How to Install Skype Using Terminal on Ubuntu
You can install Skype for Ubuntu without having to leave the command prompt. Since version 4.3, Skype can be found in the Canonical Partners repository, which makes it possible to install it without downloading the package from Skype.com....
Method 1 of 2:
Installing from the Canonical Partners Repository
- Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open a terminal window. It used to be that Skype had to be installed by manually downloading the binary from Skype's website, but now you can install it from the Canonical Partners repository. Start by opening a terminal window.
- Enable Multiarch for 64-bit Ubuntu. If you're using the 64-bit version of Ubuntu, you'll need to enable Multiarch so the program will install. At the command prompt:[1]
- Type: sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
- Press ↵ Enter.
- Add the Canonical Partners repository to Ubuntu. This repository, which is where Skype (and a lot of other closed-source software) is found, is disabled by default.[2] To enable it from the command line:[3]
- Type: sudo add-apt-repository "deb http://archive.canonical.com/ $(lsb_release -sc) partner"
- Press ↵ Enter.
- Install Skype from the Canonical Partners Repository. Ubuntu recommends that Skype only be installed through this repository (rather than downloading the package from Skype's website).[4] Here's how:
- Type: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install skype
- Press ↵ Enter to begin the installation. When the installation is complete, you'll return to the command line.
- Type skype at the prompt and press ↵ Enter. This will launch Skype. Follow the prompts to create your account so you can get started with video chat.
Method 2 of 2:
Installing Skype Manually
- Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open a terminal window. While it's no longer mandatory that Skype be installed by manually downloading the package from Skype's website, it's still an option.[5] Try installing Skype from the Canonical Partners repository first. If you run into any issues, use this method as a backup.
- Download Skype with wget. The path to the package is different depending on whether you're using 32-bit or 64-bit Ubuntu:
- If you're using 32-bit Ubuntu, type: wget http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-beta-ubuntu-32 and press ↵ Enter.
- 64-bit Ubuntu, type: wget http://www.skype.com/go/getskype-linux-beta-ubuntu-32 and press ↵ Enter.
- Install Multiarch for 64-bit Ubuntu. If you're using the 64-bit version of Ubuntu, you'll need Multiarch to install Skype. Here's how to do it from the command line:[6]
- Type: sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386 and press ↵ Enter.
- When you return to the command prompt, type: sudo apt-get update and press ↵ Enter.
- Install Skype from the downloaded package. You'll do this with the 'dkpg' command. Make sure the version number aligns with the one you downloaded earlier.[7]
- Type: sudo dpkg -i skype-ubuntu-precise_4.3.0.37-1_i386.deb and press ↵ Enter.
- As Linux tries to unpack Skype, you'll see a slew of errors on the screen about dependency issues. This is normal.
- Install the required dependencies. To correct the errors and start the Skype install:
- Type: sudo apt-get -f install and press ↵ Enter.
- Wait a few moments as the package installs. When the installation is complete, you'll return to the command prompt.
- Run your new installation of Skype. To start Skype, type skype and press ↵ Enter. Follow the prompts to sign in or create a new account with Skype.
4 ★ | 1 Vote
You should read it
- How to Install Skype in Ubuntu
- Skype is available for Linux users, download and experience
- How to install Skye on Ubuntu
- How to Install JDK in Linux
- How to Set up an FTP Server in Ubuntu Linux
- What's New in Ubuntu 21.10?
- Instructions on how to write style letters on Skype
- Skype shortcut helps to work faster when chatting
- How to Automatically Have Wallpaper Change on Ubuntu
- How to use Skype Web in the browser
- Press type in C
- Skype interface changes help you increase the experience