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    How to use Skype for Web on a Chromebook now that Microsoft isn’t supporting it

    Kevin TofelBy Updated:21 Comments2 Mins Read

    Last week, Microsoft debuted an updated Skype for Web service with far more restrictions that it previously had. Essentially, you can only use the web client of Skype in either the Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browsers now. Safari and Firefox users need not apply.

    Although Chrome is supported, if you try to use Skype for Web on a Chrome OS device, you’ll likely see the dreaded “browser not supported” message. Why is that? Very likely because Microsoft isn’t just checking your browser but also you computer hardware. The company’s support page suggests this by saying:

    We recommend that you be on Windows 10 or Mac OSX 10.12 or higher to use Skype for Web. 

    Note: Users on Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 may be able to sign in but may not receive the full experience of Skype for Web.

    Skype for Web is not supported on mobile phones or tablets.

    Indeed, I’ve even seen a “device not supported” message as well while trying to regain access to the Skype web client.

    Fear not, Chromebook owners. There’s a trick that works, at least for now, using one of the first extensions I always install or sync over onto a new Chrome OS device. It’s called User-Agent Switcher and with it, you can “simulate” another device or browser by choosing from a number of configuration options.

    I first tested Skype for Web with the User-Agent Switcher set as “Chrome on Windows” but that didn’t work. Luckily, choosing “Microsoft Edge on Windows” did work: With this setting on, I was able to place a Skype call in my browser.

    Another obvious alternative is to install the Android version of Skype, which still works. But for a quick web call or chat, sometimes the browser is my client of choice. Now it still can be.

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    After spending 15 years in IT at Fortune 100 companies, Kevin turned a hobby into a career and began covering mobile technology in 2003. He writes daily on the industry and has co-hosted the weekly MobileTechRoundup podcast since 2006. His writing has appeared in print (The New York Times, PC Magazine and PC World) and he has been featured on NBC News in Philadelphia.

    21 Comments

    1. FILA on

      Does this trick still work for tethering off your phone without using your tethering data, like T-Mobile? I remember years ago hearing that T-Mobile updated something on their end to go around this feature that used to be, but never heard anyone else after that trying something different to bypass tethering limits

    2. Martin Pugh on

      Talk about a 24 hour coincidence Kevin. I have a Skype for business call I’m hoping to join on Wednesday from my Chromebook and it was looking like it would be a non starter. Now there’s a plan.

    4. Greg Yothers on

      Thanks for this work-around! I’ve been trying to use an external webcam to upgrade the experience on my chromebook. The Skype for android client will not use the external webcam, but, with this work-around the Skype Web client will. Now I get stunning 1080p video on the weekly Skype call with my kids.

    5. Katlin on

      Thanks so much, I was so annoyed by not being able to use Skype any more to phone my family abroad. Your workaround works perfectly and is so easy to use.

    7. Pat on

      Are there any other useful features or tools on the web, currently denied to Chromebook users, that the User-Agent extension would provide the ability to use?

      • Bradavon on

        This page is for the (consumer) Skype Web App which is a totally different product from Skype for Business.

        For this you need to login to your Office 365 Portal where you’ll see Skype for Business.

    10. Bradavon on

      The new Skype Web App works fine in Chrome on Chrome OS. The heading is click bait as in reality Microsoft just hadn’t added support yet.

      • Kevin C. Tofel on

        Right, Microsoft doesn’t support Chrome OS for Skype on web (although it used to). This post explains how to use it anyway. Not sure how that meets any definition of “clickbait”. ??‍♂️

    11. Wo0dy on

      I stopped using Skype when Muckroshaft bought it. Then I was living in China and eventually found that gHangouts was–& still is–the answer to personal, un-encrypted communications.

      • aikidd on

        Hi Wo0dy. I’m curious about ChromeBooks in China. Do you know what functionality they lack there? I understand that Google services are crippled there.