How to Make Yourself Available to Chat on Skype

Are you ready to chat on Skype? By changing your online status to make yourself available, other Skype users can find you for live chat sessions. If you want to engage in some lively discussions on Skype, just follow these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Headset
• Skype account

Instructions

1. Open Skype. Double-click the "Skype" icon on your desktop. When prompted, log in your username and password.

2. Click "File" on the top left edge of the Skype window.

3. Click "Change Online Status," which will open a list of options.

4. Click "Skype Me." A green checkbox and a smiley face appears next to the option.

5. Read the disclaimer. If this the first time you've chosen "Skype Me" status, it will explain random chat.

6. Once you have read the message, check the "Do Not Ask Me Again" box unless you want to read the disclaimer on your next visit. Click "OK."

7. Wait for random chatters. Once Skype users notice your "Skype Me" status, they will start sending chat requests. Each request comes with an option to accept or decline.

Tips & Warnings

• You can put a "Skype Me" button on your blog or website, too. Visit www.skype.com and click "Skype Buttons" down at the bottom under "Share."

• Registering for Skype is easy and the download is free. Visit www.skype.com and click "Download Now."

• Be patient! It may take awhile for someone to send you a chat request. You might add some contacts while you wait. You're more likely to find someone to chat that way.

• There is no screening process for random chatters, so if being contacted by people you don't know discomforts you, avoid random chat.