How to use Skype to connect with loved ones

Technology is becoming increasingly important in our everyday lives, with the ongoing coronavirus outbreak forcing physical barriers between loved ones. From phone calls to video chats, people are making the most of what the digital world has to offer in a bid to stay in touch with friends and family.

Skype is one of many options available to keep those connections strong, and it can be accessed on smartphones, tablets and computers. Here’s how to use Skype to make video calls.

Downloading and setting-up Skype

First thing first, you must download Skype. This can be done either by visiting the website or on your smart phone via Google Play or the Apple App Store. This should only take a couple of minutes.

Once installation is complete you must create a Skype account. You can choose to sign in with an existing Facebook or Microsoft account, or you can create a new account just for Skype.

Next, you can add any loved ones who already have a Skype account by selecting the “Add Contacts” button and entering their details. This will send an invitation to them to connect.

Once they have approved the connection, they’ll appear in your contacts list. You’ll be able to tell if they’re online by checking for a green check mark next to their name in the list. If it’s present they’re available and ready to chat.

Connecting with friends and family

To make a video call to your loved ones simply select their details from your address book and click the video button next to their name (it looks like a little camera icon). This will call their phone (or computer) through the app. Once they accept the call you’ll be connected automatically.

If you don’t wish to use the video function, you can also make a regular phone call through the app by selecting the audio button instead. Or if you want to connect with multiple people at once, that’s also an option.

Firstly, click on the name of one person you want in the call to open a new chat. Next, click the “Add People” button to select everyone else you want to join the conversation.

Once you’ve added everyone, simply click the “Call” button at the top of the conversation panel to start the group video call. As people accept the call you’ll see their face pop up on the screen and you can start chatting away.