Being around for almost two decades, Skype is still the preferred video calling app for both common users and professionals.
Skype is an instant messaging and video conferencing application developed by Microsoft. It allows users to make free audio and video one-on-one and group calls, send instant messages, and transfer files. However, it requires a subscription for calls to landlines and mobile phones.
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 DEB package via command line, while use Software Center for graphical installation.
Install Skype Using the Command Line
To install Skype via command line, launch Terminal and issue the following command in order to download the Skype DEB package:
wget https://repo.skype.com/latest/skypeforlinux-64.deb
This command will save the download in your current Terminal directory.
Once you have downloaded the Skype DEB package file, it's time to install it in your system. Use the cd command to move into the directory which contains your Skype download.
Then, issue 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, head over to Skype's official 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 choose Open With Other Application > Software Install. This will load the package in the Software Center. Click Install and provide your password to begin the installation. When the installation completes, you can launch Skype from the Applications menu.
Download: Skype for Linux (DEB)
How to Remove Skype From Debian-Based Distributions
To remove Skype from any of the Debian-Based Distributions, issue 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 Yum package manager to install RPM package via command line, while use Software Center for 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 package, open the Terminal and issue the following command:
wget https://repo.skype.com/latest/skypeforlinux-64.rpm
This command will save the download in your current Terminal directory. After you have downloaded the Skype RPM package, you can proceed with the installation. Use the cd command to move into the directory which contains your Skype download.
Then, issue the following command to install the Skype RPM package:
sudo yum localinstall skypeforlinux-64.rpm
Install Skype on Fedora and Other RHEL Distros With the Graphical Installer
To install Skype using the graphical installer, head over to Skype's official 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 it and choose Open With Software Install.
This will load the package in the Software Center. Click Install and provide your password to begin the installation. When the installation completes, you can launch Skype from the Applications menu.
Download: Skype for Linux (RPM)
How to Remove Skype From RHEL-Based Distributions
To remove Skype from any of the RHEL-Based Distributions, issue 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 via the command line or GUI.
Install Skype on Arch in the Command Line
To begin with installation via command line, open the Terminal and issue the following command to install some prerequisites:
sudo pacman -S base-devel git
Then clone the Skype AUR package:
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/skypeforlinux-stable-bin.git
You will find the package’s directory named skypeforlinux-stable-bin in your current Terminal directory. Move into this directory using cd command:
cd skypeforlinux-stable-bin/
Now build and install the package along with the required dependencies.
makepkg -si
Note: There is no need to run pacman to install the package file as makepkg -si is the same as pacman -u.
Using the Graphical Installer
To install Skype using the graphical installer, launch Pamac (Add/Remove Software) from the Applications menu. Now you will need to enable the AUR support in Pamac:
- Click the menu button (three dots icon) and select Preferences
- Go to the Third party tab
- Click the toggle switch labeled as Enable AUR support
- Close the Preferences window
Now search for the skypeforlinux-stable-bin.git package in Pamac. Once the package is shown in the search result, click the arrow button in front of it. Then click the Apply button at the bottom to build and install the package.
When the installation completes, you can launch Skype from the Applications menu.
How to Remove Skype From Arch-Based Distributions
To remove Skype from any of the Arch-Based Distributions, issue the following command:
sudo pacman --remove skypeforlinux-stable-bin
How to Install Skype on OpenSUSE
On OpenSUSE, you can install Skype by using the Skype official repository. To install Skype on OpenSUSE, launch the Terminal and issue the following command to add the Skype official repository:
sudo zypper addrepo https://repo.skype.com/rpm/stable/skype-stable.repo
Then issue 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, issue the following command:
sudo zypper remove skypeforlinux
Alternatively, You Can Use Skype for Web
Skype for Web allows you to stay in touch with your contacts without having to install a desktop client in your system. It is also helpful in such scenarios where you are away from your Home or Work PC and don't have access to your system.
To use Skype for Web, point your web browser to web.skype.com and sign in using your Microsoft account. You can access Skype for Web on Linux only using the Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser. Once you are logged in to Skype Web, you will be able to access to all of your Skype contacts and conversations.
Stay Connected With Friends and Family
Skype chat and video calling capabilities help you collaborate with others and share your experiences. It is a great choice for people who want to stay in touch with family, friends, and businesses around the world.