Install Skype on Ubuntu: Two Methods That Actually Work

Skype doesn’t ship with Ubuntu by default it’s a proprietary application owned by Microsoft and not included in the standard Ubuntu repositories. But installing Skype on Ubuntu is a quick process, and you have two solid options: the Snap package via Snapcraft, or the APT method using Microsoft’s official .deb package. This guide covers both so you can pick the approach that fits your setup and start making calls within minutes.

Snap vs APT: Which Installation Method Should You Use?

Both methods install the same Skype application, but they differ in how dependencies and updates are handled:

• Snap package: Bundles all required libraries into a single self-contained package. Updates happen automatically in the background no manual steps required from you. The trade-off is a slightly larger disk footprint and marginally slower startup time compared to native packages.
• APT (DEB package): Installs Skype as a native Debian-style package and registers Microsoft’s official apt repository on your system. Updates integrate into your standard apt upgrade workflow alongside all your other installed software.

For a personal desktop where ease matters most, snap is the simpler path. If you manage a shared or enterprise machine and want update control integrated into your existing workflow, go with APT.

Method 1: Install Skype on Ubuntu via Snap

The Skype Snap is distributed and maintained by Microsoft through the Snapcraft store. Open your terminal with Ctrl+Alt+T and run:

bashsudo snap install skype --classic

The --classic flag is required because Skype needs access to system resources beyond what the standard snap sandbox permits. Installation completes in under a minute on most connections, and from this point Skype updates itself silently whenever Microsoft releases a new version no action needed on your part.

Keep in mind that snap packages run inside a lightweight container, so Skype’s access to certain file system paths may differ slightly from a native installation.

Prefer a graphical approach? Open Ubuntu Software, search for “Skype”, and click Install. The result is identical.

Method 2: Install Skype via the Official DEB Package

This method downloads Skype’s .deb file directly from Microsoft and integrates it into your system’s apt package manager for fully managed updates.

Step 1: Download the installer using wget:

bashwget https://go.skype.com/skypeforlinux-64.deb

Step 2: Install it with apt:

bashsudo apt install ./skypeforlinux-64.deb

Enter your sudo password when prompted. During installation, Microsoft’s official Skype repository is added to your system automatically. All future Skype updates arrive through your regular upgrade cycle:

bashsudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

No manual re-downloading is needed for any future release.

Launching Skype and Signing In

Once installed, open the Activities search bar, type “Skype”, and click the icon to launch.

On first start, you’ll be prompted to sign in with your Microsoft account. After authenticating, you get full access to HD video calls, instant messaging, screen sharing, and international calling to landlines and mobile numbers worldwide.

Tip: If Skype won’t open after a snap install, run snap refresh skype in the terminal to force-download the latest build.

Both installation methods are reliable and keep Skype updated without much effort on your part. The snap route is the fastest to set up and requires zero ongoing maintenance; the APT method gives you tighter integration with your system’s package management and keeps update timing in your hands. Either way, you’ll have a fully working Skype setup in minutes. Hit any issues along the way? Drop a comment below — the community is always ready to help.