Skype is one of the most popular video conferencing apps in the world. If you use one of the best Chromebooks as your daily device for work or school or have installed ChromeOS on a non-Chromebook device, you'll probably want to run Skype. In addition to calls for business, you can also use Skype as a messenger service to keep in touch with family and friends. While Skype doesn't offer a native ChromeOS app, there are several viable options to run Skype on a Chromebook.

How to use Skype on a Chromebook as a web app

The easiest way to run Skype on a Chromebook is as a web app. You can access the Skype web portal and place and make calls through your web browser. It works in Google Chrome and has most of the calling and chat features as the full-blown Skype desktop app on Windows and macOS.

  1. Open the Google Chrome web browser on your Chromebook.
  2. Head to web.skype.com
  3. Sign into Skype
    Skype running on a Chromebook on Google Chrome.

Once you sign in, you can access your chats from the Chat tab on the top left. You can get to your calls by clicking Calls. If you need to see your contacts, there's also a dedicated Contacts tab, too. If you need to place a phone call, simply click on the dialer next to the search box. You might be prompted by Chrome to allow access to your microphone and webcam, so be sure to press Allow to these prompts, so the app can function properly.

How to use Skype on a Chromebook as an Android app

As a second option, you also can use Skype as an Android app on your Chromebook. Of course, this app isn't optimized for Chromebooks, since it's designed for Android phones and tablets, but it is an option should you need it.

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook.
  2. Search for Skype or download Skype by clicking the box below.
  3. Install the app.
    A listing for Skype in the Google Play Store on ChromeOS.
  4. Once it’s installed, click on the launcher icon to the left of your screen and look for Skype in the list.
  5. Open up the app, log in, and you're good to go.
    The Skype Android app running on ChromeOS.
  6. If you want to resize the Skype app to fit your screen, choose Phone in the title bar, then choose Resizable. You can drag it to fit your needs.

If you're using the app for the first time you might be prompted to ask for access to your contacts, You'll also be prompted for microphone and camera access, so be sure to choose While using the app when prompted for Allow Skype to record audio and Allow Skype to take pictures and record video.

And those are all the options for running Skype on your Chromebook. If you're an individual user, the web app or Android app approach is probably best. Business users may want to explore the option of using Parallels Desktop to run Windows 11 on ChromeOS, but since there is a subscription fee involved, and you need a high-end Chromebook, we suggest staying away from it. Either way, if you spend all day on video calls for work, consider a nice docking station to simplify your workflow.