How to search for files in Skype

When you download files from an app like Skype, you can expect to find them in the "Downloads" folder just like you do with any other downloaded files. However, downloading and finding files like photos, videos, and documents can be a little trickier when using Skype. Users may often not understand where some files transferred via Skype end up. It may even appear that the files are hidden, lost, or may not have been downloaded at all.

However, don't give up looking for your files just yet. In this article, we will tell you how to easily find any file downloaded from Skype.

How to Find All Files in Skype on Windows PC

First sign in to your Skype account to see all the files you have shared and received using the program. Then, under the Chat or Group header, click the Gallery button to view the chat in which you shared or received an image, video, or other files.

In the right pane, you can now view all the files you exchanged in the chat. Choose the ones you want to download.

Finding the files after they are downloaded is the tricky part. With the most recent updates, Skype no longer prompts the user to save a file to the desired location, but automatically saves all files to a specially designated folder. It may be difficult to locate this folder in order to move files from it to another directory in order to be able to open them with an application other than the default one.

The steps to find downloaded files are:

1. Open File Explorer.
   
2. Search for "%appdata%" and press "Enter".
   
3. Open the Skype folder.
   
4. Look for "files received by Skype".
   

Here you will find all the files you have received via Skype.

You can also access this folder immediately after manually downloading a file from Skype. When you get a file via Skype, right-click and choose "Show in Folder" from the pop-up menu.

This approach has some drawbacks. First, you can only use it for a limited time after receiving a file. Second, when receiving photos, Skype will allow you to launch a standard file viewer for Windows, but not the ability to view the file in the folder.

How to Find All Files in Skype on a Mac

The steps to find your files in Skype on a Mac aren't much different than on a Windows PC. Follow these steps:

1. During a chat, click the Gallery button in the Chat or Group header at the top.
   
2. You can browse the Gallery to locate photos, files, or links that have been posted.
   Tip: To filter gallery results, click the down arrow at the top and choose All, Media, Links, or Files from the drop-down menu.
   
3. Choose the one you want to open or download.
   After downloading, the files will usually appear in "/Users//Library/Caches/com.skype.skype/fsCachedData".

How to Find All Files in Skype on iPhone App

Using a phone to access Skype may be more convenient for some users. To find files on the Skype iPhone app, follow these steps:

1. Launch the app.
   
2. Open a chat or group chat.
   
3. Tap "View Profile" or "Manage Group."
   
4. Scroll down until you find "Chat Gallery" or "Group Gallery".
   
5. Open the file you want.
   

You can only save photos from the iPhone app. The photos will appear in your phone's gallery.

How to Find All Files in Skype on Android Phone

You can find your files in the Skype app on your Android phone the same way you find on an iPhone. The steps are as follows:

1. Start the app.
   
2. Open a chat window or group chat window.
   
3. Select "View Profile" or "Manage Group".
   
4. Find "Chat Gallery" or "Group Gallery" by scrolling down.
   
5. Open the desired file.
   

As with the iPhone app, you can only save photos to your phone. Photos are available in the Gallery.

Additional FAQs

Can I change where my files are downloaded from?

Yes, you can change the folder where the files will be downloaded to your desktop. You can do this by following these steps:

1. Click on your profile icon.

2. Scroll down and click on “Settings”.

3. Choose “Messaging” then “Change directory” just next to the “When I receive a file…” tab.

4. Select the folder.

5. Click "Open" to save changes.

Can I download files automatically?

Yes you can. Open Skype, click on your profile picture, then go to "Settings" and select "Messaging" to accept receiving files automatically. The “Automatically download photos” and “Automatically download files” tabs must be checked. The changes will be applied automatically once you close the Settings menu.

How can I find older photos?

The Gallery is a great place to find photos from a Skype conversation over the last six months. However, there may be times when you need to search for images that were shared or received more than six months ago in the chat. Here are some options for finding older photos:

1. You can scroll your chat to find the photo.

2. Have you saved the image to your favourites? Look in your SkypeBookmark to find the photo.

3. Did you download the image to your device? If so, you can find it in the folder where it was downloaded.

Know where to look

Although it can be confusing to find files you sent or received via Skype, the challenge can be overcome in a few steps. Keep in mind that the steps may vary depending on the version of Skype you are using as well as the operating system and device. However, the general concept remains the same.

Do you use Skype to send files? Have you ever had trouble finding files transferred via Skype? Let us know in the comment section below!