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. Learn how to enable the Canonical Partners repository to install Skype, and how to download the package manually if you run into issues.

Steps

Installing from the Canonical Partners Repository

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:[1]
  4. 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).[1] 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.
  5. 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.

Installing Skype Manually

  1. 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.[3] Try installing Skype from the Canonical Partners repository first. If you run into any issues, use this method as a backup.
  2. Download Skype with wget. The path to the package is different depending on whether you’re using 32-bit or 64-bit Ubuntu:
  3. 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:[4]
    • Type: sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386 and press ↵ Enter.
    • When you return to the command prompt, type: sudo apt-get update and press ↵ Enter.
  4. 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.[4]
    • 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Tips

  • Choppy Skype video is usually the result of a poor network connection.
  • The Skype software is also available for mobile platforms, including Android and iOS.

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype
  2. ↑ https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu#Adding_Canonical_Partner_Repositories
  3. ↑ https://www.unixmen.com/install-skype-ubuntu-14-1014-0412-04
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://linuxconfig.org/how-to-install-skype-on-ubuntu-16-04-xenial-xerus-linux-64-bit
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