Silver Lining Logo Focus Group

Skype Closing Down on 5th May 2025 : What You Need to Do Now

Published on:
Published in:
Author
12 March 2025
admin
Back to Resources

So What's Happening with Skype?

Is Skype really shutting down?

Yes, it is.

Microsoft just announced Skype will completely shut down on 5th May 2025.

This means all those video calls, messages, and file sharing you've been doing on Skype will stop working.

You might be thinking, "What about all my contacts and chat history?" or "What if I have Skype credit?"

Don't worry.

We've got answers to all these questions below.

Why Is Microsoft Getting Rid of Skype?

Microsoft isn't just killing Skype for fun.

They're focusing on Teams now because that's where most people are going.

Here's what's actually happening:

  1. Fewer people using Skype: The number of Skype users has dropped by about 27% in the last three years. Meanwhile, Teams now has over 320 million people using it every month.
  2. Too many similar products: Microsoft doesn't want to keep updating two platforms that do mostly the same things.
  3. Teams does more stuff: Teams works better for both work and personal use with more features than Skype ever had.

Microsoft's communications director put it simply: "Teams is the future, Skype had its time."

When Exactly Will Skype Stop Working?

Microsoft has a plan for shutting everything down:

  • March 2025: You can't create new Skype accounts anymore
  • April 2025: Paid stuff like Skype Number and calling credits stop working
  • 5th May 2025: Complete shutdown — Skype stops working entirely

After 5th May, when you open Skype, it won't connect to anything.

It'll be completely dead.

How Will This Affect You?

If You Use Skype for Personal Stuff

You'll lose all your chat history and contacts unless you download them before the shutdown.

Microsoft will give you a tool to save all this stuff until June 2025.

Any Skype credit you have will be refunded.

If Your Business Uses Skype

You need to act faster.

Many companies still use Skype for Business, and it's going away too.

You should:

  • Start planning what to use instead right now
  • Save any important conversations
  • Pick a new platform
  • Get your team used to the new system before April 2025

If You Make Apps That Work with Skype

You'll need to change your apps to work with something else.

Microsoft says they'll help with this, but they haven't given much detail yet.

Using Teams Instead: A Chance to Update How You Work

If your company uses Skype, this is actually a good time to improve how you communicate.

Moving to Teams can make everything work better because:

  1. Everything in one place: Teams puts chats, meetings, calls, and working on documents all in the same app.
  2. Better for teamwork: You can edit documents together, manage projects, and add other apps Teams works with.
  3. Less switching between apps: Having everything in one system saves time and reduces confusion.
  4. Better security: Teams has stronger security and data protection than Skype ever did.
  5. Works well for remote teams: As more people work from home, Teams has tools made just for that.

Some companies that switched from Skype to Teams saw huge improvements.

A UK bank with 2,500 employees found teams worked together 32% better and sent 45% fewer emails after switching to Teams.

Questions People Are Asking About the Skype Shutdown

Will I get my money back if I have Skype credit?

Yes.

Microsoft will refund any unused Skype credits to your original payment method.

If that doesn't work for some reason, they'll tell you how to claim your refund another way.

Can I keep my old Skype chats after it shuts down?

Only if you save them before June 2025.

Microsoft will provide a tool to download your conversation history, contacts, and files.

After that, they'll be gone forever.

What about my Skype Number?

Skype Numbers stop working in April 2025.

If you have one, Microsoft will let you move it to Teams Phone.

But you'll need a Microsoft 365 subscription for this to work.

Do I have to use Teams instead of Skype?

No.

While Microsoft wants you to use Teams, you have plenty of other options:

  • Zoom
  • Google Meet
  • WhatsApp
  • Discord
  • Slack

Each one has different features and costs.

Will the shutdown happen at different times in different countries?

No.

Skype will stop working everywhere in the world at the same time on 5th May 2025.

What Should You Use After Skype?

Here are your best options:

  1. Microsoft Teams: The most obvious choice. Microsoft has moved most Skype features to Teams already.
  2. Zoom: Great for video meetings with simple controls. Works well for both personal and work use.
  3. Google Meet: Works perfectly with Gmail and Google apps. No need to install anything.
  4. WhatsApp: Perfect if you mostly use your phone for calls and messages. Has end to end encryption for privacy.
  5. Discord: Started for gamers but now works well for any group that needs to stay in touch. Has great voice quality.

How to Get Ready for the Switch

Here's what you need to do before Skype shuts down:

  1. Save your stuff: Use Microsoft's tools to download your chat history, contacts, and files before June 2025.
  2. Pick what to use next: Try out different options to see what works best for you.
  3. Tell your contacts: Let people you talk to on Skype know which new app you'll be using.
  4. Get your refund: Make sure you get your money back if you have Skype credit or a subscription.
  5. Update any connected apps: If your business uses Skype with other systems, you'll need to update them.

Final Thoughts

Skype closing down on 5th May 2025 marks the end of one of the first big video calling apps.

While it might be annoying to switch to something new, there are now better options out there.

For businesses, this is a chance to improve how your teams communicate with newer tools that do more than Skype ever could.

For everyone else, exporting your data and picking a new app now will make the transition much easier.

The good news is that staying connected is easier than ever, even without Skype.

Just make sure you're ready before 5th May 2025 when Skype finally goes offline for good.

Useful Links

  1. How to save Skype conversations before May 2025 shutdown
  2. What happens to my Skype credit after May 2025
  3. How to move from Skype to Teams for companies
  4. Complete timeline for Skype ending May 2025
Share on:

Latests news & insights

Take a look at the latest news, insights, materials & content from our resource centre
12 March 2025

Skype Closing Down on 5th May 2025 : What You Need to Do Now

Microsoft just announced Skype will completely shut down on 5th May 2025.
Learn More
1 2 3 131
Silver Lining Logo Focus Group
© Silver Lining Convergence Ltd
Registered Company Number: 06212357
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram