”Skype is software that enables the world's conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice one-to-one and group calls , send instant messages and share files with other people on Skype. You can use Skype on whatever works best for you – on your mobile , computer or tablet." (What is Skype?)

These days, only a few people might be using Skype on the daily. However, Skype can be a convenient communication tool for online lessons, as it allows you to keep your lesson notes!

If you want to use Skype on your computer, you need to download the software and create an account. See official guide here : How do I get started with Skype?

If you want to use Skype on your smartphone or tablet, you need to download the Skype application and create an account. Check the latest version here : What's New in Skype on Mobile?

There are actually three different types of Skype applications. Cafetalk recommends the software/application format!

1. Software/Application (recommended) : Need to download and create a Skype account
2. Browser: No need to download, but Skype account is required
3. Skype Meet Now: No need to download or create an account.

Cafetalk recommends the most user-friendly "Software/Application" format and provides support based on this format.

Once you are more familiar with Skype, you can use the simplified “Browser” format which has most of the same features.

Alternatively, although you might not be able to use some functions, if you are having trouble signing in to your Skype account, you may be able to use the “Meet Now” format (which is similar to Zoom, where users issue a Meeting link and share it with the other party).

*Tutors also provide lessons assuming that students are using the "Software/Application" format of Skype.

Unless there are special circumstances, prepare Skype in the Software/Application Type!

Once you are connected with your tutor via Skype, you will be able to keep a record of the messages you sent each other.
If your tutor leaves a lot of notes during the lesson, it is very convenient to be able to go back to them later.

Although Zoom also allows the host (the tutor, in the case of Cafetalk lessons) to save the chat record, if the host’s setting is not set to save the record, the chat history will be lost.

When you create a new Skype account, you can opt to register your city, town (address), date of birth, and gender, but this information will be displayed to other users on Skype.

If you are using your Skype account to take online lessons on Cafetalk, we recommend that you do not register any information that is not necessary for taking lessons.

Incidentally, the official Cafetalk Skype account does not contain any unnecessary information either!

For your information, the “Skype Name” shown in the image above (Skype > Settings > Your Profile) is what you need to set in your Cafetalk account settings. If you mistakenly register your “name” (nickname) as your “Skype Name”, our tutors may not be able to contact you.

Before your very first lesson, you can opt to do a test call with our staff via Skype. Once you are able to check your audio and video settings beforehand, you might be able to take your lesson with confidence!

If you would like to do a test call with us, please contact us through our chat system on the bottom right corner of the website.

Are you having trouble signing in to Skype?Is it taking forever to load when you're trying to make a call? Please contact us via chat.

We may not be able to offer immediate assistance if we are overwhelmed with inquiries or if our staff members are temporarily unavailable. In this case, please follow the instructions below;

1. Use the comments section of the request page to let the tutor know that there is a problem with Skype and that you may be a little late.
2. Select the “Host a meeting” in the upper right corner of Skype’s official website to create a meeting link and send it to your tutor.

We recommend that you remove tutor contacts from your Skype account if you do not plan on taking lessons with them in the future. Although rare, there have been reports of viruses infecting Skype contacts and random advertising links being sent from infected accounts. Reduce your risk by deleting contacts you don't need.

I can't find my tutor's Skype account.

You could have accidentally blocked the tutor’s contact. In this case, please check your tutor’s Skype account from your Skype Settings > Contacts > Blocked Contacts list. Once you unblock them, you will be able to contact them.

My Skype won't finish loading and I can't make a call.

Your internet speed may be noticeably slow or the processing speed of your device (computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.) may be temporarily down.

We apologize for the inconvenience, but if it is difficult to restore your Internet connection to the speed necessary for a Skype call, you may have to cancel your lesson. Please note that in this case, the tutor may charge you a cancellation fee according to their cancellation policy.

My tutors says that my video isn't working

You may have disabled the camera or microphone settings for the Skype software or application on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet).There are different ways to check these settings depending on the device you are using, so please search online using words such as “Windows, Skype, camera permission” to find the instructions.