- Skype will shut down on May 5, 2025, and users are being asked to switch to Microsoft Teams.
- Microsoft Teams has more modern features and will now be the primary app for chat, video calls, and work.
- You can move your chats, contacts, and leftover Skype Credit to Teams before Skype goes offline.
After over 20 years of connecting people around the world, Microsoft has announced that it will officially be shutting down Skype on May 5, 2025. This means that this popular app for video calls and chats will no longer be available after that date.
Microsoft is asking all Skype users to switch to Microsoft Teams, which will now become the main platform for communication.
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☁️ Skype is retiring in May 2025, and we want to make sure you have enough time to make a decision. If you see your friends already using Microsoft Teams Free it's a good time to give it a go. You can also export your data if you do not wish to make the move.
— Skype (@Skype) April 24, 2025
❓ If you have… pic.twitter.com/InR34mCc5d
Why is Skype Ending?
Skype was once one of the most popular apps in the world. It helped people communicate with family, friends, and even coworkers in different countries. But over time, Skype stopped receiving major updates.
Meanwhile, other apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and even WhatsApp added new features at a rapid pace. Skype was unable to keep up with them. Microsoft has now decided to focus on just one communication app – Microsoft Teams.
Teams is more modern and has many tools that Skype didn’t have, such as group collaboration features, calendar integration, and more. According to Microsoft, shutting down Skype will help them provide a better and seamless experience through Teams.
What Will Happen to Your Skype Account?
If you’re using Skype right now, don’t worry. You still have time. Microsoft will keep Skype active until May 5, 2025. During this period, they’re prompting everyone to move to Teams. You can log into Teams using your Skype account, and your chats, contacts, and messages will be there.
What About Paid Skype Users?
Some people still use Skype Credit or paid plans to make international calls. Microsoft has already stopped selling new plans, but if you’re an existing customer, you can use your credit until your current plan expires.
After that, you won’t be able to renew. However, Microsoft says you’ll be able to use leftover Skype Credit for a short time via the Skype web portal or Teams.
What You Should Do Now
Switching is very easy. You just have to download the Teams app (or use it on the web), log in with your Microsoft or Skype account, and that’s it; everything is there. Your contacts, messages, files, etc.
Saying goodbye to Skype is emotional for many people, including me. It was part of so many memories, especially back when video calling was still new. But technology keeps moving forward, and Teams looks set to take over the future of communications.
