using the command line

To install Skype via the command line, launch the Terminal and enter the following command to download the Skype DEB package:

wget https:

This command will save the download in the current directory of the terminal.

Once you have downloaded the Skype DEB package file, it’s time to install it on your system. Use the cd command to change to the directory containing the Skype download.

Then enter the following command to install the Skype DEB package:

sudo apt install ./skypeforlinux-64.deb

Using the graphical installer to install Skype

To install Skype using the graphical installer, go to the official Skype website and download the DEB package.

The browser will save the DEB package in the Downloads directory. Locate the DEB package in the file manager, right-click it and select Open with another application > Install Software. This will upload the package to the Software Center. Click “Install” and enter your password to start the installation. Once the installation is complete, you can launch Skype from the Applications menu.

Download: Skype for Linux (DEB)

How to remove Skype from Debian based distributions

To uninstall Skype from any of the Debian based distributions, type the following command:

sudo apt remove skypeforlinux

How to install Skype on RHEL based distributions

On RHEL based distributions, you can install Skype using the RPM package. Use the Yum Package Manager to install the RPM package via the command line, or use the Software Center for a graphical installation.

To install Skype on Fedora/CentOS/RHEL you will need the Skype RPM package.

Using the command line

To download the Skype RPM, open a Terminal and type the following command:

wget https:

This command will save the download in the current directory of the terminal. Once you have downloaded the Skype RPM, you can proceed with the installation. Use the cd command to change to the directory containing the Skype download.

Then enter the following command to install the Skype RPM package:

sudo yum localinstall skypeforlinux-64.rpm

Install Skype on Fedora and other RHEL distributions using the graphical installer

To install Skype using the graphical installer, go to the official Skype website and download the RPM package.

The browser will save the RPM package in the Downloads directory. Locate the RPM package in the file manager, right-click on it and select “Open with Install Software”.

This will upload the package to the Software Center. Click “Install” and enter your password to start the installation. Once the installation is complete, you can launch Skype from the Applications menu.

Download: Skype for Linux (RPM)

How to uninstall Skype from RHEL based distributions

To uninstall Skype from any RHEL based distribution, type the following command:

sudo yum remove skypeforlinux

How to install Skype on Arch-based distributions

On Arch-based Linux distributions, you can install Skype from the Skype AUR (Arch User Repository) repository, either through the command line or through the GUI.

Install Skype on Arch on the command line

To start installation via command line, open Terminal and type the following command to install some prerequisites:

sudo pacman -S base-devel git

Then clone the Skype AUR package:

git clone https:

You will find a package directory called skypeforlinux-stable-bin in the current terminal directory. Change to this directory with the cd command:

cd skypeforlinux-stable-bin/

Now build and install the package along with the required dependencies.

makepkg -si

Note: It is not necessary to run pacman to install the package file, since makepkg -si is the same as pacman -u.

Using the graphical installer

1. To install Skype using the graphical installer, launch On mac (Add/Remove Software) from the Applications menu. Now you will need to enable the AUR support in Pamac:
2. Click the menu button (three dots icon) and select Preferences
3. Go to the Third party tab
4. Click the toggle switch labeled as Enable AUR support
5. Close the Preferences window

Now find the skypeforlinux-stable-bin.git package in Pamac. Once the package appears in the search results, click the button with the arrow in front of it. Then click the “Apply” button at the bottom to create and install the package.

Once the installation is complete, you can launch Skype from the Applications menu.

How to remove Skype from Arch-based distributions

To remove Skype from any Arch-Based distribution, type the following command:

sudo pacman 

How to install Skype on OpenSUSE

On OpenSUSE, you can install Skype using the official Skype repository. To install Skype on OpenSUSE, launch the Terminal and enter the following command to add the official Skype repository:

sudo zypper addrepo https:

Then enter the following commands to update the package list and install Skype:

sudo zypper update

sudo zypper install skypeforlinux

How to remove Skype from OpenSUSE

To remove Skype from OpenSUSE, enter the following command:

sudo zypper remove skypeforlinux

Alternatively, you can use Skype for Web

Skype for Web lets you stay connected to your contacts without having to install a desktop client on your system. It is also useful in such scenarios when you are away from your home or work PC and do not have access to your system.

To use Skype for Web, point your web browser to web.skype.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. You can only access Skype for Web on Linux using the Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser. Once you sign in to Skype Web, you can access all your Skype contacts and conversations.

Stay connected with friends and family

Skype’s chat and video calling capabilities help you collaborate with others and share your experience. It’s a great choice for people who want to stay in touch with family, friends and businesses around the world.

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