Microsoft is officially retiring Skype on May 5, bringing an end to one of the most iconic video-calling platforms from the early days of the internet. After more than 20 years of service, the company is encouraging users to make the switch to Microsoft Teams (free), which will now take the lead as its primary tool for communication and collaboration.
This change will impact both free and paid Skype users, but not Skype for Business.
Skype users will have the option to move to Microsoft Teams Free, which offers many of the same core features and more. Sign in to Microsoft Teams Free on any supported device using your Skype credentials and your contacts and chats will automatically be transferred. You will also receive a notification in the Skype app prompting you to take action to migrate your data.
“If you don’t want to use Microsoft Teams Free, you can export your Skype data,” the company said in a statement.
Existing calling and Skype Number subscriptions will continue to automatically renew until April 3, 2025. After May 2025, the Skype Dial Pad is available to remaining paid users from the Skype web portal and within Teams Free. To transfer your Skype Number, contact your new carrier or learn more here.
“Additionally, we will no longer offer paid Skype features to new customers, including Skype Credit and subscriptions that allow you to make and receive international and domestic calls,” the company added.
What happens to your Skype data?
When you sign in to Microsoft Teams Free, your Skype app will prompt you to transfer your data.
Microsoft states that this transfer typically takes less than a minute.
However, not all chats will be moved. The following types of messages won’t transfer:
- Conversations between Skype users and Teams work or school accounts
- Chats between Skype and Skype for Business users
- One-on-one chats with yourself
- Private conversations
- Messages from bots or Copilot
Keep in mind, Teams Free doesn’t support bots or Copilot, so their old messages won’t appear either.
Since its debut in 2003, Skype transformed the landscape of video calling, becoming an essential tool for both personal and professional use around the globe. However, its popularity waned as more advanced, business-oriented platforms emerged.
Microsoft’s move to retire Skype signals a shift toward Microsoft Teams, a platform that is more seamlessly integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem and better aligned with the evolving needs of digital communication and collaboration.