Skype is retiring in May 2025: What you need to know

As of May 5th, 2025, Skype is retired. This change will impact both free and paid Skype users, but not Skype for Business. For information about Skype for Business, go to Download and install Skype for Business on Windows.

Skype users can 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.

Existing calling and Skype Number subscriptions will continue to automatically renew until April 3, 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.
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Updates to Skype chat and call history in Teams Free

1. Why are you making this change?
    This change reflects our commitment to users actively getting value from Teams Free, while also reducing the continued retention of older, inactive Skype data that may no longer reflect current usage or needs.  

2. Which users will still see their Skype history in Teams Free?
   If you were an active Skype user between December 2024 and February 2025 that then moved to, and used, Teams Free prior to December 1, 2025, your Skype chat and call history will remain accessible through Teams Free. 

3. How can I confirm if I was an active user during this time?
   Users can check past Skype and Teams activity through the Teams Free app.

4. What if I don’t meet the criteria but want to keep a copy of my Skype history?
   If you wish to retain a copy of your Skype history, you can export your data using the Skype export portal. We recommend submitting the export request as soon as possible before data deletion begins on April 1, 2026. Note large files and/or history spanning a long timeframe may take up to 30 days to export.  

5. When do I need to export my data by?

   We recommend submitting the export request as soon as possible before data deletion begins on April 1, 2026. Note large files and/or history spanning a long timeframe may take up to 30 days to export.   

6. How long does it take to export or delete my data?
   Export speed of your data depends on how large your history and media files are. If you have a large file with long history, it might take up to 30 days. You will need to check back periodically to the export page on the status of your export, which you can see at the top of the page under Available Exports. A link to download your files will appear there when they are available to download. 
   Deletion is executed immediately after the request is made. Once initiated, this action is irreversible. 

7. Will I be able to export Skype data after April 1, 2026?
   Users will be able to request a copy of their Skype history using the export portal until June 15, 2026, but it may not reflect your full history after April 1, 2026. 

8. What happens if I don't do anything?
   If you were an active Skype user between December 2024 and February 2025 that then moved to, and used, Teams Free prior to December 1, 2025, your Skype chat and call history will remain accessible through Teams Free. If you were not active in Skype and Teams Free during this time, your data will be completely deleted after June 15th 2026. 

Transitioning to Microsoft Teams Free

1. What happens to my existing Skype account? / Will I need to create a new account for Teams Free, or can I log in directly with my Skype credentials?
   You can log in to Teams Free with your existing Skype account and your chats and contacts will be automatically available for you. There is no requirement to create a new Teams Free account.

2. What about my chat history and contacts?
   Your chats and contacts will automatically transfer to Teams Free when you log in with your Skype credentials.

3. What data doesn’t migrate to Teams Free?

   • Chats between Skype users and Teams work or school accounts will not be migrated. Users can use Teams Free to start a new conversation with Teams work or school users and enjoy even more functionality.
   • Skype to Skype for Business chat history will not be migrated. 
   • 1:1 chat with self history will not be migrated.
   • Private conversations data will not be migrated. 
   • Copilot and bots content will not be supported in Teams Free and no chat history will be available.

4. How long will the transition process take?
   The syncing of your data from Skype to Teams Free should take less than a minute.

5. When will my data be deleted?

   Your Skype data will be available until January 2026 for you to export or delete. If you log in to Microsoft Teams Free by then, your Skype call and chat history will be available to you. If you take no action, your Skype data will be deleted January 2026. 

6. What happens to existing Skype meet now and chat invite links?
   If you accessed chat and meeting invite links outside of Skype, you'll be redirected to the same chat conversation in Teams, where you can continue your conversations.  

Changes to Skype paid services

1. Can I purchase products from Skype?
   As of today, new purchases for Skype Subscriptions, Skype Numbers and Skype Credit are no longer available.

2. What happens with Skype Manager credit balance?
   Existing Skype Manager admins will continue to be able to purchase and renew Skype paid products, including credit automatic top-up until April 3, 2025. After April 3, 2025, you will be able to allocate existing Skype Manager credit balance to group members and use it for calling.

