If you don't have a headset, microphone or speakers, you can still use Skype to send and receive instant messages. However, to make and receive calls with Skype, you need either a headset with a microphone, or a microphone and speakers.
Identifying the type of plug on your device
Speakers, microphones and headsets have one of two types of plug: mini jack plugs or a USB plug.
Mini jack plugs
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Look like typical headphone plugs.
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You'll have two plugs which have corresponding ports on your computer.
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Mini jacks come in different styles. They might be color coded with one pink for the microphone and one green for the headset, or have symbols showing a microphone and headphone.
USB plugs
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Look flat and rectangular.
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USB headsets, speakers and microphones only have one plug each.
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Most computers have at least two matching USB ports that are same shape as the plug.
How do I connect my microphone, speakers, or headset?
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Microphone : Insert the pink plug (or the plug with the microphone symbol) into the port on your computer with the matching color or symbol.
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Speakers : Insert the green plug (or the plug with the headphones symbol) into the port on your computer with the matching color or symbol.
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Headset : Insert both plugs into the matching ports on your computer.
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USB headset, microphone, or speakers : Insert the USB plug into any USB port on your computer.
Note: Some wireless sound equipment has a USB transmitter which should be plugged in using the same method. For help pairing a wireless device, try our guide to using a Bluetooth device with Skype .
