Topics Map > Communication and Collaboration > Lync / Skype for Business

Skype for Business, Joining a meeting

On this page, you can learn how to join a Skype for Business meeting using Skype for Business, the Skype for Business Web App, or a telephone.

Most of the time, joining a Skype for Business meeting is as simple as clicking the meeting link. You can join from anywhere, such as an airport, a coffee shop, your hotel, or your mobile device when you’re on the road.

Join with Skype for Business

In your meeting request, click Join Skype Meeting
Tip: The Meetings button in the Skype for Business client lets you quickly check your upcoming meetings for the day, without having to go to your calendar. You can even join a Skype Meeting right from the Meetings tab, if the meeting was set up by an organizer on the campus network.
Your microphone is automatically muted. To unmute your microphone, find the button that looks like a microphone and click it. When it looks like this , people in the meeting can hear you.
If you need to switch to a different audio device, click the Call Controls button , then click Devices.

NOTE: In order to make full use of Skype for Business at Illinois' various services, you must use a device certified for Skype for Business. For recommendations, see Teams VoIP, Supported Devices and Equipment .

WARNING: If you choose a device that is NOT on the Equipment for UC at Illinois list, it may violate campus policy. All campus-owned computing equipment bought after January 1, 2012 that will be used to make phone calls must be able to support 9-1-1 services as provided by the campus VoIP solution.
The Switch Devices box shows your available audio devices, with the current one selected. Choose a different one if you'd like.

Note: If you decide to call in to a meeting and are using the Skype for Business client on your computer instead of using the Join Meeting function, call the local number that matches the area code of your Skype for Business account. There is no need to use the toll-free number when using the Skype for Business client, even if you are traveling.

Join with the Web App

Skype for Business Web App is an alternative way to join the meeting if you don’t have Skype for Business installed. Clicking on the Join Skype Meeting link opens the Web App automatically in your browser to connect you to the meeting.

As of April 2017, the Web App does not work with Firefox versions 52.x and above because plug-in support has been disabled in that browser. The solution is to use another browser such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, Edge on Windows 10; or to install the 32-bit version of the Firefox Extended Support Release (ESR).

Join with a Mobile Phone using Skype for Business Mobile Client

If you are on the road and have an Android or iOS phone, you can use the Skype for Business mobile client to make calls or join meetings using WiFi or your cellular data plan. See Skype for Business, WiFi Compatible Phones for information about installing the Skype for Business mobile client.

Note: If you decide to call in to a meeting and are using the Skype for Business client on your mobile phone instead of using the Join Meeting function, call the local number that matches the area code of your Skype for Business account. There is no need to use the toll-free number when using the Skype for Business client, even if you are traveling.

Join with phone only

If you don’t have access to a computer or mobile client, you can just call into the meeting with a regular phone. Make sure you note the call-in numbers and Conference ID from the meeting request before the meeting.

Call-in numbers are available in the 217, 312, and 888 area codes. Please call the area code that matches your phone number to minimize long distance charges to both you and the University. Area code 217 phones should call the 217 area code conference number. If you have a phone in the 312 area code or another area code for which 312 is not long distance, use the 312 area code conference number. If calling from a phone that is not in a central Illinois or Chicago area code, use the 888 toll-free number.

When you call in from a non-Skype for Business phone, you’ll be prompted and will need to enter your UC PIN. If you have forgotten your UC Lync PIN, you will need to set a new one. For directions on setting your PIN, see: [Link for document 34165 is unavailable at this time]

What'd they say?

Audio quality depends on the network and the device you use. Use a wired network connection and switch off wireless on your computer. If you have to use wireless connection, make sure you have a strong signal. Also use a high quality headset for better audio.

NOTE: In order to make full use of Skype for Business at Illinois' various services, you must use a device certified for Skype for Business. For recommendations, see Teams VoIP, Supported Devices and Equipment .

WARNING: If you choose a device that is NOT on the Equipment for UC at Illinois list, it may violate campus policy. All campus-owned computing equipment bought after January 1, 2012 that will be used to make phone calls must be able to support 9-1-1 services as provided by the campus VoIP solution.