Besides Viber , Zalo , and Facebook Messenger , Skype is the most used free video chat and chat app that supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android.
Download the Skype app for phones
Download the Skype application for computers
Many Skype users only use the application for simple communication and are unaware of the other interesting features that it provides. Skype also allows you to send large files, use multiple accounts, change chat history and more. To help you learn more about this application and get the most effective experience, in this article Download.com.vn will summarize useful Skype tips that you may not know.
Summary of useful tips to use Skype
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1. Display caller ID
When you make a call from Skype to a regular phone number, the caller ID is not displayed. You can change that. On your computer, under Skype Menu> My Account (which will take you to the Skype website), find Caller ID settings and set your mobile phone number, Skype number if available, landline phone ...
2. Skype hotkey
In Tools> Options> Advanced , you will be able to set hotkeys as desired. Some are fixed keys such as answering calls, answering with videos, hanging up and rejecting calls, while others you can specify a hotkey based on your choice. You can also access the full list of in-app shortcuts like Ctrl + Q to make a call. Remove them if annoying or reassign your preferences.
3. Backup contacts
Go to Contacts> Advanced> Backup Contacts to File ... to save them to a VCF file that you can restore to Skype from the same menu if needed.
4. Add contacts to Favorites list
Your Skype contacts may become overloaded after many people add you, you add others or when you transfer each contact to a new contact. To show only the person you interact most often with, turn your contacts into favorites. On the desktop app, drag a contact from All to Favorites to display it at the top of the list or just click the star next to the contact's name at the top of the contact list.
5. Send video messages
If both you and other users are active on Skype, you can leave a video message instead of voicemail. When a call doesn't seem to be made through the desktop version of Skype, the software gives you the option to create a video message. Right-click a contact and select Send Video Messenger , even if the contact is not currently online. You get a recording window to create a short 3 minute video clip.
On your iPhone, go to the contact's chat interface, click the camera- like icon in the lower right corner (on Android, click the plus sign in the lower right corner) and you can choose to send a video.
6. Using multiple Skype accounts on Windows
There are several reasons to use more than one Skype account, one for work, one for friends ... But Skype does not allow you to access multiple accounts at once. However, on Windows it is possible. You just need to launch two Skype windows. With a window launched, press Windows + R and enter either of the following commands:
C: \ Program Files \ Skype \ Phone \ Skype.exe / secondary
or
C: \ Program Files (x86) \ Skype \ Phone \ Skype.exe / secondary
The second line is only for users of 64-bit versions of Windows. Click back and a second Skype window will launch. If you want to use two accounts permanently, then right-click on the screen, select New> Shortcut and enter the appropriate command line in quotation marks without the / secondary part . You will have an icon on the screen for quick launch.
7. Take advantage of the auto-answer feature
Having a second Skype account is a great way to keep track of everything. If you're using a laptop with an unused webcam, then place it on the shelf, plug in the charger and turn on Skype. You go to Tools> Options> Calls and check Answer incoming calls automatically . Then, use the first Skype account to make calls to the second account to track babysitters, pets, children ... For added security, make sure you have set to answer only calls from The person in the contact list and the first account that is the only contact listed. In addition, to ambush for this "homemade camera", go to General> Sounds and uncheck ringtone and hang up, or just turn off the device sound. If you have an external webcam, you can place it where you want to view it, just a long enough USB cable.
8. Change chat history
You can edit the messages you have sent via Skype in Slack style . Just right-click on the message, choose Edit Message and you can change it or remove it from history. Go to the last message by pressing the arrow up up on the keyboard to edit.
9. Call recording
Skype is a great collaboration tool for everyone, like podcasters, who can't stay in the same room, journalists don't want to set up their favorite phones to record calls. Whatever it is, the ability to record calls you make or receive via the Windows version of Skype couldn't be easier.
If you only record audio, you can use MP3 Skype Recorder . For online video recording (one side or two sides), you can try Free Video Call Recorder for Skype or Pamela Call Recorder . Mac users can choose Ecam Call Recorder for Skype.
10. Convert chat into text message
When you instant message with another Skype user, you can switch to SMS, if the contact's mobile number is part of their profile. You identify by looking for a small phone icon next to their avatar.
