How do I make a call in Skype?

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    Calling Skype contacts on Skype is always free - but to call a mobile phone or landline through Skype requires Skype Credit or a subscription

    1. Find the person you want to call from your Contacts Contacts button list. 
       
    2. Select the contact you want to call, and then select the audio audio call button or video video call button button. If you want to make a group call, simply add another participant to a one-on-one chat or select the Start call button Start call button in a group chat. 
       
      • If the person you want to make an audio call to has a Skype Number or landline added to their account, you have the option to call that number using Skype Credit or your Skype subscription.
      Note: In audio calls, the call audio is processed to filter out echo, maintain the audio quality, and reduce the noticeability of missing audio bits (up to 120 milliseconds). In video calls, Skype automatically detects the proportions of your face and optimizes the video so when other video call participants zoom in on your face, Skype automatically uses the available space efficiently. When using background replace or blur, the video stream is processed to find the area of your face and apply the background effect.
    3. At the end of a call, select the end call end call button button to hang up. 

    Tip: You can also quickly turn any chat into a call - just select the audio audio call button or video video call button  button from a one-on-one chat or select the Start call button Start call button in a group chat. 

    Note: If you've synced your mobile address book with your Skype contact list, you can also make Skype calls right from your device's contact list. Just tap the Skype button next to the person you want to call. (Available in Skype on Android (6.0+), iPhone and iPad).

    1. From your Calls audio call button list select the audio call button New Call button or call an existing group.
    2. If it's a new call, select up to 100 participants (99 plus yourself) that you want to include. 
    3. Select the Call button. 

      Note: For any group calls with more than 25 participants, they will be ringless. The group will receive a notification that the call has started and can select the Join Call button when they're ready. For video calls with less than 25 participants, when you start a video video call button call, you can choose whether you want the call to ring everyone in the group or be ringless. Ringless calls will send a notification to participants without interrupting them with a ring and if anyone needs a little extra "nudge," you have the option to ring them individually. 


    Android 4.0.4 - 5.1

    1. From your Calls audio call button list, select Start a new call
    2. Select New Group call new group call button
    3. Select all the participants you want to call. 
    4. Select the audio audio call button, or video video call button button.

    You'll need a little Skype Credit or a subscription to call someone on their mobile or landline.

    1. Open the dial pad dial pad button 
       
      • To call an international number, select the country/region from the drop-down menu.
    2. Search for your contact with either of these methods:
       
      • Using the dial pad, search by the contact's phone number.
      • Or use the dial pad's corresponding number/letter key combination to search for the contact by name.


    Follow these steps if you already have the person in your contact list:

    1. Find the person you want to call from your Contacts Contacts button list. 
    2. Select the person you want to call, and then select the audio audio call button button.
      If the person has more than one phone number saved, you can select the number you want to call from a drop-down list. 

    Can people call me in Skype from their mobile or landline?
    Yes, but you'll need a Skype Number for them to call you on. 
     

    Up to 100 people (99 plus yourself) can be on the same audio call. The maximum number of video streams will vary depending on the platform and device you are using. Learn more about Modern grid view where you can view up to 10 video streams at once.

    Yes, use the dial pad to enter toll free numbers on Skype. The following countries and number ranges are supported and are free of charge to all users:

    France: +33 800, +33 805, +33 809
    Poland: +48 800
    UK: +44 500, +44 800, +44 808
    USA: +1 800, +1 866, +1 877, +1 888
    Taiwan: +886 80

    Skype is not a replacement for your telephone and should not be used for emergency calling. There are some circumstances which limited emergency calling is supported over Skype, learn more

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