Skype has shut down: Everything you need to know about deleting your Skype account

Why has Microsoft shut down Skype?

Microsoft shut down Skype on May 5, 2025, to focus on Microsoft Teams, its modern platform for communication and collaboration. The company made this decision to simplify its services and address the need for advanced features such as scheduling meetings, using calendars, and creating and joining communities.

While Skype served millions of users for years, Microsoft Teams has become the preferred service for its enhanced features and expanded functionality for both personal and group communication. The transition from Skype was a natural progression. Microsoft saw it as a logical step forward to focus on a single, modern platform.

On February 28, 2025, Jeff Teper, President of Collaborative Apps and Platforms at Microsoft, announced the transition in a blog post. He stated, “Skype has been an integral part of shaping modern communications and supporting countless meaningful moments, and we are honored to have been part of the journey.”

With this announcement, Microsoft confirmed that Skype would officially retire in May 2025 and encouraged both free and paid Skype users to make the switch to Teams for a more modern communication experience.

What happened to existing Skype accounts?

Microsoft didn’t delete Skype accounts when the platform shut down on May 5, 2025. Instead, it gave Skype users two options: move their accounts to the free version of Microsoft Teams (Microsoft Teams Free), where chats and contacts transfer automatically, or export their data for safekeeping.

Microsoft allows users to export their Skype data until January 2026, after which the company will permanently delete all remaining data. If Skype users don’t take action by then, their accounts and data will be gone forever.

Can you still access old Skype messages, contacts, or files?

You can still access your Skype data, including messages, contacts, and files, but only for a limited time. Microsoft lets you export your information until January 2026. You can also access messages and contacts in Microsoft Teams Free if you log in with your Skype credentials.

However, keep in mind that private conversations, Skype-to-Teams chats, and bot content won’t transfer to Microsoft Teams. If you want to keep everything, you’ll need to export your data first.

How to delete your Skype account

If you want to delete your Skype account and all related data, you’ll need to delete your entire Microsoft account. You can’t delete just your Skype account.

Keep in mind that deleting your Microsoft account also means losing access to services like Outlook, OneDrive, and Xbox. If you’re ready to proceed, follow the steps below.

1. 1.

   Sign in to your Microsoft account. Visit account.microsoft.com and log in with your Microsoft username and password (your Skype credentials should also work).

2. 2.

   Verify your identity. Microsoft may ask you to confirm who you are. Check your email or phone for a security code and enter it.

3. 3.

   Back up your data. Save any important information before you delete your account. This data could include emails, files on OneDrive, and your Skype chats and contacts. Once you delete the account, you won’t be able to recover this data.

4. 4.

   Visit the account closure page. Go to account.live.com/closeaccount. If Microsoft asks you to sign in again, do so.

5. 5.

   Review what you’ll lose. Microsoft will show you a list of platforms tied to your account, including services like Outlook, Skype, and OneDrive.

   
6. 6.

   Choose a waiting period. Select how long you want your account to stay active before Microsoft permanently deletes it. You can choose between 30 or 60 days. If you log back in within this time, you can cancel the closure request and keep the account.

   
7. 7.

   Click “Next.” After reviewing the information and choosing your waiting period, click “Next” to move forward.

   
8. 8.

   Confirm that you fully understand the consequences. Read through the consequences and check the boxes to show that you understand what will happen when you delete your account.

   
9. 9.

   Select a reason for closure. In the dropdown menu, pick the reason why you’re closing your account.

   
10. 10.

    Mark your account for closure. Click “Mark account for closure” to finish the deletion process.

    

Skype alternatives

If you’re looking for Skype alternatives, you have plenty of great options to choose from. Whether you’re connecting with friends, family, or coworkers, these platforms are excellent replacements for Skype:

• Microsoft Teams. This platform works for both personal and professional communication. It lets you chat, make video calls, share files, and organize with calendar tools. Many former Skype users have switched to Teams.
• Zoom. This platform is well-known for its high-quality video calls. Many people use it for virtual events, webinars, and online meetings.
• WhatsApp. A popular choice for messaging and free calls, WhatsApp allows you to send texts, make calls, and share media like photos and videos.
• Google Meet. Google Meet is a solid option for video calls and online meetings, especially if you already use Gmail or Google Calendar to organize your day.

How to uninstall Skype from your devices

If you’ve switched to another app and no longer need Skype, you can uninstall it to free up space on your device. The steps to remove it will vary depending on your device.

How to uninstall Skype on Windows

To uninstall Skype on Windows:

1. 1.Open the “Start” menu and click “Settings.”
2. 2.Click “Apps,” then “Installed apps,” and find Skype in the app list.
3. 3.Select the “⋯” symbol and click “Uninstall.”
4. 4.Confirm your choice to uninstall Skype from your computer.

How to uninstall Skype on macOS

To uninstall Skype on macOS:

1. 1.Open “Finder” and go to the “Applications” folder.
2. 2.Look for Skype in the app list.
3. 3.Drag Skype to the bin.
4. 4.Empty the bin to remove Skype completely.

How to uninstall Skype on Android

To uninstall Skype on Android:

1. 1.Go to your home screen or app drawer.
2. 2.Press and hold the Skype app icon.
3. 3.Tap “Uninstall.”
4. 4.Confirm to delete Skype from your phone.

How to uninstall Skype on iOS (iPhone and iPad)

To uninstall Skype on iOS devices:

1. 1.Locate the Skype app on your home screen.
2. 2.Press and hold the app icon until it starts to jiggle.
3. 3.Tap the “X” or “Remove app” button.
4. 4.Confirm to uninstall Skype from your device.

Keep in mind that removing Skype only uninstalls the app — it doesn’t delete your account or data. If you want to delete your Skype account entirely, follow the steps to close your Microsoft account.

Final thoughts: What to do after Skype is gone

Now that Skype is gone, it’s time to protect your data. Microsoft recommends users to download Microsoft Teams Free and log in with their Skype credentials. Logging in with your Skype credentials will automatically transfer your Skype chats and contacts to Teams and lets you pick up where you left off. 

If Teams isn’t what you need, export your Skype data before January 2026. After that date, Microsoft will permanently delete any remaining data, and you won’t be able to recover it.

But what about the rest of your personal information online? Data brokers collect and sell your details — like your name, address, and phone number — which can end up in Google search results.

A data removal tool like Incogni can handle this problem by sending removal requests to over 250 data brokers. It also ensures your information doesn’t reappear, giving you peace of mind as you clean up your digital footprint.

Whether you move to Teams, back up your Skype data, or let Incogni help protect your personal information, now is the time to take action. Don’t wait to make sure your data stays safe and secure.