Claim: Microsoft is permanently shutting down Skype for all users in May 2025.
Fact: True, but with important caveats — Skype will be retired in May 2025 for both free and paid consumer users. Skype for Business remains unaffected. Users will be migrated to Microsoft Teams Free.
What’s Happening?
Microsoft has officially announced that Skype will be retired in May 2025. This major update affects millions of users worldwide — both free and paid — but does not impact Skype for Business.
The tech giant is urging all users to transition to Microsoft Teams Free, which includes the core communication features of Skype and offers additional collaboration tools.
What This Means for Skype Users
- End of Service Date: Skype retires officially in May 2025.
- Alternative Offered: Users are encouraged to move to Microsoft Teams Free.
- Migration Option: Log into Microsoft Teams Free using your Skype credentials — your contacts and chats will transfer automatically.
- Data Porting Notice: Users will get a notification within Skype prompting them to migrate their data.
What Will (and Won’t) Transfer to Teams Free?
Migrated to Teams Free:
- Contacts
- Chat history between Skype users
- Group chats and 1:1 messages
Not Migrated:
- Chats with Teams work or school accounts
- Skype to Skype for Business chats
- 1:1 chats with self
- Private conversations
- Bot content and Copilot interactions
What About Paid Skype Features?
Existing Subscriptions:
- Calling plans and Skype Numbers will auto-renew until April 3, 2025.
- Services will remain usable until the end of each active subscription.
Skype Credit & Subscriptions:
- No new purchases allowed for Skype Credit or Subscriptions.
- Skype Credit can still be used until May 2025, but auto top-ups will stop from April 3, 2025.
Skype Dial Pad:
- Remains available to existing paid users via the Skype web portal and Teams Free.
Receiving Calls:
- Users can still receive calls to their Skype Number as long as their subscription is active.
Transitioning to Teams Free: What You Need to Know
- No new account required: Log in to Teams Free with your existing Skype credentials.
- Teams Free features:
- 1:1 and group calls
- Messaging and file sharing
- Meetings, calendar scheduling, community building
- Limitations:
- No paid calling features in Teams Free
- Advanced business features only available in Teams Essentials or Enterprise
For Skype Manager & Enterprise Users
- Skype Manager credit balances can still be used and allocated until April 3, 2025.
- Skype for Business remains unaffected by this retirement.
Timeline of Key Changes
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| April 3, 2025 | Last date for auto-renewals & Skype purchases |
| May 5, 2025 | Skype is officially retired |
| March 2026 | Microsoft 365 drops 60 mins of Skype call benefit |
❓ FAQs
Will I need to create a new account?
No. Use your Skype credentials to log in to Teams Free.
Can I use Skype after May 2025?
No. Skype will stop working after May 5, 2025.
How do I export my data if I don’t want Teams?
Microsoft allows users to export Skype data manually before the retirement date.
Can I still use my Skype Number?
Yes, until the end of your subscription. After that, you can port it to a new carrier.
What’s a good alternative to Skype?
Microsoft recommends Teams Free, which supports up to 30-hour calls with 300 participants.
Conclusion
Yes, Skype is shutting down in May 2025 — but Microsoft is not leaving users stranded. With a robust migration path to Microsoft Teams Free, most users can continue chatting, calling, and collaborating without losing their contacts or history (with minor exceptions). However, if you rely on Skype Credit or certain legacy features, it’s time to review your options.
Verdict: True – Skype is shutting down in May 2025, but migration to Teams Free is supported.