Skype Shuts Down Today: What Happens to Your Account, Data, and the Transition to Microsoft Teams
Skype Shuts Down Today: What Happens to Your Account, Data, and the Transition to Microsoft Teams
Skype, the pioneering video calling service, officially shuts down today, May 5, 2025, marking the end of an era for millions of users. Acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, Skype revolutionized communication with its voice and video calling features. Founded in 2003 in Estonia, Skype introduced VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), allowing users to make calls over the internet instead of using traditional phone lines.
Over the years, Skype underwent multiple ownership changes, with eBay purchasing it in 2005 and later selling it to Microsoft. However, the rise of competing platforms like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams led to Skype’s gradual decline. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Microsoft Teams emerged as the preferred platform for remote work and communication, ultimately leading to Skype’s shutdown.
Starting in May 2025, Skype will no longer be available. Over the coming days you can sign in to Microsoft Teams Free with your Skype account to stay connected with all your chats and contacts. Thank you for being part of Skype pic.twitter.com/EZ2wJLOQ1a
— Skype (@Skype) February 28, 2025
For users, the transition to Microsoft Teams is seamless. Existing Skype accounts can be linked to Teams Free, ensuring easy access to contacts and messages. Skype users will be notified within the app to take action and migrate their data to Teams. While most data will be transferred, chats with Skype-to-Skype Business accounts, private conversations, and certain chat history will not be available on Teams Free.
Skype users have until January 2026 to export or delete their data before it’s permanently erased. After May 5, services such as call forwarding, Skype Credit gifting, and Caller ID setup will no longer be available. However, Skype for Business users will not be affected by these changes.
