Let's get right to it: Yes, the classic version of Skype is being discontinued. This isn't just a rumor. Microsoft has officially announced its plan to retire the iconic service, pushing users toward its all-in-one communication platform, Microsoft Teams.
We know this is frustrating for the millions of longtime users who have relied on Skype for over a decade. This news marks the end of an era and raises an urgent question: what happens to your account, credits, and contacts, and where do you go from here?
This guide provides a factual, up-to-date look at the timeline, what you need to do, and the best alternatives for your specific needs.
The Official Plan: Why Microsoft is Retiring Skype
Microsoft's decision to shut down Skype is part of a broader strategy to consolidate its communication tools and eliminate internal competition. The goal is to migrate all users to Microsoft Teams, which they see as the future of both personal and professional communication.
The official reasoning is to streamline their offerings and focus resources on a single, more powerful platform. Teams integrates chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration, going far beyond Skype's capabilities. Microsoft is attempting to ease the transition by allowing users to sign into Teams with their Skype credentials to import contacts.
For many, the biggest sting will be losing Skype's simple, pay-as-you-go international calling feature. Microsoft's replacement, Teams, just wasn't built for that. Its focus on internal collaboration leaves a significant gap for those who need to call actual phone numbers abroad affordably.
This pivot means that if you were one of the many who used Skype primarily to call landlines and mobile numbers in other countries, you are now in the market for a new service.
The Shutdown Timeline: Key Dates You Need to Know
It's never easy when a tool you rely on is being retired. We get it—this is a big deal for millions of people. Understanding the timeline is the best way to prepare for a smooth switch. This has been a gradual process, starting with the retirement of Skype for Business on July 31, 2021, and now extending to the consumer version.
Here are the most important dates to circle on your calendar.
| Event | Key Date | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| Official Announcement | April 2024 | Microsoft confirms the final shutdown timeline. It's time to start planning your migration. |
| Data Export Deadline | March 31, 2025 | This is your last chance to easily export all contacts, chat history, and shared files from your account. |
| New Sign-Ups End | April 15, 2025 | No new Skype accounts can be created. The service is officially closing its doors to newcomers. |
| Full Shutdown | May 1, 2025 | The Skype service goes offline permanently. You will no longer be able to log in, make calls, or send messages. |
Don't wait until the last minute. The sooner you secure your data and find a new home for your calls, the easier this transition will be.
This has been a deliberate, multi-year plan to bring all of Microsoft's communication tools under one roof. The desktop and mobile apps are expected to cease functioning simultaneously on the final shutdown date.
What Happens to Your Skype Account, Credits, and Number?
When a service you’ve relied on announces its closure, the immediate concern is what happens to your account and any money you've invested. It’s a frustrating situation, so let’s clarify what will happen to your Skype account, credits, and number.
First, your actual Skype account will not be deleted. Because it’s linked to your broader Microsoft account, it will continue to exist for other services like Outlook, Office 365, or Xbox. However, its ability to function within the Skype application will be gone for good after the shutdown.
What Happens to Your Skype Credits?
The big question for many is about any leftover Skype Credits. The good news is that Microsoft has confirmed you can request a refund for any remaining balance. It’s a smart move to log in, check your balance, and initiate the refund process now to avoid any last-minute issues.
Remember, refunds are not automatic. You need to be proactive. Log into your Skype account and follow the official steps to get your money back before the service shuts down completely.
This policy ensures you won't lose the cash you’ve paid, but it does put the responsibility on you.
What Happens to Your Skype Number?
Unfortunately, the situation with your Skype Number is much more final, which is a major issue for anyone who uses that number for business or as a primary contact.
- No Porting Allowed: This is critical—Skype Numbers cannot be transferred or ported out to another provider. They are locked within the Microsoft ecosystem and are scheduled for permanent deactivation.
- A Hard Stop: Once the shutdown is complete, your Skype Number will simply cease to exist. Incoming calls will fail, and the number will eventually be released back into the pool.
This means you must get a new number from a different service and notify all your contacts well before the deadline to ensure a seamless transition.
How to Export Your Skype Data Before It's Gone
If you've spent years on Skype, losing conversations, contacts, and files is a real concern. The good news is that Microsoft provides a way for you to save everything before it disappears. Taking a few minutes to export your data is a crucial step to ensure nothing important gets left behind.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting Data
Microsoft has a dedicated portal to make this process straightforward and secure.
- Go to the Export Page: Navigate directly to the official Skype data export page.
- Choose Your Content: You will see two options: download your Conversations (which includes chat history and files shared within them) or just your Files separately. For a complete backup, we recommend requesting both.
- Submit Your Request: After making your selection, click the "Submit request" button.
The process has now begun.
Your data archive will start compiling in the background. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the volume of your history. You will receive a notification from Skype when your file is ready to download.
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute: The absolute cutoff to export your data is March 31, 2025. After that date, your data may become permanently inaccessible. Our advice? Do it today and get it out of the way.
The downloaded file will be in a .tar format. This is simply a compressed folder. Inside, you'll find your chat history in a searchable format, so you can always locate important conversations and files.
Best Skype Alternatives for Different Use Cases
With Skype’s shutdown confirmed, the best way to transition smoothly is to identify how you used the service. Not every communication app is a one-size-fits-all solution. Let's break down the best replacements based on your specific needs.
