How do I send an instant message in Skype?

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    1. From the Chats button Chats tab, select the person or group you want to instant message.
    2. Type your message in the chat window and select the Send message button Send button.

      To jump to your most recent message within a chat, select the down chevron button down chevron button. (Not available in Skype for Android 4.0.4 - 5.1.)
    What can I do with an instant message that I've sent?

    Skype on desktop and mobile

    Right-click or tap and hold your message. From the menu, you can:

    Skype on Android 4.0.4 - 5.1

    Tap and hold on your message. From the top, you can:

    • Quote your message in a conversation window.
    • Forward your message to another conversation.
    • Edit your message and send it again.
    • Copy your message to paste in a conversation window.
    • Remove your message from the conversation.
    What can I do with an instant message that I've received?

    Skype on desktop and mobile

    React to messages you've received

    Select the smiley face button React to this message button next to an instant message you've received. A selection of available reactions will display. New reactions will be added frequently and may differ by region. Click the arrows (or swipe, on mobile) to choose from additional reactions available. Select the Customize reactions button Customize your reactions button to add or remove reactions in your message reaction picker. Learn more about adding custom reactions using chat commands.

    Selecting the emoticon will send it automatically.

    Copy, Quote, Forward and Report a received message

    Right-click or tap and hold the message you've received. From the menu, you can:

    • Copy the message to be pasted in a conversation window.
    • Quote the message in a conversation window.  Learn how to quote with keyboard shortcuts in Skype for desktop.
    • Forward the message to another contact.  Learn how to forward with keyboard shortcuts in Skype for desktop.
    • Add bookmark to save the message to your Bookmarks window.  Learn how to use Bookmarks.
    • Select Messages to choose messages to copy or forward. 
    • Mark the message as Unread from here.
    • Report a concern about this conversation as spam or containing inappropriate material.

    Skype on Android 4.0.4 - 5.1

    Tap and hold on a message you received, and then tap a button from the top to...

    • Quote your message in a conversation window.
    • Forward your message to another conversation.
    • Copy your message to paste in a conversation window.
    • Mark the conversation as Unread from here.
    • Tap the Report abuse button M3 menu button and select Report if it is spam or inappropriate material.
    How do I sort instant messages in the Chats tab?

    Skype on Windows, Mac, Linux, Web and Skype for Windows 10 & 11 (version 15)

    1. In Chats, select Recent chats down chevron button.
    2. From the menu, you can filter your chats by choosing from the following: 
      • Sort by Hidden chats
      • Sort by Time
      • Sort by Unread
      • Hide or Show favorites

    Skype for Android (6.0+) and Android tablet

    1. In Chats, tap the Filter buttonfilter button on Android (6.0+) and Android tablet.
    2. From there, you can filter your chats by choosing from the following:
      • Hidden chats
      • Sort by Recent
      • Sort by Unread
      • Sort by Active
      • Show or Hide favorites
      • Enable or Disable compact layout

    Skype for iPhone and iPad

    1. In Chats, tap the Filter buttonfilter button on iPhone and iPad.
    2. From the menu, you can filter your chats by choosing from the following:
      • Hidden chats
      • Sort by Recent
      • Sort by Unread
      • Sort by Active
      • Show or Hide favorites
      • Enable or Disable compact layout

    Note: Sorting instant messages is not available for Android 4.0.4 - 5.1.

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