Hi
Just letting people know that Skype have announced that Skype will be disbanded in May 2025 for free calls and paid calls, but not Skype Business. We will be moved to Microsoft Teams. I just found out today, so for those of us that use the free service, we need to get ready to transition to Microsoft Teams Free.
Harumph.... as if getting older isn't hard enough with technology, lol. Learning a new platform and downloading on to devices is s struggle 😂😃
In May 2025, Skype will be retired. 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. By logging in to Teams Free with your Skype account, your chats and contacts will appear in the app so you can pick up where you left off. This capability will gradually roll out over the coming days, beginning with those who are both Skype and Teams Insiders on the latest app versions.
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. After May 2025, the Skype Dial Pad will be 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.​​
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.
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.
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.
How long will the transition process take?
The syncing of your data from Skype to Teams Free should take less than a minute.
Can I continue using Skype for now?
You can continue using Skype until May 5, 2025, giving you plenty of time to explore Teams Free.
Can I use both Skype and Teams Free for now?
Yes, you can use both Skype and Teams Free during the transition period until May 5, 2025.
Will I lose access to Skype after logging in to Teams Free?
No, logging in to Teams Free does not block further access to Skype. During the transition period (from now until May 5, 2025), your Skype data will remain accessible, and you can use both apps as needed.
Can I still communicate with Skype users from Teams Free?
Yes, until May 5, 2025, you can call and chat with Skype users directly from Teams Free. This feature will be rolled out gradually, starting with users who are both Skype and Teams Insiders.
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.
