How to Install Skype on Debian 10

In a rapidly evolving world with a high-speed internet connection to the avail of most people, many workplaces have resulted in encouraging employees to work remotely. With the number of people working remotely on the rise, keeping in touch with colleagues, operation teams and even friends and family has been a top priority. Skype has been one of the collaboration tools that proved essential in keeping people connected. Skype is a popular chatting and video calling application that keeps people connected and share happy moments. In our tutorial today, we focus on how you can install Skype on Debian 10.

There are two major ways that you can go about installing Skype and we will discuss each in turn.

Method 1: Install Skype Using Debian Package

This comes as the most recommended way of installing Skype and ensures you get the latest version of Skype. So follow the steps below.

Step 1: Download the Skype Debian file

Right off the bat, you need to download the Skype Debian package. Therefore, head over to Skype’s Downloads page and grab the latest Debian package for installation as shown.

$ wget https://go.skype.com/skypeforlinux-64.deb

With a good internet connection, the download will be done in a few seconds.

The Skype package is saved in your current working directory.

You can confirm the presence of the Skype Debian package as follows.

$ ls | grep skype

Step 2: Install Skype

With the Skype Debian file already in place, proceed and install Skype using the apt command shown.

$ sudo apt install ./skypeforlinux-64.deb

The installation of Skype also appends a new repository file for Skype at the /etc/apt.sources.list path as shown.

Method 2: Install Skype Using Snap Package

Another recommended way of installing Skype is using the snap package. Snap is a popular way of installing packages in Linux without having to worry about dependency issues or missing libraries.

Step 1: Enable Snap on your Debian system

First, be sure to enable Snap on your Debian system as shown.

$ sudo apt install snapd

Step 2: Install Skype snap package

Once snap is installed and running, proceed and install the Skype snap package as follows.

$ sudo snap install skype --classic

Installing a package using snap may take a while, so some patience will do.

Launch Skype

You can launch Skype in two ways; on the command line and using the application manager.

On command-line, invoke the command shown:

$ skypeforlinux

Alternatively, you can use the application manager to search for Skype as follows.

Once you click on the ‘Skype’ icon, the Welcome Skype GUI will be launched. Click on the ‘Let’s go’ icon to proceed.

Then click on the ‘Sign in or create’ button to sign into Skype or create a Skype account if you don’t have one already.

There are various ways or avenues that you can use to sign in including your phone number or email address. Click ‘Next’ and submit your password to complete the signing in process.

Remove or Uninstall Skype

When you no longer need Skype and want to remove or uninstall it from your Debian system, run the following command.

sudo apt remove skypeforlinux

Once you have signed In, you can start chatting with the persons you have connected with or simply add more people to your contacts list.

We do hope that you can easily install Skype on Debian 10.