How to Install Skype on Linux: Ubuntu, Fedora & More

Installing Skype on Linux — A Distro-by-Distro Guide

Skype officially supports Linux, and Microsoft provides native packages for the most popular distributions. Whether you're running Ubuntu, Fedora, or something more niche, you have several solid options for getting Skype up and running. This guide covers all the major methods.

System Requirements for Skype on Linux

• 64-bit processor (Skype no longer supports 32-bit Linux)
• At least 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended for video calls)
• Working microphone and webcam (for calls)
• A modern Linux kernel (4.x or higher recommended)

Method 1: Install via Snap (Universal — Works on Most Distros)

Snap packages work on Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Manjaro, and many other distributions that support Snapd. This is the easiest cross-distro method:

1. Open a terminal.
2. If Snapd isn't installed, install it first:
   sudo apt install snapd (Debian/Ubuntu)
   sudo dnf install snapd (Fedora)
3. Install Skype:
   sudo snap install skype --classic
4. Launch Skype from your application menu or type skype in the terminal.

The --classic flag is required because Skype needs access to system resources outside the snap sandbox (like your webcam and microphone).

Method 2: Install via .DEB Package (Ubuntu & Debian)

1. Visit skype.com/en/get-skype and click Download for Linux (DEB).
2. Once downloaded, install it with:
   sudo dpkg -i skypeforlinux-64.deb
3. If you see dependency errors, fix them with:
   sudo apt --fix-broken install
4. Skype will also add a Microsoft repository to your sources, so future updates come via apt upgrade automatically.

Method 3: Install via RPM Package (Fedora, CentOS, RHEL, openSUSE)

1. Download the .rpm package from skype.com — select Download for Linux (RPM).
2. Install it:
   Fedora/CentOS: sudo rpm -i skypeforlinux-64.rpm
   Or with dnf: sudo dnf localinstall skypeforlinux-64.rpm
3. The Microsoft repo will be added for future updates via dnf upgrade.

Method 4: Install via Flatpak (Arch, Manjaro & Others)

Flatpak is another universal package format. If your distro supports Flatpak:

1. Add the Flathub repository if not already present:
   flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
2. Install Skype:
   flatpak install flathub com.skype.Client
3. Run Skype:
   flatpak run com.skype.Client

Arch Linux (AUR)

Arch Linux users can install Skype via the AUR (Arch User Repository). Using an AUR helper like yay:

yay -S skypeforlinux-stable-bin

This will download, build, and install the latest stable Skype package from Microsoft's official source.

Granting Skype Access to Camera and Microphone on Linux

After installation, Skype may not immediately access your webcam or microphone. Here are common fixes:

• PulseAudio: Ensure PulseAudio is running (pulseaudio --start) and that Skype appears in the PulseAudio volume control under the Recording tab.
• Webcam permissions: Your user should be in the video group: sudo usermod -aG video $USER (log out and back in after).
• Snap permissions: If using snap, run sudo snap connect skype:camera and sudo snap connect skype:audio-record.

Comparison of Installation Methods

Method	Best For	Auto Updates	Ease of Use
Snap	Most distros	✅ Yes	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
.DEB package	Ubuntu/Debian	✅ Yes (via apt)	⭐⭐⭐⭐
.RPM package	Fedora/RHEL	✅ Yes (via dnf)	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Flatpak	Arch/others	✅ Yes	⭐⭐⭐⭐
AUR	Arch Linux	Manual	⭐⭐⭐

Whichever method you choose, Skype on Linux offers the same core functionality as Windows and Mac — voice calls, video calls, messaging, and screen sharing — making it a solid VoIP option regardless of your Linux distribution.