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Can You Use Skype as Your Home Phone?

For normal calls, Skype is enough, but you'll still need a phone sometimes

By Nadeem Unuth Nadeem Unuth Freelance Contributor University of Mauritius Nadeem Unuth is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who specializes in information and communication technology with a focus on VoIP. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 2, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Can Skype replace your residential landline phone service? Not completely. You still need a landline or mobile phone to access 911 emergency services, which are not available on VoIP platforms. When you want to reduce your monthly phone bill, consider using Skype for your calls instead of your landline. Instructions in this article apply to Skype on Android OS 4.0.4 or higher or iOS 10 or higher.

What You Need to Make Skype Calls

First, make sure you have a good internet connection. A Wi-Fi hotspot at home is ideal. These days, most internet service providers include one with your plan. Then, you need a mobile phone capable of connecting to the Wi-Fi hotspot and running Skype.

How to Make Skype Calls

Once you have your equipment set up, follow the steps below to make phone calls using Skype. Install the Skype app on your mobile device. Register for a monthly Skype subscription. You need one to make unlimited calls to landlines and mobile phones. If you live in the U.S., a subscription costs $2.99 each month. Although it says it's unlimited, the U.S. plan charges an additional $0.15 per minute when you use 2,000 minutes per month. Alternatively, if you don't need many minutes, buy Skype credit instead of a subscription. This also lets you make calls around the world at various rates, and you pay as you go. Find the person you want to call from your Contacts list. When you sync your phone's contact list with your Skype contact list, you can make Skype calls by selecting the Skype button next to the person you want to call. Select the contact you want to call, then choose the Audio Call button. If you want to make a group call, add another contact. At the end of a call, select the End Call button to hang up. If you want to receive calls through Skype, you need an online phone number. A Skype number is attached to your account, and it lets you answer incoming calls from the app. You can choose the country and area code for your new number. Consider keeping your landline. Since Skype doesn't allow emergency calls, you need a landline if you need to dial 911. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use Your iPad or iPad Mini as a Phone How to Skype With Alexa How to Use Skype How to Use Skype in Your Browser Best Free Internet Phone Calls Apps (October 2022) How to Block Political Robocalls How to Set up a Skype Conference Call Can I Call Alexa From My Phone? How to Use Skype for Chromebook How to Use Skype for iPad and iPhone How Much Does It Cost to Use Skype? The 5 Best Apps to Make Free International Calls (2022) How to Record a Phone Call for a Podcast Can You Get FaceTime for Windows and PCs? How to Hide Your Number With *67 What Is Skype and How Does It Work? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies