How to Use Skype to Call Any Phone: iPhone, Android, & Desktop

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A quick guide to calling any phone number with Skype

Co-authored by Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: December 16, 2024 Fact Checked

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Using Desktop

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Using Mobile

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Common Issues and Questions

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Q&A

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Tips

Skype to Skype calls can be made free of charge, but calling a mobile phone or landline requires the purchase of a Skype to Phone subscription. Once you sign up for a subscription, making a call is easy! Just open the dial pad, enter the phone number, and press the call button. Keep reading to learn how to call a regular phone from Skype on your computer or from the mobile app for iPhone and Android.

How to Call a Regular Phone from Skype

While Skype used to have a pay-as-you-go option, you must now buy a subscription to call a phone on Skype.
In the desktop or mobile app, click your username and select Skype to Phone to see subscription options.
Once you’ve subscribed, simply dial the number from the dial pad and tap the call button.

Section 1 of 3:

Using Desktop

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1
Click the currency symbol next to your name. In the Skype desktop app, locate your name and profile image at the top of the left-side menu bar. You should see a currency symbol and an amount. For example, if you’re in the US and you’ve never purchased Skype credits or a subscription, this will say “$0.00”. Click the number to launch a pop-out menu.
- If you see a number here other than 0, that means you still have some unused Skype credits. You can use those to make a call, but it’s no longer possible to refill them.
- You can also click your name and select Skype to Phone from the pop-up menu to see your subscription options.
2
Select a subscription option. Although Skype used to allow you to purchase Skype credits to make pay-as-you-go phone calls, this option was recently phased out.^{[1]
X
Research source} To call a regular phone from Skype, you must now purchase a subscription. In the Skype to Phone pop-up menu, select the subscription plan that works best for you.
- The right subscription option depends on the region of the number(s) you plan to dial. For instance, if you are mostly interested in calling people in the US, you’d select the United States option.
- Click Continue on your desired subscription, then select Pay Now. Follow the prompts to finish setting up your subscription plan.
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3
Click the Dial Pad icon. Back in the main Skype menu, click this icon next to the search bar at the top of the lefthand menu bar. It looks like a square made of nine dots with a single dot underneath.
4
Enter the phone number (with country/area code). The entry field is located at the top of the window. You can enter the number with your keyboard or click numbers on the dial pad on your screen.
- Suggestions will appear for mobile phones of your Skype contacts as you type.
- If you don’t know the country code, you can use the Countries and Regions dropdown at the top of the dial pad window to select the correct code.
5
Click the Phone icon to call. This button is located at the bottom of the dial pad window.
- You must have a working microphone to successfully call from your computer. You can go to Skype > Audio & Video Settings to test your microphone.

Section 2 of 3:

Using Mobile

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1
Tap your name at the top of the screen. If you’re logged into the Skype app, you should see your name and profile image at the top of the screen. Tap it to open a new menu.
2
Select Skype to Phone. This option will be near the top of the menu, under the SKYPE PHONE header.
3
Select a subscription option. While it used to be possible to pay for Skype credits and make pay-as-you-go phone calls, this option was recently phased out.^{[2]
X
Research source} Instead, you’ll need to choose a monthly subscription option based on the region you’re planning to call. Choose the subscription you want from the list and tap Continue.
- Once you’ve chosen a subscription, tap Pay Now and follow the onscreen instructions to finish setting up your plan.
4
Tap the Phone icon at the bottom of the screen. In the main Skype menu, tap the button that shows a dial pad and says Phone at the bottom center of the screen. This will open the phone menu.
5
Tap the dial pad button. This is a blue button with an image of a dial pad in the bottom right corner of the screen.
6
Enter the phone number you want to call. Enter the full number, starting with the country code.
- If you don’t know the country code, tap the dropdown menu at the top of the screen to select the right country or region.
7
Tap the call button to place your call. It’s the blue button with an icon of a phone receiver at the bottom of the screen.

Section 3 of 3:

Common Issues and Questions

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1
Why can’t I buy Skype credits? Skype recently phased out the option to purchase Skype credits.^{[3]
X
Research source} This change has not been widely publicized by Microsoft, and as of December 2024, you can still see information about Skype credits in the app and on the Skype and Microsoft websites. However, you’ll see an error message or be redirected to a subscription page if you try to buy credits.
- If you still have active credits from before this feature was phased out, you can continue to use them for phone calls. You won’t be able to buy new credits once you run out.
2
Can other people call me on Skype from their phones? If you purchased a Skype number in the past, then callers can still reach you by dialing that number from their mobile or landline phone—for now. Unfortunately, Skype numbers have also been phased out, and you can no longer purchase a new one.^{[4]
X
Research source}
3
How much does it cost to call a phone on Skype? Skype rates for calling mobile/landline phones vary depending on the region you are contacting. Skype subscription plans are paid monthly, and may include either limited or unlimited minutes. Search for the country or region you want to call on the Skype website to see your rates and options.

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Can 911 calls be made from Skype?

Community Answer

No. Skype does not support emergency service calls.

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Do I have to be on someone's Skype contact list to call them?

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No. This is also true for calls to mobile/landline numbers.

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Can you use a cellphone to a call a contact on your Skype contacts?

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Yes, using the Skype app.

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Tips

If you find yourself calling the same people frequently, try to get them to install Skype if possible as Skype-to-Skype calls are always free.

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Skype requires an internet connection to function, even for calls to mobile/landline numbers.

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