Skype is still going strong, even though Zoom and Google Meet are getting all the attention. More than 300 million people are using the free video calling platform regularly. Most folks like to make video calls on their PCs rather than their phones. Getting it set up on Windows, Mac, and Linux is a breeze, but not so much on ChromeOS.
Chromebooks can’t handle PC software. They’re all about the Chrome Web and Google Play stores. If you’ve got an older one from before 2019, you might face issues because only the newer ones can handle Android apps from the Google Play Store. But don’t worry, you can still use Skype on your Chromebook. There are ways to make it work, and we’ll walk you through it.
Also read: How to a screenshot on Chromebook
Is it possible to run Skype on Chromebooks?
You can totally use Skype on your Chromebook. The easiest ways are through the website or the Android app. Some Chromebooks support the Play Store, so you can install it hassle-free. Just check your device settings to see if it’s supported. Another way is to use the web version of Skype. It’s great for saving space since you don’t need to download or install anything. You can just hop on using compatible web browsers. It’s perfect because ChromeOS was initially meant to be lightweight and based on Linux.
Usually, you can’t use regular PC programs on Chromebooks because they don’t have much storage, processing power, and aren’t fully compatible with certain operating systems. Most software is made for Windows and Mac, which work with a mouse and keyboard, while ChromeOS is more about touchscreens and touchpads, limiting the apps you can use.
You’re limited to using apps from the Chrome Web Store or Play Store, or web-based apps, without any restrictions. While you can install third-party apps, it’s not recommended because it’s tricky and can be risky for your security. You’d need to mess with Developer mode or use Linux on your Chromebook.
Installing Skype on Chromebooks from Play Store
Google rolled out Play Store support for all Chromebooks in 2016, but not every device could handle Android apps smoothly. However, most of the Chromebooks made by the company in 2019 and later can run them just fine. So, you should be good to go to grab Skype from the store and start using it.
How to activate Google Play Store on Chromebooks
- Tap the quick settings panel located in the lower-right corner of your home screen.
- Tap on the Settings icon.
- Choose Apps.
- Tap the option to Turn on next to Google Play Store.
- Agree to the Terms of Service and wait for the store to open.
Also read: How to quickly pair devices to your Chromebook using Fast Pair
How to download and use Skype on Chromebooks
- Look up Skype on the Google Play Store.
- Tap on the app from the search results to view its details.
- Tap Install and wait for the installation to finish.
- Tap Open to start using the app.
How to use Skype on Chromebooks via web app
When you’re using Skype on the web, your Chromebook doesn’t get clogged up with data, and it uses less memory, letting you switch between devices easily. Instead of installing the video calling app on a new computer, you just have to log into the online platform to get going. The developers keep things up to date, so you get the newest features without having to worry about updates. Here’s how you can use Skype’s web app on your Chromebook:
- Go to skype.com.
- Click on Open Skype in the browser to sign in. Alternatively, click Sign in from the upper-right corner.
- Input your email address and password to log into your account.
- To begin a video call, open a conversation with a contact, and then select the camcorder icon in the upper-right corner.
- Permit Skype to access your computer’s camera and microphone; otherwise, you won’t be able to start a call.