Automating Skype with Skype4Py: Useful Scripts and Examples

Skype4Py is a Python wrapper for the Skype Desktop API (Windows/Mac/Linux) that lets you control a Skype client programmatically: send/receive messages, manage calls, access contact and chat info, and respond to events. Note that Skype4Py interfaces with the local Skype application, so the Skype client must be installed and running.

Setup

1. Install Skype and sign in.
2. Install Skype4Py (for older Python versions):
   • pip install Skype4Py
3. Create a Skype client and attach to the running Skype instance:

python
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import Skype4Py 
skype = Skype4Py.Skype()
skype.Attach()

Common usage patterns

• Event-driven automation: register event handlers to react to incoming messages, calls, or status changes.
• Scripting actions: send messages, initiate calls, get contact lists, change status.
• Periodic tasks: poll chats or contacts if needed (less preferred to events).

Useful example scripts

1. Auto-reply bot (simple)

python
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import Skype4Py 
skype = Skype4Py.Skype()

def on_message_status(message, status):
if status == ‘RECEIVED’ and message.Type == ’S’:  # S = chat message
        if ‘hello’ in message.Body.lower():
            skype.SendMessage(message.Chat.Name, “Hi! This is an automated reply.”)

skype.OnMessageStatus = on_messagestatus skype.Attach()
while True:
    pass

python
 ffON2NH02oMAcqyoh2UU MQCbz04ET5EljRmK3YpQ CPXAhl7VTkj2dHDyAYAf” data-copycode=“true” role=“button” aria-label=“Copy Code”>Copy CodeCopied
import Skype4Py, datetime 
skype = Skype4Py.Skype()

def on_message_status(message, status):
    if status == ‘RECEIVED’:
        with open(‘skype_messages.log’, ‘a’, encoding=‘utf-8’) as f:
            f.write(f”{datetime.datetime.utcnow().isoformat()} | {message.FromHandle} | {message.Body}
“)

skype.OnMessageStatus = on_message_status skype.Attach()
while True:
    pass