How to Record Skype Video Calls

Updated 8 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Recording a Skype video call can preserve a meeting, interview, or conversation so you can review it later. Skype has a built-in recording feature for calls; make sure everyone knows recording is starting, and check that you have enough storage and a reliable connection before the call.

What You’ll Need

Skype installed and signed in on a supported device, with the app updated if possible.
A Skype call with the people you want to record.
A stable internet connection and enough free storage for the recording.
Agreement from the other participants to record. Recording rules differ by location and situation, so check any requirements that apply to you.

Step-by-Step

Tell participants before recording. Explain why you are recording and how you plan to use or share the file. Wait for their agreement before starting. Skype notifies participants when its call-recording feature is used, but that notice is not a substitute for asking first.
Start or join the call. Open Skype, select the person or group, and choose the video-call button. Check that your camera and microphone are working. If you only need to preserve what is said, you can turn off your own camera, but the recording will reflect the call as it appears.
Open the call controls. During the call, select the three-dot More options button. Choose Start recording. The wording or location of controls may vary slightly between Skype versions and devices.
Confirm recording has started. Look for Skype’s recording indicator or notification in the call. Tell participants that the recording is underway. If you do not see a confirmation, reopen the call controls and check rather than assuming the call is being saved.
Conduct the call as usual. Keep the call open while recording. Avoid ending the call or closing Skype until you are ready to stop. If the connection drops, check the call and recording status when you reconnect; do not assume the missing portion was captured.
Stop when finished. Select Stop recording from the call controls, if available. Ending the call also stops the recording and triggers its processing. Wait for the recording to appear in the call chat before navigating away.
Find and save the recording. Open the relevant chat and locate the recording in the conversation. Skype call recordings are generally shared in the chat and available there for a limited period, commonly 30 days. Select the recording’s download or save option to keep a copy on your device; the exact label and destination depend on your app and operating system.
Check the saved file. Open it and confirm that the video, audio, and complete section you need are present. Rename it clearly and move it to an appropriate folder or approved storage location. If you plan to share it, confirm that participants are comfortable with the intended audience.

Common Mistakes

Starting without asking. A built-in notification does not necessarily meet your obligations or respect participants’ expectations. Ask before recording and explain how the file will be handled.
Assuming the recording is permanent in Skype. A recording displayed in a chat may only remain available there temporarily. Download it promptly if you need to retain it.
Leaving before it finishes processing. The recording may take time to appear after the call. Wait for it in the chat and check that it plays before closing the app.
Forgetting the microphone or camera setup. A recording cannot restore audio or video that was not captured properly. Check device permissions, selected devices, and sound before important calls.
Expecting a separate file for each person. Skype’s built-in feature records the call as a shared call recording; it is not a set of isolated camera and microphone tracks for later editing.

Tips

For an important call, make a short test call first and check that you can start, find, and play a recording.
Use headphones where practical to reduce echo, and ask participants to speak one at a time when the connection or audio is poor.
Close unnecessary apps and check free storage before a long call. Keep the device powered or connected to power.
Choose a descriptive filename after downloading, such as the meeting topic and date, while avoiding sensitive details in the filename.
Store the file somewhere with access controls appropriate to its contents. Delete copies you no longer need, including duplicates in downloads or shared folders.

Troubleshooting

There is no Start recording option: Check that you are in an active Skype call and open More options in the call window. Update or restart Skype, then try again. If the option is still absent, the feature may not be available in your app, device, or current call; do not assume a third-party recorder is permitted or appropriate.
The recording does not appear in the chat: Allow time for processing, then check the call’s chat and restart Skype or refresh the conversation. Verify you are viewing the chat associated with that call and that you have an internet connection. If it remains missing, check Skype’s current help resources; an unsaved recording may not be recoverable.
The downloaded video will not open: Download it again from the chat, check that the download completed, and try a media player that supports the file format. Confirm that the device has enough storage and that the file is not unusually small or incomplete.
Audio or video is missing: Check whether the participant’s microphone or camera was working during the call and whether the correct devices and permissions were selected. Make a short test recording after changing settings. Missing input may not be repairable in the saved file.
The call disconnects or recording stops: Rejoin if possible and check the chat for any recording segment that was saved. Improve the connection, close bandwidth-heavy apps, and record separate sessions if a long call is unreliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record a Skype call without telling the other person?
Skype may show participants a recording notification, but you should tell them and obtain agreement before recording. Check the rules that apply to your situation and location.

Where does Skype save call recordings?
The recording appears in the call’s chat. Use the recording’s download or save control to keep a copy on your device; the precise location depends on your device and settings.

How long are Skype recordings available?
Skype recordings are generally available in chat for a limited time, commonly 30 days. Download a copy promptly if you need it beyond that period.

Can I record a Skype call on a phone?
Availability and control placement can differ by app and device. During a call, check More options for Start recording; if it is not there, update the app or use a supported device.

Does Skype record a call automatically?
No. You normally need to start recording from the call controls. Look for the recording indicator to verify it has begun.

Can I edit or share the recording?
After downloading, you can use compatible editing or sharing tools. Before distributing it, consider participants’ agreement, the sensitivity of the content, and who will be able to access the file.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.