How to install Skype on iPhone 3G 4.2.1

This video will show you how to install Skype on iPhone 3G 4.2.1. Your iDevice needs to be Jailbroken before you attempt this video. See the links below for help on that.
NOTE: Skype no longer supports iOS 4.
https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA34493/is-skype-for-ios-being-discontinued-on-ios-4-and-below 

How to Backup
How to backup your iPhone click here.
How to Restore
How to Restore your iPhone click here.
How to Jailbreak
How to Jailbreak your iPhone here.
Where can I download the Skype App?
You can download the Skype App and other Apps under the Apps section of this website. However the direct link for the Skype App is here.

58 thoughts on “How to install Skype on iPhone 3G 4.2.1

  1. I have watched your vid on installing skype on iphone 3 ,
    but where can I get a download of skype
    as I cant find the link on your page .
    thanks Jim

      • Hi Matt ,
        thanks for the help ,
        I have downloaded skype but it went to itunes , how do i send it to i fun box ,
        im running win xp +firefox .
        also are there any concerns from jailbreaking iphone , (the link to jailbreak vid on your site goes to the “restore” page)
        Jim

        • HI Jim
          Follow this one.
          First do a back of your data. Video here.
          Then I usually do a restore just to clear the cobwebs out of the phone. But you don’t have to do this.
          Then Jailbreak it, video here.
          T

          Then install Skype or other apps here.

          Cheers
          Matt

          PS if you use the search function on the top of the page its pretty good at bringing up the videos you need.

  2. i I have watched your vid on installing skype on iphone 3 but i got this error on my iphone 3g 4.2.1
    Package: C:\Documents and Settings\ER021\Desktop\Skype v3.7.ipa
    iFunBox App install: Failed (-402620415)
    Minimum iOS Version Required: iOS 4.0

  3. Hello.
    I’ve tried it, downloaded the skype for iphone 3G, the link under the app page info.
    While installing iFunbox i receive an error “icudt.dll – error occurred while trying to copy a file:The source file is corrupted.” I can ignore it, done it and then when i try to install the skype app on iFunbox i get 1 failed “Failed (-402620415)”

    • Hi John
      Are you using the Skype 3G version on the Skype page ?
      You can find it here.
      You need to use the one where it says “If you would like to install Skype on an older version of iPhone 3G then click here to download Skype v3.7.”

      Let me know if that’s not working for you.
      Cheers
      Matt

  4. Hello Matt,
    I’ve downloaded iTools, updated it to the latest version 2013, went to applications, added the skype version 3.7.0.40 the one for 3G 4.2.1 and i get this ” Install failed: Verification failed as the authority is invalid.”
    p.s sorry for the 1st post, i accidentally hit Enter.
    Regards,
    John

  5. Hello Matt, from sunny SoCal,

    Thanks for your informative videos. Skype will extend the life of my iPhone 3G as I had considered simply recycling it, given that most apps require a later version than 4.2.1. Note that the hyperlink “How to Jailbreak your iPhone click here.” actually links to your video about restoring one’s iOS devices. Happy Holidays.

      • Hi again, Matt,

        Was the version of Skype that you make available for download the last version that Skype published for iOS 4.2.1? I experienced an error when installing Skype with iFunBox, but found AppSync using an alternative Cydia repository and it now works as expected. Thanks again.

        • HI Andy P. Bender
          There are two versions on the Skype page under Apps. One is V3.7 which is an older version that works on the iPhone 3G. And the other is 4.12 Which works on later versions of iPhone.

          PS. You can find How to install Facebook app here. And there are other videos as well have a search on the site.

          Cheers
          Matt

  6. Hi! Great instruction video, very clear, and you seem competent and trustworthy.

    I am using an iPhone 3GS (someone else’s old one), and I really like it and want to keep it, but I am frustrated about not being able to add Skype (and other apps I may want like Instagram) because they aren’t offering a compatible version anymore. Really despise forced obsolescence in general. Don’t care about video, I just want to be able to chat / communicate quickly and effectively with a few select friends / family abroad.

    But I also don’t like tinkering any more than is absolutely, critically necessary, and the idea of jailbreaking makes me uncomfortable. Can’t afford to replace this phone if it gets mucked up, either, so not willing to take chances because of that as well.

    So, is there no way to add a version of Skype that will let me connect to my account and use the chat function without jailbreaking? After all, it’s the correct, compatible version of Skype – shouldn’t it just work? Could you help explain why it needs to be jailbroken? Can you suggest any non-jailbreaking solutions?

  7. Matt your are the sweetest. But I have problems 🙁

    I have iPhone 3g iOS 4.2.1, Modem firmware 0.5.15.04. Did the whole Cydia worked fine, and iFun. But when I do the “install app” from iFun I get “Error #e8008001” for skype (also tried it for Whatsapp and get “Error #e800007e”).

    HELP!

  8. Hi Jim,

    Help me pls, I cant download skype on my 3g, I got 4.2.1 already but when I download the 3g version skype it always gives me an error iFunBox App install: Failed (-402620415). I also tried other applications but its the same.

  9. Bonjour,
    J’ai un iphone 3g , 16go version 4.2.1.
    Facebook ne s’affiche pas correctement,Skype ne peut pas se télécharger (j’ai essayé toutes les versions).
    Pourquoi ?
    Que faire?

  10. After successful installation, and I start the Skype app, I am told, “This version of Skype only works on an unmodified iPhone.” Then, when I try to login anyway, I am told “Can’t connect to Skype. Please check your network settings and try again.”

    • HI Skipper
      Make sure you have app sync installed for 4.2.1.
      Also the Skype back end may have been changed just recently so that it may not work at all now.
      Cheers
      Matt

      • I have the same issue as Gaston. I get the message “Can’t connect to Skype. Please check your network settings and try again”.

        So you mean that it won´t work any more? 🙁

        Appreciate your answer.

        Thanks!

  11. I have the same issue as Skipper. I get “Can’t connect to Skype. Please check your network settings and try again.”

    So you mean that this version won´t work any more?

    Thanks for your reply!

  12. This is the message that keeps showing up : “disclaimer: i-Funbox involve the official app installation API on iDevice. All installed Apps work only within their own sandbox, which is safe and quarantined from the iOS kernel. To install unsigned/unofficial/modified ipa package, install AppSync from Cydia first. However, we presume those apps are legitimately purchased by yourself, or developed by you. Please appreciate developer’s efforts, stop installing cracked apps.” how can I fix this
    PS: i got past the other problem

  13. Hello Sir , I Downloaded Skype For Iphone 3G , Firemware 4.2.1
    And I Isntalled But It’s Doesn’t Works I Don’t Know Why ,
    – Skype Can’t Connect to Internet –
    And I Have a iNTERNET its Works .

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