Whether you were catching up with family over video, hosting business meetings, or simply needed a cheap way to call a landline overseas, there’s a perfect alternative waiting for you. For more options, see our full guide to the best alternatives to Skype.
For Video Calls with Friends and Family
If Skype was your go-to for face-to-face chats with loved ones, you have plenty of excellent, free options.
- FaceTime: The default for anyone in the Apple ecosystem, FaceTime offers fantastic quality and is built into every iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You can now send web links for Android users to join.
- WhatsApp: As one of the world's most popular messaging apps, WhatsApp offers reliable, encrypted video calling that works seamlessly across iOS and Android devices.
- Zoom: The free version of Zoom is great for personal chats, offering up to 40 minutes for group calls. Its simple interface makes it easy for less tech-savvy family members to use.
For Business Meetings and Team Collaboration
Microsoft is pushing everyone toward Teams, but it's not the only professional-grade option.
- Microsoft Teams: This is the "official" replacement. Deeply integrated with Office 365, it combines chat, video meetings, and file sharing in one platform. It's a natural choice if your organization is already in the Microsoft ecosystem.
- Zoom: Zoom became a household name for its reliability and clean interface. It offers professional features like breakout rooms and webinar tools that many businesses depend on.
- Google Meet: For organizations using Google Workspace, Google Meet is a powerful choice. It integrates perfectly with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive for an efficient workflow.
For Cheap International Calls to Phones
This is where Skype's departure is felt most acutely. Millions relied on Skype Credit for affordable calls to landlines and mobile numbers abroad. Microsoft Teams does not offer a comparable pay-as-you-go service.
If you used Skype primarily for cheap international calls to landlines and mobiles, CallSky offers similar pay-as-you-go pricing without subscriptions. Unlike Skype's replacement (Teams), CallSky is built specifically for international calling.
Here are the best providers to fill this gap:
- CallSky: Designed as a direct replacement for Skype's core calling feature, CallSky focuses on high-quality, low-cost international calls with a simple credit system. Learn more about Skype alternatives for international calls.
- Rebtel: Rebtel is another strong contender with competitive rates for calling abroad, offering both calling plans and a pay-as-you-go option.
- Viber Out: While known for its free app-to-app calls, Viber's "Viber Out" service allows you to call non-Viber users on landlines and mobiles at low rates, just like Skype Credit.
For a Skype Number Replacement
Since you can't transfer your Skype Number, you'll need to get a new virtual number from another provider.
- Google Voice: A popular choice for a free US-based number, Google Voice provides voicemail transcription, call forwarding, and works across all your devices.
- CallSky: For users needing virtual numbers from various countries, services like CallSky often provide international numbers that can be managed easily.
For a deeper dive into calling options, check out our guide on VoIP for international calls.
Common Questions About The Skype Shutdown
As we wrap up, you probably have a few practical questions about what the Skype shutdown actually means for you day-to-day. Let's tackle the most common ones to give you some clear answers and help you feel confident about your next steps.
Will My Skype Account Be Deleted Automatically?
No, your Skype account itself isn't going anywhere. It's tied directly to your Microsoft account, which you still need for things like Outlook, Office 365, or even your Xbox.
The key thing to remember is that while the account exists, you'll completely lose the ability to log into the Skype app or use any of its features after the final shutdown in May 2025. Your account will be there, but its purpose for Skype will be gone.
Can I Transfer My Skype Number To Another Service?
Unfortunately, no. This is a big one for a lot of people. Skype Numbers are locked into Microsoft's system and can't be ported out to another provider, whether it's a mobile carrier or a different VoIP service.
You'll have to get a new virtual number from whatever service you choose. Just make sure you give everyone your new number before your old Skype Number goes dark for good.
What Is The Easiest Way To Move My Team To A New Platform?
For a smooth team transition, look for a platform with solid management tools. The absolute first step is to export all your contacts from Skype so nobody gets left behind in the move.
After that, you've got a couple of options:
- For all-in-one collaboration: Microsoft is pushing everyone toward Microsoft Teams. It's designed to handle chat, meetings, and file sharing all in one place, which is great if you're already deep in the Microsoft world.
- For teams focused on calling: If your team primarily used Skype to make calls, a service like CallSky might be a better fit. You can set up a team account, invite everyone, and pool your calling credit into a single balance. It makes the switch much simpler.
My Main Use Was Cheap International Calls. What Now?
This is easily the biggest concern for most longtime users, since affordable international calling was Skype's claim to fame. If that's why you used it, your best bet is to find a service that specializes in just that.
Key Takeaway: Microsoft Teams, the official replacement, is not designed for pay-as-you-go international calls to phone numbers. You will need a specialized VoIP service to fill this specific gap.
Platforms built for this exact purpose are your answer. If your main goal was making cheap calls to landlines and mobiles abroad, CallSky offers a similar pay-as-you-go model without forcing you into a subscription. It’s built from the ground up for international calling, which is a very different focus from Teams.
These services all run on the same core principles. You can learn more about what is VoIP technology to see how they make those low rates possible. The switch is usually painless, letting you make calls just like you did with Skype Credits—often with even better call quality.
Ready to make the switch to a modern, reliable international calling solution? CallSky offers crystal-clear calls, pay-as-you-go credits that never expire, and a simple interface designed to replace what you loved most about Skype. Sign up today and get started in minutes.