Skype: Have a private conversation - how it works

In newer versions of Skype you can have private conversations in which all information is encrypted. How to start a new private conversation and what advantages it brings, you can read in this practical tip.

Skype: Private entertainment begins on the computer

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Skype: How to start a private conversation.

Your contact must accept a request to begin private conversation.

You can start a new private conversation in just a few steps. Make sure you have the latest version of Skype installed.

1. Open Skype. Click the "+ Chat" button above your recent conversations on the left.
2. You can then use the "New private entertainment" option here. Click this button.
3. A small window then opens in which you can select the desired contact or search for a user name.
4. As soon as you have selected the desired contact, the private entertainment window will open for you.
5. However, your contact must first confirm the request. For this he receives a notification which must be confirmed with "Accept".
6. Once your contact has accepted the conversation, your private conversation can begin encrypted.

Skype: Start private conversation on your smartphone

If you prefer to use your smartphone for Skype, you can also start private conversations here. Basically, you proceed here similarly to the computer:

1. Open the Skype app and log in.
2. Tap the pencil icon at the bottom right.
3. Now you have several options to choose from in the "New Chat" window. Tap the lock icon to start a private conversation.
4. Then you have to select a contact with whom you want to chat privately. Use the search if you haven't had any previous conversations with your contact.
5. Again, the person you are speaking to must confirm a request on their device before you can start the conversation.

End and delete a private conversation

When you've finished the conversation and want to end or even delete it, do the following:

1. Tap your contact's name. For group conversations, tap the title of the chat.
2. Choose Chat Settings.
3. You can then end the chat or even delete it here.

Private entertainment: these are the advantages

Private entertainment on Skype offers you several functions that are not available in conventional entertainment. These include the following:

• Your conversation partner must first accept the request. This is how end-to-end encryption is activated and your conversation encrypted.
• For data protection reasons, there is only a limited selection of functions available to you. This means that you cannot forward incoming files or edit messages that have already been sent.
• Likewise, the conversation is not shown in the chat preview. There, only the conversation in normal chat is shown in abbreviated form.
• In general, private entertainment is much safer than standard chat. If you send sensitive data or the like, you should rather use this option.