How to Use Skype over 3G on iPhone

April 1, 2009

If you are looking to use Skype over 3G, look no further. I found several good tutorials online, but many of them were incomplete, so figured I'd write my own tutorial. As you probably know, Skype by default requires WiFi in order to make calls, but we're going to fix that so you can have some nice Skype over 3G action!

First, you will need to jailbreak your phone. So if jailbreaking ain't your game, then move along. Second, there was an issue with MobileSubstrate add-ons causing Skype to crash, so lots of Skype iPhone users have been complaining about Skype crashing problems. It isn't Skype's fault. A new version of Mobile Substrate 0.9.2805-1 fixes the problem allowing Mobile Substrate addons to work nicely with Skype.

The key part of this tutorial is that the VoIPover3G string for Skype is: com.skype.skype must be in lowercase and must be added to the VoIPover3G.plist file located in /Library/MobileSubstrate/DynamicLibraries/. It's worth nothing that known extensions/apps that cause Skype to crash include AdvLock, Hood, mcoolphone, and mobilelog. You can check which MobileSubstrate extensions you have running and installed by looking in this same folder, i.e. /Library/MobileSubstrate/DynamicLibraries/

How to Use Skype Over 3G on your iPhone
Requirements: Jailbreaking, VoIPover3G, OpenSSH or DiskAid, and Mobile Substrate

Note: You do not need to install Intelliscreen to ensure your modified VoIPover3G.plist file works. The latest MobileSubstrate makes sure that VoIPover3G is enabled and working properly. Previously, you needed to install Intelliscreen as a workaround, but no more.

1. Jailbreak via QuickPwn.
2. Open Cydia. Search for and install VoIPover3G. This enables you to truck apps that "require" WiFi to also work over your 3G data connection
3. While in Cydia install OpenSSH which will allow you to transfer files from/to the iPhone.
4. Install the latest Mobile Substrate.
5. After all these apps are installed, you should reboot your iPhone.
6. Next, connect your iPhone to your home WiFi network and get the IP address the iPhone was assigned. Click on Settings>WiFi>circuluar blue arrow
7. Pick either DiskAir (option a) or OpenSSH (option b) to modify the iPhone file.
   a) DiskAid instructions: (a tool for PCs and Macs which enables to use your iPhone or iPod Touch as external Disk.)
       1) Download & install DiskAid
       2) Connect iPhone to PC or Mac using USB cable.
       3) Drag the /Library/MobileSubstrate/DynamicLibraries/VoIPover3G.plist file to your PC or Mac
       4) goto Step 8)
   b) OpenSSH (more advanced, but techies love SSH/SCP.
       1) Download a SSH/SCP program. For PC users I recommend WinSCP.
       2) In WinSCP, make sure to select "SFTP" and enter in this info:
              - Server: your iPhone's IP address
              - Username: root
              - Password: alpine
              - Port: 22
       3) Click on "Connect", which might take a few seconds to connect to your iPhone.
       4) Navigate to: /Library/MobileSubstrate/DynamicLibraries
       5) Continue to next step (8.)
8. Double-click VoIPover3G.plist which will open the file.
9. You will likely see the following text within "VoIPover3G.plist"or something very similar:

Filter = {Bundles = ("com.Fringland.Fring", "com.apple.AppStore", "com.audiofile.Interstate", "com.apple.MobileStore");};

Append "com.skype.skype" to the text (with a comma) which will then look like this:

   Filter = {Bundles = ("com.Fringland.Fring", "com.apple.AppStore", "com.audiofile.Interstate", "com.apple.MobileStore", "com.skype.skype");};

10. Now save the modified file. If using WinSCP, it will automatically upload back to your iPhone. If using DiskAid, just drag-and-drop the file back onto the iPhone overwriting the old one.
11. Uninstall the Skype app & reboot your iPhone.
12. Reinstall the Skype app from the Apple App Store

And now you will be able to make Skype over 3G calls. Enjoy!

I should point out that MobileSubstrate along with VoIPover3G.plist enables you to install appstore apps larger than 10mb over the 3g and you can use other Voice over IP apps such as Fring over 3G. It even allows ustream to work over 3G - another app restricted to WiFi only. Good stuff!