Ubuntu Linux download and install Skype Software

by nixCraft on October 11, 2007 · 37 comments· last updated at October 11, 2007

Q. How do I install skype software under Ubuntu / Debian Linux?

A. Skype is proprietary software that allows you to make calls over the Internet using your computer. Skype uses decentralized peer-to-peer technologies, so your calls do not go through a central server, but through distributed servers and other users. It uses its own proprietary communication protocol to achieve this. In addition, all communications are encrypted from end to end so that others cannot listen in. The Skype software is free to use, but it is not free software; the source code is proprietary and not available for modification.

How do I install skype software Repository?

Click on System > Administration > Software Sources

Click on Third Party Software Tab

Click on Add button to add skype Repository:
Type the following APT line:

deb http://download.skype.com/linux/repos/debian/ stable non-free

Click on Add Source button > Click on Close > Reload button

How do I install skype software?

Open terminal and type the following command:
$ sudo apt-get install skype
Type y when you see following message:

Install these packages without verification [y/N]? y

You can now access skype from Application > Internet menu.

Adding Skype for Linux Repositories From Command Prompt

If you don't want to use above GUI method for Linux repositories, login as the root user. Add this line to the end of your /etc/apt/sources.list file:

deb http://download.skype.com/linux/repos/debian/ stable non-free

Then run apt-get update to sync to the latest repository and install the latest version of Skype on your computer:
$ sudo apt-get update $ sudo apt-get install skype

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{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Stefan Salata November 15, 2007 at 4:52 pm

I use ubuntu linux. I need use skype like on Windows. Thanks.

2 Mike November 22, 2007 at 9:32 pm

Thanks for the perfect description. Got it up and running without any trouble.
Perfectly made also for noobs.
Done on
Ubuntu 7.10 – the Gutsy Gibbon
2007/11/22

3 Greg April 6, 2008 at 1:19 pm

Also for noobs, yes! I can confirm that!
I just got into Ubuntu yesterday and this explaination might be the most simple i’ve been given to do anything with it.
Thank you.

4 narayana January 2, 2009 at 8:57 am

thnx for prefect description

5 Randidno January 16, 2009 at 3:49 pm

Thank you for the simple and precise instructions. Very much appreciated.

6 Cassy March 6, 2009 at 10:50 pm

That’s most accurate description I’ve ever found about installing programs using Ubuntu. Thank you very much!

7 Dal March 31, 2009 at 6:21 pm

not working

showing errors :(

The following packages have unmet dependencies:
skype: Depends: libqt4-core (>= 4.2.1) but it is not going to be installed
Depends: libqt4-gui (>= 4.2.1) but it is not going to be installed
E: Broken packages

8 Gebert April 21, 2009 at 3:05 pm

Hi!
I found the same error as “Dal”. Pls. Help!…… I’m new on this.

Thanks

9 Mario April 24, 2009 at 5:31 pm

Your instructions worked great. thanks for putting this together.

10 niskyrick May 7, 2009 at 12:59 am

I just double clicked on the following link to download 64-bit skype for ubuntu
ttp://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-ubuntu-amd64

11 eu July 5, 2009 at 3:43 pm

Great! the character $ was unnecessary, it was there!
But there is a warning of non-authentication possible when installing… Should we be so reliable? I’m a new user. Ubuntu looks great. Thank you.

12 eu July 5, 2009 at 5:53 pm

Here again. I got a problem report in Skype about playback. Only, because headset works properly with sound files, both micro and headphones. If someone would suggest a solution, thank you, or if I find one, I’ll write back here.

13 eu July 6, 2009 at 1:13 pm

Here is a SOLUTION to playback error on Skype 2 for Ubuntu. It worked on Ubuntu 9:

Open Skype and go to (botttom left icon) Options/Sound device. Change all three items to your computer motherboard (in my case “HDA Intel” hw:Intel,0)”

Apply, close and go back to check the sound test. Now you will hear a sound and Skype will work to talk.

