Skype is Now Available via Snap on Ubuntu Desktops

Whether you’re running Ubuntu 16.04 LTS / 17.04 / 17.10 or another version, Skype is now easily accessible via Snap from the default repositories.. This brief tutorial shows students and new users how to easily install Skype on Ubuntu via Snap package repositories…

Skype is a very popular free VOIP software used to make free Skype-to-Skype calls and text to stay in touch with friends and family.

A Linux version of Skype was recently updated.. and this adds some new features including, enhanced user interface, cloud-based group chat experience, PulseAudio support and file transfer improvements across multiple devices and bunch of other fixes.

Also, Skype version 4.3 and all previous versions have already expired… so if you haven’t upgraded to the latest versions, it’s time to do so. Just follow the guide below to get the latest version of Skype installed.

STEP 1: UNINSTALL ALL PREVIOUS VERSIONS

To install or upgrade, make sure you don’t already have previous versions installed. To get rid of Skype on Ubuntu, run the commands below

sudo apt purge skypeforlinux && sudo apt-get autoremove

Step 2: Add Snap to Ubuntu

Before installing packages via Snap on Ubuntu, you must first install and enable it… to install and enable Snap on Ubuntu, run the commands below

sudo apt install snapd snapd-xdg-open

After installing Snap you can run the commands below to refresh the repository.

sudo snap refresh

Step 3: Install Skype via Snap

Now that Snap is installed, you can now install Ubuntu packages that are available via Snap from the command line terminal or via Ubuntu Software Center… To install Skype from Ubuntu commands line, run the commands below…

sudo snap install skype --classic

Open Ubuntu Software Center and find Skype, then install

Step 4: Launch Skype

Now that Skype is installed, go to Ubuntu Activities screen and search for Skype, then open and launch.

You should then be given the options to create a new account or sign into an existing account… Choose and continue.. from there Skype should be installed and ready to use.

That’s it!