What a Skype phone number is and whether you need one

A Skype phone number is a real phone number that routes incoming calls to your Skype account instead of a traditional phone line. When someone calls that number from any phone—mobile, landline, or another Skype account—the call rings through to Skype on your computer, tablet, or phone app. You answer it the same way you would answer any other call.

You need one if you want people to reach you by dialing a regular phone number instead of adding you as a Skype contact. This matters most if you run a small business, work from home and want a professional number, or live in a different country than your family and want them to call you without international rates. If you only use Skype to call out to other people, you do not need a Skype number—you can make those calls with just a Skype account.

Skype numbers are not the same as Skype credit. Credit lets you call phone numbers from Skype; a Skype number lets phone numbers call you through Skype. You can have one, both, or neither depending on what you do.

Key Takeaways

  • A Skype phone number is a real phone number that routes calls into your Skype app, and you pay a monthly or annual subscription to keep it active.
  • The cost varies by country—a US or Canada number costs less than a number in other regions, and you renew the subscription or it stops working.
  • You need Skype credit or a subscription to answer calls on a Skype number; the number itself does not include calling minutes.
  • Skype numbers work on any device where you have Skype installed and are signed in, but you must have an internet connection to receive calls.
  • If you stop paying, the number becomes available for someone else to claim, so you cannot hold a number indefinitely without an active subscription.

How much a Skype phone number costs

Skype charges a monthly or annual subscription for a phone number. The price depends on which country the number is in. A US or Canada number typically costs less than a number in Europe or Asia. Skype's pricing changes periodically, so the exact amount varies—you see the current price when you choose a number during setup.

The subscription covers the right to have that number and receive calls on it. It does not include minutes to make outgoing calls. If you want to call phone numbers from Skype, you buy credit separately or add a calling subscription. Some people use a Skype number only to receive calls and make outgoing calls through a different service.

If you do not renew the subscription when it expires, Skype releases the number back into the pool. You cannot reserve it or put it on hold. If you want that specific number again later, you would have to claim it as a new subscription, and someone else might have taken it in the meantime.

Which devices can receive calls on a Skype number

Any device with Skype installed can receive calls on your Skype number—a Windows or Mac computer, an iPhone, an Android phone, or a tablet. You must be signed into your Skype account and have an active internet connection. The call rings on whichever device you are using at that moment, or on all of them at once if you have Skype open on multiple devices.

You can set Skype to ring only certain devices. If you want calls to go to your phone app during the day and your computer at night, you can configure that in Skype settings. You can also forward calls to a different phone number if you are away from your devices, though that uses Skype credit.

Unlike a cell phone number, a Skype number does not work if your internet goes down. If your broadband is out, calls go to voicemail. This matters if you rely on the number for work—many people keep a backup phone line or cell phone for that reason.

Setting up a Skype phone number

Open Skype on any device, sign into your account, and look for the option to add a phone number. Skype walks you through choosing a country and area code, then shows you available numbers. You pick one, confirm the subscription price, and add a payment method. The number activates when ready.

You can choose the area code if numbers are available in that region. Some people pick an area code where they do business or where family lives, so the number is local to those callers. If you move or change where you work, you can get a new number in a different area code, but you lose the old one unless you keep paying for both subscriptions.

Before you buy, make sure your Skype account is set up the way you want it. Your display name and profile picture show up to people who call you, so update those first if you are using this for business.

Receiving voicemail and managing calls

Calls to your Skype number go to voicemail if you do not answer. Voicemail is included with the subscription. Callers can leave a message, and you receive a notification with a transcript or recording. You can listen to voicemail in Skype or read it.

Skype lets you set call forwarding, block numbers, and create a call screening list. You can forward unanswered calls to another phone number, though that uses credit. You can block specific callers so their calls go straight to voicemail. These settings live in your Skype account, not on individual devices.

If you receive a lot of calls, you can set up a voicemail greeting that plays before the beep. This is useful if you want callers to know they have reached a business or to leave information in a specific format.

Skype numbers for business versus personal use

Many small business owners use Skype numbers because they are cheaper than a traditional business phone line and work from any location. A freelancer, consultant, or home-based business can have a professional number without renting office space. Clients call a real phone number, and the call comes through Skype on a laptop or phone.

For personal use, a Skype number makes sense if you want family or friends in another country to call you without paying international rates. They dial a local number in their country, and the call reaches you through Skype. This is much cheaper than a traditional international calling plan.

The main limitation for both uses is the internet requirement. If your connection drops, you miss calls. Some businesses add a cell phone or second line as backup. For personal use, this is usually not a problem unless you travel to areas with unreliable internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep the same Skype number if I move to a different country?

Yes. Your Skype number stays active as long as you pay the subscription, regardless of where you are. You can move and keep the same number. The area code does not change unless you buy a new number in a different region and let the old one expire.

What happens if I do not renew my Skype number subscription?

The number stops working and Skype releases it for someone else to claim. You cannot put it on hold or reserve it. If you want a number again later, you buy a new subscription, but you may not get the same number back.

Do I need Skype credit to receive calls on my Skype number?

No. The subscription to have the number is separate from credit for making calls. You can receive unlimited calls on a Skype number with just the subscription. You only need credit if you want to call phone numbers from Skype.

Can I use a Skype number on my phone if I do not have WiFi?

Only if you have a mobile data plan. Skype needs an internet connection to work, whether that is WiFi or cellular data. Without either one, calls go to voicemail.

Is a Skype number the same as a phone number I can use for two-factor authentication?

Usually not. Many websites and apps that send verification codes to phone numbers do not accept Skype numbers. Check the service's requirements before you set up a Skype number as your primary contact method for security codes.