Use Skype on Chromebook: A Simple Guide

Using Skype and Alternatives on Chromebooks

A web-based iteration of Skype is provided by Microsoft, enabling communication with contacts directly through your Chromebook.

Currently, native voice and video functionalities are not officially supported within this web version.

However, workarounds do exist for those requiring these features.

Exploring Alternative Communication Platforms

For users heavily reliant on voice and video calls, Google Hangouts presents a viable alternative.

Hangouts demonstrates strong compatibility across a diverse range of operating systems.

• Chromebooks
• Windows
• Mac
• Linux
• Android
• iOS

This broad support ensures seamless connectivity regardless of the devices your contacts are using.

Therefore, Google Hangouts can be considered a robust solution for Chromebook users seeking reliable voice and video communication.

Utilizing Skype for Web (Text Chat Functionality)

A browser-based iteration of Skype is now offered by Microsoft, extending its functionality to devices like Chromebooks.

Currently in beta, this version has limitations; specifically, audio and video call features are not yet universally supported across all browsers, including those found on Chromebooks.

Future updates may broaden compatibility to include these features, but for now, the focus is on text-based communication.

Accessing Skype via Web Browser

To begin using Skype in your web browser, simply navigate to web.skype.com.

Once the page loads, you can log in with your existing Skype account and immediately begin engaging in instant messaging.

This provides a convenient method for staying connected through text chat without requiring a dedicated application installation.

Text Chat on Outlook.com

Outlook.com offers a convenient text chat functionality, often overlooked by users. This feature is closely linked to the capabilities of Skype, providing a seamless messaging experience.

While frequently recognized as a platform for voice and video calls, Skype also excels as a text-based communication tool. Its evolution included the integration of the former Windows Live Messenger, also known as MSN Messenger.

Users can initiate text conversations with their contacts directly through Outlook.com. Simply accessing your account unlocks the integrated chat feature, which leverages the power of Skype. This integration essentially provides a web-based interface for Skype’s messaging services.

Beyond text chat, Skype plug-ins are available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. These allow for voice and video calls directly from within Outlook.com.

Future development aims to incorporate WebRTC technology. This would enable plug-in-free Skype calling on Outlook.com, expanding accessibility to devices like Chromebooks. Currently, the reliance on a plug-in is strategically used by Microsoft in marketing campaigns.

To begin using this feature, navigate to Outlook.com and log in to your account. Locate and click the messaging icon situated in the top-right corner of your inbox.

If you haven't already connected Skype to Outlook.com, click the "Sign in or join" link provided next to the Skype indicator.

Installing Skype on Android Devices and Chrome OS

Google is currently developing an Android runtime environment for Chrome OS. This compatibility layer is intended to enable the execution of any Android application directly within Chrome OS, expanding the functionality of Chromebooks by granting access to the entire range of available Android apps.

While still under development and requiring some configuration, this feature presents a viable solution. As Skype offers an Android application, it can now be installed on Chrome OS utilizing this method.

Utilizing the ARChon Packager

If you possess an Android device, you can begin by installing both the Skype for Android application and the ARChon Packager application. The packager then transforms the Skype Android app into a Chrome application.

This packaged app can then be shared via Android’s sharing capabilities and uploaded to Google Drive, making it accessible through the Files app on your Chromebook.

Steps for Installation

Initially, the Archon runtime must be installed on your Chromebook. Following this, the Skype application needs to be extracted and installed.

To install, navigate to the Extensions page within Chrome, enable "Developer mode," and utilize the "Load unpacked extension" button. This method is generally considered the most straightforward approach.

Alternative Method: Twerk Chrome App

For Chromebook users without an Android device, the twerk Chrome app provides an alternative installation pathway. However, this requires obtaining an official Skype APK file for packaging.

It’s important to note that activating "Developer mode" on the Extensions page simply unlocks additional features; it differs from the "Developer Mode" used for installing Linux applications.

Utilizing Skype on Linux via Developer Mode

Related: A Guide to Installing Ubuntu Linux on Your Chromebook Using Crouton

Among the available methods, this approach is arguably the most intricate. Nevertheless, it guarantees functionality. Microsoft continues to offer an officially maintained Skype version designed for Linux desktops.

Direct installation within Chrome OS isn't possible. However, enabling Developer Mode on your Chromebook and establishing a standard Linux environment alongside Chrome OS presents a viable solution. This allows seamless switching between Chrome OS and your Linux desktop using a designated keyboard shortcut.

Once Linux is installed, the Skype package from Microsoft can be implemented. Consequently, a desktop Skype application will operate on your Chromebook. It’s important to note that this method is exclusively compatible with Intel-based Chromebooks; Skype support is currently limited to these systems.

This represents a substantial undertaking, and most Chromebook users seeking Skype access will likely find it excessive. However, for those with a critical need for Skype, or those desiring access to other desktop Linux applications such as Minecraft or Steam, a complete Linux system offers a potential pathway.

For the majority of Chromebook users, utilizing text-chat with Skype contacts through Outlook.com and employing a smartphone for voice or video calls is the most practical and reliably supported option.

Alternatively, those inclined towards experimentation may find the Skype Android application to be reasonably effective. Furthermore, users comfortable with navigating Chromebook's Developer Mode and desktop Linux have access to a fully supported Linux version of Skype. It should be acknowledged, however, that the Linux Skype client isn't as polished as its Windows and macOS counterparts, appearing somewhat outdated.

However, it’s worth noting that Skype for Linux experienced a degree of neglect even prior to its acquisition by Microsoft.