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5 Skype Hacks You Can’t Live Without

Softonic Editorial Team

Softonic Editorial Team

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Skype is one of the most widely-used and mature of all the VoIP services, and since 2003, it has remained a powerful communication tool. If you’re interested in getting the most out of Skype, check out these five hacks:

1. Backup Your Chat History

5 Skype Hacks You Can’t Live Without

If you want to keep a record of your chat sessions for business or personal reasons, you can tell Skype how long to hang onto those old chat sessions. On the main Skype screen, select “Run” and enter “%appdata%\skype”. Then click “OK”. This action opens a window where you can open a folder using your Skype ID in the Name field. Look for a file called “main.db”. This is the file where all of your Skype chat histories are stored. Copy this file and save it to your computer or to an external storage drive for later access.

2. Use Skype on Wi-Fi Without an Internet Connection

If you don’t have Internet connectivity or only have access to a paid Wi-Fi hotspot, you can use your Skype credits to access Skype Wi-Fi. Skype claims to have access to more than 2 million various Wi-Fi hotspots around the world. Download the Skype Wi-Fi app and then use it to find the nearest Skype Wi-Fi hotspot. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

3. Get Rid of Those Pesky Skype Ads

When you’re trying to have a conversation, the ads can make it difficult. You can get rid of them simply by going to the “Control Panel” and selecting “Network and Internet”. Chose “Internet Options” and a window box will pop up. Find the “Security” tab and choose the option “Restricted Sites”. This will make the “Site” button available. Click that and then restart your computer or device. Reopen Skype and the ads will be gone.

4. Forward Your Skype Calls to Another Number

You can forward your Skype calls to your cell phone, landline, or to another Skype account so that you don’t miss any important calls. Remember, Skype-to-Skype call forwarding is free, but it will require Skype credits to use the call forwarding feature to route calls to your cellular phone or landline. To use call forwarding, select “Tools” at the top of the Skype screen in the Menu. Then click “Options”. This brings up a box. Select “Calls” and then choose the option “Call Forwarding”. Now, just enter the number to which you want to forward your calls.

5. Use Skype as a Security Camera

Skype can be used as a security camera if you set it up to always answer incoming calls. It does require two Skype accounts; one to make the call and one to receive the call. Just be sure you use your primary account as the call maker, not the call receiver, because someone else might call that number. Open Skype and position the webcam to point at the area you would like to monitor. To set up automatic answering, select “Tools” and then click on “Options”. Select “Calls” and then choose “Call Settings”. Find the option “Show Advanced Options”, and check the box for “Answer incoming calls automatically”. Then call that Skype account using your primary Skype account to begin monitoring via the webcam.

Also, don’t forget to check out What’s New in Office 2016 for Windows today!

Softonic Editorial Team

Softonic Editorial Team

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