14 vipin August 19, 2009 at 7:33 am

Reading package lists… Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information… Done
Package skype is not available, but is referred to by another package.
This may mean that the package is missing, has been obsoleted, or
is only available from another source
E: Package skype has no installation candidate
pls tell me wat can i do

15 Raya May 9, 2012 at 1:40 pm

Hey!
I have the same problem with skype on linux as you had. But I see you faced this problem a long time ago. Have you ever found a way of fixing it?
Thanks!

16 Victor May 13, 2012 at 4:18 pm: This problem can occour when you have a type error in the package name, make sure it’s the correct one!
Reply

17 therealmarion October 6, 2009 at 3:51 pm

Hi there
I can’t beleive how difficult linux/ubuntu is – I am close to giving up and paying for windows installation – am determined to persevere but it really feels like there are absolutely no advantages. I’ve tried installing skype the conventional way from their website but each time it fails. So now I’m following your instructions which are the most comprehesive instructions for anything to do with ubuntu I’ve found so far…..tell me I’m wrong and that it’s not that bad – are there any other reasons to stick with it other than it being free?
I got as far as when you said “open the terminal”
what do you mean by terminal?

I’m not a complete computer dummy – honest! I’m normally quite good at working things out but this feels like I’m learning to walk all over again :¬)

18 mee October 21, 2009 at 3:06 pm

THX really
it is ok, WORK
thanks

19 thiyagi November 26, 2009 at 5:53 pm

thanzzz, i hope its not the beta version..

20 Veaceslav November 29, 2009 at 3:08 pm

I have UBUNTU 9.1 I install Skype with 3 steps only
1. I download from Skype site http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/linux/choose/ archive for Ubuntu 8.10+ 32-bit
2. Right click on download archive and run “Open with GDebi Package Manger”
3. run “Install”
it’s all – enjoy :)

21 kamakia June 27, 2010 at 11:42 am: thanx Veaceslav ya great av made it now i can skype
Reply

22 craterbaiter December 29, 2009 at 2:23 pm

spot on done and running in less than three minutes on my eeepc 1000 with u 9.04
[u9.1 is a bit iffy and now looking for smallest opsys ... ]

23 santosh Bhat January 9, 2010 at 6:54 am

Hello,

Great Thanks.

24 Kani January 16, 2010 at 3:52 am

This is great
Gives everything you need

Thanks to the people who made it!!!

25 Shushu January 18, 2010 at 12:02 am

Thanks for a precise information

26 contemplator February 7, 2010 at 11:09 am

The direct download from skype website fails to install. This however works fine.. I wonder y..

@ therealmarion: hope u found Terminal.. I understand what ur going through.. I have dual boot, cuz I need Windows to play games and Linux to do my programming..

27 Pablo Rivero March 16, 2010 at 7:44 pm

Thanks!
I thought it was very complicated but you explained very well. It’s working perfectly.

28 Binod Bidari May 11, 2010 at 10:33 am

thanx it’s working

29 Ben June 13, 2010 at 5:03 pm

I have the “no installation candidate” message for Skype as vipin. Why hasn’t someone responded with help? This is the reason the general populace thinks Skype has AIDS, because of the stupid support situation where everyone has to ask questions time and again

30 NADINE July 4, 2010 at 8:41 pm

I’m trying to download Skype to my mothers Dell Web book operating Linux Ubuntu. I tried to just download both 32 and 64 bit versions but neither would work.
I tried to follow these instructions but when i ‘reload’ it says it hasn’t fetched the Skype link. Oddly it says the same about the Google Chrome source but I’m using Google chrome right now with NO problems so I dont know what to think.

My mum wants Skype to talk to my brother who recently moved from the UK to Madrid so it’s quite important get it to work

31 hiendy December 21, 2010 at 9:07 pm

thanks

32 Nynke Fokma January 5, 2011 at 10:36 am

Vipin, Ben,
Skype is no longer in the repositories. Download from http://www.skype.com/intl/en/get-skype/on-your-computer/linux/

I am on Lucid Lynx, not 8.10, but its working fine for me. And by all means have the debian package installer do the work for you when you have clicked the link to download.

33 Roshan February 15, 2011 at 12:44 pm