How to add contacts to Skype

Once you've got the latest version of Skype, you're all set to add some new contacts.

You can add a single contact using their Skype Name (if you know it), or import multiple contacts from your email address book or Facebook account.

When you've added your friends, you can make free calls and even video calls with them, send them instant messages and files. Also, with a little Skype Credit, you can make calls to mobiles and landlines and send text messages.

To add a single contact

Sign in to Skype. In the menu bar, click 'Contacts' > 'Add Contact'...

Enter the email, phone number, full name or Skype Name of the person you want to add.

If one match is found and it's the person you are looking for, click 'Add'.

If more than one account matches your search, click 'View' to see a list of matches. From the list of matches, click 'Add contact' below the one you want to add.

Now you need to send the person a contact request. Enter some text to introduce yourself and click 'Send request'.

The contact is added to your contacts list, but will appear offline until they accept your request. When they have accepted your request, you can see when they are online, and make free voice and video calls with them.

To import multiple contacts

To import contacts from Facebook or your email address book:

In Skype, from the menu bar, click 'Contacts' > 'Import Contacts'....

Select the type of account you have (email account or Facebook). If you can't see your account type, click 'Other' for more options.

Enter your user name and password for the account and click 'Import'.

The people in your address book who already have Skype accounts or phone numbers associated with their accounts are listed.

- To import all contacts listed, click 'Add contacts'.
- To import only some contacts, remove the checks from those you don't want to import and click 'Add contacts'.

If you don't want to add any contacts from the list, click 'Skip'.

The people in your address book who don't have Skype accounts or phone numbers are listed. To send a message to some or all of these people inviting them to download Skype, select the people you wish to send a message to, type a message or use the one provided, and click 'Send email'.

If you don't want to send any messages, click 'Skip'.

Your selected contacts are added to your contacts list, but will appear offline until they accept your request. When they have accepted your request, you can see when they are online, and make free voice and video calls with them.



To accept a contact request

To talk with friends and family you'll first need to share contact details. If someone sends you a contact request, you will need to accept it before you can talk to them:

Above your contacts lists, click 'Contact Requests'. The number inside the orange circle represents how many contact requests you have pending.

To view the profile of the person, click 'View Profile'.

To accept the contact request, click 'Add to Contacts'. The contact is added to your contacts list and you can see their online status and make free voice and video calls with them.

Alternatively, you can 'Ignore' or 'Block' the contact if you do not wish to connect with them.

If you are online and your friend sends you a contact request, you will see a pop-up notification in your system tray. Click the pop up to open the request and then follow the steps above.


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