Your status setting lets your contacts know if you’re available to have a conversation. A status icon is displayed next to your profile picture.

Your status is set automatically, but you can change it manually any time. Just click the status icon and choose one from the list.

Each of your contacts also has a status next to their name in your contact list, so you know how best to contact them. Anyone with one of these beside them is on Skype so it's free to call.

If you see these symbols  it means your contact is offline, but it's possible to call their phone or mobile with a little Skype Credit or a subscription.

The following table describes the different status icons that you can select for yourself, or that are displayed for your contacts.

Status	Description...
	Online Your contacts will see that you are online and available for a conversation.
	Away Your contacts will see that you are signed in to Skype, but away from your computer. Your contacts can still send instant messages and try to call you. You can set how many minutes the computer must be inactive before the status setting shows as Away. To do this: Go to Skype > Preferences… and select the General tab. Tick Set my status to Away after [x] minutes of inactivity, and enter the number of minutes in the field. By default, your status will show you’re Away after 10 minutes of inactivity.
	Do Not Disturb Your contacts will see that you are online but do not wish to be disturbed. Contacts can still send instant messages and call you, but you won’t be alerted with sound.
	Invisible You will appear offline to all your contacts, but you can still use Skype as usual. It’s a good way to continue using Skype but not be disturbed by instant messages or calls from your contacts.
	Offline You will appear offline to all your contacts, and won’t be able to receive or send instant messages or make or receive calls.
	Contact request pending Appears next to someone if you are waiting for them to accept your contact request. After your friend has accepted your contact request, you can make free calls, video calls and conference calls, and send instant messages.
	Offline with voicemail or forwarding calls Appears next to a contact if they are not available but have set up call forwarding or voicemail. Learn how to set up call forwarding or voicemail.  Calls can be forwarded to a phone or mobile, or even another Skype contact.
	Blocked Appears next to a contact you have blocked.   Learn how to block or unblock contacts.