3. Where can I access the Skype Dial Pad?
   The Skype Dial Pad is available to existing paid users from the Skype web portal and within Teams Free, where you can continue to use your subscription or Skype Credits. Download Teams on your device from the official Microsoft Teams website and log in with your Skype credentials to see the Skype Dial Pad.

4. What happens to my calling and Skype Number subscriptions
   Existing calling and Skype Number subscriptions will continue to automatically renew until April 3, 2025 and will then remain active until the end of your active subscription period. The Skype Dial Pad is available to remaining paid users from the Skype web portal and within Teams Free.

5. Can I use my Skype credit?
   Skype Credits can be used for calling. Automatic top up services are no longer be available. The Skype Dial Pad is available to remaining paid users from the Skype web portal and within Teams Free, where you will continue to be able to use your subscription or Skype Credits.

6. Will I still be able to receive calls to my Skype Number?
   Yes, you will be able to receive phone calls to your Skype Number for the remainder of your existing subscription, both on the Skype web portal and from within Teams Free. If you’re operating from the Skype web portal, you’ll need to have your browser open in order to be alerted of an incoming call. If you choose to use the Skype Dial Pad from the Teams Free mobile and desktop apps, you’ll receive push notifications for all incoming calls, just like you did from the Skype app.

7. How do I transfer my Skype Number?

   To transfer or port your Skype Number to a new carrier, please reach out to your new carrier directly to start the porting process.

8. What else is changing?
   The following services are no longer available starting May 5, 2025: SMS, Call forwarding, Voicemail, Skype Credit gifting, and Caller ID setup.

9. What happens with my current Caller ID setup?
   Your current caller ID setup will be shut down on Feb 15th 2026. We will delete any number connected to caller ID and your account. You can manage it until this date in Skype Dial Pad.

10. Will Teams Free offer paid calling options?
    Microsoft Teams does not support paid calling plans on the free version of Teams, but small businesses can consider the Teams Essentials offering, which can be paired with Microsoft Teams Phone, a cloud-based call control solution. You can also use Teams Free to access your Skype active paid telephony services.

11. How can I access my billing info?
    You can find your billing information here.

Changes to Skype Subscriptions extending 1 May, 2026

1. When will this change take effect?
   End of Skype subscription service is set for May 1, 2026.  
2. How does this impact me if I have multiple subscriptions on my account?
   If you have multiple Skype subscriptions on your account, any subscriptions that extend beyond May 1, 2026 will be cancelled and converted into Skype Credit. If you are a Skype Manager account admin with subscriptions that extend beyond May 1, 2026, please reach out to customer support for assistance.
3. What if I don't want Skype Credit?
   After May 1, 2026, if you have remaining subscriptions which have been cancelled, you are eligible for a refund. Please contact Skype customer support, and they will assist you with a refund instead of keeping Skype Credit for your cancelled subscription(s).

Termination of Skype Number service - Sweden

1. Why are my Swedish numbers being terminated?
   We are discontinuing Swedish number services due to regulatory changes. This decision ensures compliance and aligns with our updated product strategy. 
2. Can I keep my number by moving to another provider?
   Yes. You can port out your Swedish number to another provider. Contact your new provider as soon as possible to initiate the porting process. Instructions for porting are available here.
3. When will the termination take effect?
   The termination is scheduled for December 31, 2025. Please complete any necessary actions before this date to avoid service disruption.  
4. What happens if I do nothing?
   If you do not port out your number before the termination date, your number will be deactivated, and you will lose access to associated services.   
5. Am I eligible for compensation?
   Customers may be eligible for compensation in certain cases. If you believe you qualify, please contact Customer Support. Compensation options include refunds or vouchers for other Microsoft services when refunds are no longer feasible. 
6. How do I request compensation?
   Reach out to our Customer Support team with your account details and impacted number(s). They will review your case and guide you through the process.   

