If you don't have a headset, microphone or speakers, you can still use Skype to send and receive instant messages. However, to make and receive calls with Skype, you need either a headset with a microphone, or a microphone and speakers.
Identifying the type of plug on your device
Speakers, microphones and headsets have one of two types of plug: mini jack plugs or a USB plug.
Mini jack plugs - Look like typical headphone plugs.
- You'll have two plugs which have corresponding ports on your computer.
- Mini jacks come in different styles. They might be color coded with one pink for the microphone and one green for the headset, or have symbols showing a microphone and headphone.
USB plugs - Look flat and rectangular.
- USB headsets, speakers and microphones only have one plug each.
- Most computers have at least two matching USB ports that are same shape as the plug.
How do I connect my microphone, speakers, or headset?
- Microphone: Insert the pink plug (or the plug with the microphone symbol) into the port on your computer with the matching color or symbol.
- Speakers: Insert the green plug (or the plug with the headphones symbol) into the port on your computer with the matching color or symbol.
- Headset: Insert both plugs into the matching ports on your computer.
- USB headset, microphone, or speakers: Insert the USB plug into any USB port on your computer.
Note: Some wireless sound equipment has a USB transmitter which should be plugged in using the same method. For help pairing a wireless device, try our guide to using a Bluetooth device with Skype.