If you saved that contact as a phone number (for someone not on Skype), the avatar might look like an old desktop phone. On the computer interface, right-click on the contact name and select Send SMS Message , you will see a mobile phone icon appear in the message space. On other versions, you click on the place labeled via Skype to display other messaging options, usually the number capable of texting by SMS.
The cost of sending an SMS message in Skype Credit is shown at the bottom of the chat, located on the window where you enter the message.
11. Share screen
Skype provides free screen sharing. Use the share icon ( plus sign ) at the bottom of the window to start sharing even during a video call. You can share the entire screen, or just a specific window (handy if you have a dual monitor installed). Screen sharing is limited to one user at a time, and everyone must have the latest version of Skype for computers in order for it to work. You can still video chat, text chat, and send files back and forth while sharing.
12. Unlimited file transfers
Sending files via email may be limited by their size, even Gmail limits the size of attachments. Sharing files via Skype has no size limit or limit on the number of files you can send. Skype even claims that when the Internet connection is lost during file transfer, that file will be resumed when the network connection is stable. You can send a file to someone or a group by clicking on the plus icon during a video call and the document icon while in the chat window.
13. Control Skype
Whether you're talking to someone or a group, there are options for you to enter messages into that instant messaging window that control what Skype does.
If you put a slash before these commands, they won't see it. But you will get some help. For example, / showplaces will show you all the "online endpoints" that you currently log into Skype. / remotelogout will log you out of all other Skype sessions you have opened (but not your current session).
14. Control group chat through commands
For a group, send a chat invite link by typing / set options -JOINING_ENABLED , press back and enter / get uri to get a link to share. If you have an intruder, typing / kick [Skype name] will kick that person out of the conversation; ban them forever with / ban banlist + [name] . You can leave the conversation by typing / leave .
Set status with / me [content] . Receive notifications for specific words used in a conversation by command / alertson [content] . You can consult the full list of chat commands in Skype help .
15. Chat via the mobile application on Skype for Xbox One
If you don't have a wireless Xbox keyboard, another option is to download the Xbox One app for your tablet or smartphone (iOS, Android and Windows) - don't download the version for Xbox 360 You can use it as a new remote control for the console and in turn use the on-screen keyboard to chat via Skype or chat with friends on Xbox.
16. Using Skype without logging in
The only way to do this is with the Skype web and works best on Microsoft Edge . Click Start a Conversation to begin, then enter a name. You will have a link to share with others, works well for 24 hours.
Really, the only way this will work is if you provide a link to someone and they get back in touch - when one or more people join the conversation, you can use the temporary account to turn it on. into a video call or voice call. It's the best way to do file sharing, share screens, make voice or group calls, and video chat without actually signing in.
This is an extension of a capability already built in to Skype accounts to invite anyone who lacks an account using a link. To do that, just above the contact list on the desktop version, look for the + symbol that says Create a new conversation that anyone can join when you hover over it.
17. Restrict Skype on Android
If you're in the habit of making Skype calls on your Android phone, be careful because you might be using up your mobile data quickly. Go to Settings> Apps> Skype> Data usage on the device and activate Skype background data . You can also do this via Settings from within the app, scroll down to Video quality and lower the quality. To be sure, log out when you're not using Skype and then log in only when connected to Wi-Fi.
18. Split multiple chat windows
Typically, the Skype for PC application uses a unified window to display everything from contacts on the left to chat / calls on the right. If you are talking to many people at the same time, you will definitely have to switch between those contacts. To enjoy the seamless chat atmosphere with many people, you go to View> Split Windows View and the contacts will have their own window.
19. Chat multiple languages with Slype Translator
You can chat with foreign friends with Skype language translator. It will change the language immediately when you type or speak. This feature is available on versions for Windows computers, Windows 10 as well as web applications. Activate it by going to Tools> Options> General> Skype Translator.
When enabled, typically by touching the translation icon that resembles a globe - you can select the language from the user drop-down menu. What you say will be translated on the screen for the person at the other end. Skype recommends using headphones to reduce background noise and background noise. Skype Translator currently supports more than 50 languages.
20. Change the contact name
If you have a lot of contacts with the same name or just want to do something to make it easier to track or even name contacts by their Skype name, this is extremely easy. Right-click on a contact name on the computer application and select Rename , then name as you like