End of support for 60-minute Skype Calls in Microsoft 365 subscriptions

1. Why is Microsoft removing the 60 minutes of Skype calls feature in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions?
   Aligned with changes to our consumer communications offerings announced in March 2025, Skype minutes will be removed from Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family subscription benefits beginning March 2026.  
2. When is this benefit going away?
   The 60 minutes of Skype calls feature will be removed from Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family subscriptions starting March 2026.  
3. Do I need to take any action?
   No action is needed. The 60 minutes of Skype calls will be removed automatically from paid Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plan benefits starting March 2026. 
4. How do I use my 60 minutes of Skype benefit from now until March 2026?
   The Skype Dial Pad is available to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers from the Skype web portal and within Teams Free. Subscribers can continue to use their Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscription or Skype Credits.
   Download the latest version of Microsoft Teams to your device from the official Microsoft Teams website and log in with your Skype credentials to see the Skype Dial Pad.
5. Is there something I can use instead of Skype? 
   Yes. Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers can still join group calls and talk for up to 30 hours with up to 300 people with Microsoft Teams Free. 
6. How do I download Microsoft Teams?
   Download Microsoft Teams on your device from the official Microsoft Teams website.
   Log in with your personal account credentials.
   Start using Teams Free.
7. My subscription was turned off and I want to keep using Microsoft 365. How do I turn recurring billing back on? 
   If you wish to continue your Microsoft 365 subscription, you can log into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com and click the Turn on recurring billing link under your Microsoft 365 subscription.
8. How do I cancel my subscription?
   If you wish to cancel your Microsoft 365 subscription, visit this page for instructions. If you purchased a Microsoft 365 subscription with recurring billing from a third-party retailer instead of the Microsoft Store, contact the third-party retailer directly to cancel your subscription. 
9. How can I find where I purchased my Microsoft 365 subscription?
   Go to your Services & subscriptions page. 
   If prompted, choose Sign in and enter the Microsoft account email and password associated with your Microsoft 365 subscription.
   Click on the Manage button, if your subscription was purchased through Microsoft, you will see options to manage your subscription, otherwise you will be taken to the website of the third-party retailer where you purchased your subscription.

Business and enterprise users

1. What does this mean for Skype for Business users?
   Skype for Business users are separate from Skype Consumer and remain unaffected by this change. For information about Skype for Business, go to Download and install Skype for Business on Windows.
2. How does Teams Free differ from the paid Teams offerings (Essentials, Enterprise, etc)?
   Microsoft Teams is a free tool designed for personal and small group use with core communication and collaboration features. Teams Essentials and Enterprise are paid offerings that provide advanced tools for small to large businesses and organizations.

Functionality and features of Microsoft Teams Free

1. Will Teams Free have all the features I use in Skype?
   Microsoft Teams Free includes the core features of Skype, such as on-on-one and group calls, messaging, and file sharing. Additionally, Teams Free offers enhanced features like hosting meetings, managing calendars, and building and joining communities. Learn more.
2. What are the new features in Teams Free compared to Skype?
   Teams Free is designed for modern communication and teamwork, and includes enhanced collaboration and productivity tools such as meetings, calendar scheduling, and the ability to join or create communities.
3. Will I still be able to communicate with users who are only on Skype until May 2025?
   Yes, cross-platform communication between Skype and Teams Free will be supported during the transition period, ensuring you can stay connected with Skype-only users.
4. How can I become a Teams Insider?
   Join the Teams Insider Program to get a preview of the newest features and try them in Teams Free before they're released to the public.
5. How can I learn more about these changes?
   You can learn more about the changes to Skype on the Microsoft 365 blog.

Usability and access to Microsoft Teams Free

1. How do I download and access Teams Free?
   Transitioning to Teams Free is easy and logging in to Teams Free does not limit you from using Skype—your data will remain in both places.
   Download Microsoft Teams on your device from the official Microsoft Teams website.
   Log in with your Skype credentials.
   Start using Teams Free, with all your Skype chats and contacts ready to go.
    
2. How do I learn to use Teams Free if I’ve only used Skype before?
   We’ve prepared a how-to guide to help you get started with Teams Free.

Sharing feedback during the transition

1. What if I don’t want to switch to Teams Free?
   Skype is no longer available. We encourage you to explore Microsoft Teams Free and see the benefits it offers.
2. How can I provide feedback during the transition?
   Please report feedback in the Skype or Teams app. Learn more about how to send feedback in Microsoft Teams Free here.