How to Search Files in Skype

When downloading files from an app like Skype you might expect to find them in the “Downloads” folder as you do with all other downloaded files. However, downloading and finding files like photos, videos and documents can be a little trickier when using Skype. Users can often get confused about where certain files that were transferred through Skype end up. It may even seem like the files are hidden, lost, or may not have been downloaded at all.

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

How to Find All Files in Skype on a Windows PC

Sign into your Skype account first to see all the files you’ve shared and received using the program. Then, beneath the Chat or Group header, click the Gallery button to view the chat where 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’ve been downloaded is the tricky part. With the most recent updates, Skype no longer prompts the user to save a file in a desired location but instead automatically saves all files to a specially designated folder. It can be difficult to locate this folder in order to move files from it to another directory so you can open them with an application other than the one set by default.

The steps to find the downloaded files are:

1. Open File Explorer.
   
2. Search for “%appdata%” and press “Enter.”
   
3. Open the Skype folder.
   
4. Find the “My Skype Received Files.”
   

Here you will find all the files that you’ve received through Skype.

Another way you can access this folder is immediately after manually downloading a file from Skype. When you get a file through Skype, right-click the mouse and choose “Show in folder” from the pop-up menu.

This approach has a few drawbacks. First, you can only use it for a limited period after receiving a file. Second, when receiving photos, Skype will enable you to launch a regular file viewer for Windows, but not the ability to see the file in the folder.

How to Find All Files in Skype on a Mac

The steps to finding your files in Skype on a Mac are not too dissimilar from finding them on a Windows PC. Follow these steps:

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

How to Find All Files in Skype on the iPhone App

Using a phone to access Skype can 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 on “View Profile” or “Manage Group.”
   
4. Scroll 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 an Android Phone

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

1. Start the app.
   
2. Open a chat window or a 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. The photos can be found in the Gallery.

Additional FAQs

Can I Change Where My Files Will Be Downloaded?

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 and click on “Settings.”

3. Choose “Messaging” and then “Change Directory” right next to the “When I receive a file…” tab.

4. Select the folder.

5. Click “Open” to save the changes.

Can I Download Files Automatically?

Yes, you can. Open Skype, click on your profile image, then go to “Settings” and select “Messaging” to accept receiving files automatically. The “Auto-download photos” and “Auto-download files” tabs should 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 look for photographs from a Skype conversation over the previous six months. However, there may be an occasion you need to search images that were shared or received more than six months ago in the chat. Here are a few options for finding older photos:

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

2. Did you save the image to your favorites? Look in your SkypeBookmark to find the photo.

3. Have you downloaded the image to your device? If you have, then you can find it in the folder where it was downloaded.

Know Where to Look

Although it can be confusing searching files that you’ve sent or received over Skype, the challenge can be overcome in these few steps. Keep in mind that the steps may vary depending on the Skype version you’re using as well as the operating system and device. However, the general concept stays the same.

Do you use Skype for sending files? Have you ever experienced any trouble finding files transferred over Skype? Let us know in the comment section below!