How to Make HD Video Calls With Skype

Have a high-quality video conference with no hiccups

What to Know

  • From a computer: Launch the Skype app and click Calls in the upper-left corner. Choose a contact and select the Video button.
  • From the Skype website: Navigate to the Skype website, log in, and click Calls. Find the contact, and then click Video Call.
  • From a mobile device: Launch the Skype app, tap Calls, tap the contact, and then tap the camera icon to the right.

This article explains how to make an HD call using Skype while meeting technical requirements. You need a fast smartphone or computer, a high-definition camera, and a high-speed network with sufficient bandwidth. The other Skype caller can't take advantage of your HD call unless they have a high-speed network connection, a high-definition camera, and up-to-date equipment.

How to Make a Video Call on Skype From a Computer

Once you've determined that your setup meets the requirements above, you can start an HD call from the Skype app or by using Skype online.

  1. In the Skype app, click the Calls button in the upper-left corner.

    Depending on your version of Skype, this button may be named Call.

    A screenshot of Skype with the Calls button highlighted
  2. From the list of contacts, locate the one you want to invite to the call.

  3. Select the Video button to the right of that contact to instantly start the video call.

    A screenshot of Skype with the Video Call button highlighted

Follow these steps to make a video call from the Skype website:

  1. Go to the Skype website and log in using the button in the upper-right corner.

    A screenshot of the Skype homepage with the Sign In button highlighted
  2. Click the Calls button.

    A screenshot of Skype online with the Calls button highlighted
  3. Click the Video Call button to reach your contact.

  4. You can also find the Video Call button in the upper-right corner of a conversation.

    A screenshot of Skype online with the video call button highlighted

How to Make a Skype Video Call From a Mobile Device

If you have an iPhone 5, fourth-generation iPad, or later versions of either device, you can make HD calls using the Skype app. Here's how to do it.

  1. Tap the Calls menu from the bottom of the Skype app.

    A screenshot of the Skype app with the Calls button highlighted
  2. Find the contact you want to start a video call with.

  3. Tap the camera icon to the right of the user to call them immediately.

    A screenshot of the Skype app with the Video Call button highlighted
  4. Alternatively, tap the name of the person you want to contact, then select Video call from the window that opens.

    A screenshot of the Skype app with the Video Call button highlighted

Common Issues With Skype Calls

If your Skype calls aren't in HD or aren't working at all, the program could be experiencing performance problems. You'll need to troubleshoot some common issues with Skype, but these things might be the problem:

  • The version of Skype is out of date.
  • Your internet connection is slow, or other programs may be taking up bandwidth.
  • You don't have an HD camera.
  • Other applications use the RAM that Skype needs to function properly.
  • The Skype service may be down.
  • You haven't granted the proper camera and microphone permissions to Skype.
Was this page helpful?