Skype, a renowned communication tool, actively caters to diverse needs by offering various features. Whether engaging in casual conversations with friends and family or professional collaborations with colleagues and clients, Skype provides the necessary tools to enhance your communication experience.
Key highlights below show popular attributes of Skype that make it a staple in digital communication:
- Ease of Access: Quick installation and setup, ensuring swift integration into daily workflows.
- Cross-Platform Communication: Enables seamless interaction across various operating systems.
- High-Quality Video and Audio Calls: Facilitates precise and reliable remote meetings and discussions.
- Screen Sharing Capabilities: Essential for demonstrations, presentations, or collaborative work.
- Group Chat and Calling Features: Supports team collaborations and group discussions.
- File Sharing: Conveniently share documents, images, and other files through the chat interface.
- Integration with Microsoft Services: Streamlines workflows for users reliant on Microsoft ecosystems.
The following sections delve into the technical procedures for installing Skype on Ubuntu with three package managers: APT with Skype’s official repository, Snap, or Flatpak.
Prerequisites for Installing Skype
To successfully install the Skype Linux client on Ubuntu, ensure you meet the following requirements:
System Requirements and Supported Ubuntu Versions
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2 gigahertz (GHz) or faster dual-core processor |
| RAM | 4 GB or more |
| Disk Space | 25 GB of free space |
| Graphics | OpenGL 2.0 compatible graphics card (for video calls) |
| Network | Broadband internet connection |
| Supported Versions | Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble), Ubuntu 22.04 (Jammy), Ubuntu 20.04 (Focal) |
Additional Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Microphone and Speakers | Required for voice calls. |
| Webcam | Required for video calls. |
| Internet Connection | Required to download Skype and updates, as well as for using Skype services. |
| Terminal Conventions | All terminal commands should be run as a regular user with sudo privileges. |
| CLI Commands | Use the Command Line Interface (CLI) for installation and setup. |
Method 1: Install Skype via APT
Update Ubuntu Before Skype Installation
Before installing any new software on your Ubuntu system, it’s a good idea to update your system to ensure that all your installed software is up to date. You can do this by running the following commands in your terminal:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeInstall Initial Packages For Skype APT Installation
Before importing the GPG key and Skype repository, execute the following command that will verify and install these packages:
sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl ca-certificatesInstall Skype via APT Command
To install Skype on Ubuntu, follow a few simple steps. Firstly, you need to download and import the GPG key with the following “curl” command:
curl -fsSL https://repo.skype.com/data/SKYPE-GPG-KEY | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/skype.gpg > /dev/nullOnce the GPG key is in place, you can install Skype. There are two installation options available: stable and preview (beta). Please note that it is not possible to have both repositories active simultaneously. If you wish to switch between versions, you must remove the current repository, import the desired repository, and then re-install Skype.
Option 1: Install Skype – stable
The recommended option is to install the stable version of Skype. You can do this by using the following command:
echo deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/skype.gpg] https://repo.skype.com/deb stable main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/skype.listAdd the Skype preview repository to your system, then update your repository list to access the latest package information.
Execute the following command to achieve this:
sudo apt updateThis command adds the Skype stable repository to your system. You can now install the stable version of the Skype client by running the following command:
sudo apt install skypeforlinuxOption 2: Install Skype – preview (beta)
Most users are not recommended to install the unstable or preview build version of Skype, as it may contain bugs that have not been thoroughly tested. However, if you prefer to use the latest features, you can install the preview version of Skype by following the steps below.
Add the Skype preview repository to your system by using the following command:
echo deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/skype.gpg] https://repo.skype.com/deb unstable main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/skype.listYou will then need to update your repository list to reflect the new changes by running the following command:
sudo apt updateFinally, install the preview version of Skype by running the following command:
sudo apt install skypeforlinuxMethod 2: Install Skype via Snapcraft
The second method we examine involves utilizing Snapcraft to install Skype on Ubuntu.
Ensure Snap is Installed on Your Ubuntu System
If Snap isn’t readily available on your system, it can be installed promptly using the following command:
sudo apt install snapd -yInstall Core Snap
Installing the ‘core’ snap before any software installation is advised. This foundational Snap is crucial as it ensures a stable, functional environment for all other Snap applications. You can install the core snap with this command:
sudo snap install coreInstall Skype on Ubuntu via Snap Command
Once the core snap is installed, the system is prepared for Skype installation. Initiate the Skype installation process by running the command:
sudo snap install skypeAfter you execute this command, Snapcraft will complete the Skype installation process.
Method 3: Install Skype via Flatpak and Flathub
This last section explores another method for installing Skype on your Ubuntu system: employing the Flatpak package manager. If Flatpak isn’t installed on your system, please refer to the detailed guide on “How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu” for instructions on deploying the most recent and supported version of Flatpak.
Enable Flathub for Skype
Before installing Skype through Flatpak on Ubuntu, you must activate the Flathub repository, a crucial source for Flatpak applications.
Execute the following command in your terminal to enable Flathub:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoBy running this command, you incorporate the Flathub repository into your Flatpak configuration, granting access to various applications, including Skype.
Install Skype via Flatpak Command
With Flathub now enabled, you are set to install Skype on your Ubuntu system. Utilize the flatpak install command as shown below:
flatpak install flathub com.skype.ClientThis command directs the system to install Skype from the Flathub repository, assuring you obtain the latest version of the application.
Launching Skype via CLI or GUI
After completing the installation of Skype, you can access the application in a few different ways.
CLI Commands to Launch Skype
One way to launch Skype is by opening your terminal and typing the following command:
APT Installations run command:
skypeSnap Installations run command:
snap run skypeFlatpak Installations run command:
flatpak run com.skype.ClientGUI Path to Launch Skype
However, this method is impractical as it ties up your terminal and limits your ability to use other commands. Instead, a more practical way to launch Skype is through the graphical user interface (GUI).
To launch Skype from the GUI, you can follow the steps below:
- Click on the “Activities” menu in the top left corner of your desktop.
- Click on “Show Applications.”
- Type “Skype” in the search bar.
- Click on the Skype icon to launch the app quickly.
Additional Skype Commands
Update Skype
You can run the following command in your terminal to check for updates, depending on the installation method you initially used:
APT Skype Update Command
sudo apt updatesudo apt upgradeSnap Skype Update Command Method
sudo snap refreshFlatpak Skype Update Command
flatpak updateRemove Skype
If you wish to remove Skype from your Ubuntu system, you can use the following command that matches the original installation method:
APT Skype Remove Command
sudo apt remove skypeforlinuxNext, use the following command for users who want to remove Skype altogether.
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/skype*.listFinally, delete the GPG key.
sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/skype*.gpgSnap Skype Remove Command
sudo snap remove skypeFlatpak Skype Remove Command
flatpak uninstall com.skype.ClientConclusion
We’ve successfully navigated through the installation of Skype on Ubuntu using three different methods. Remember, choosing the right installation approach depends on your preference and system needs. Whether via Skype’s APT repository, Snapcraft, or Flatpak, each method ensures that Skype runs smoothly. Don’t forget to regularly update the app for the latest features and security patches.