Exporting your Skype data: chats, files, and contacts
You have two main tasks: export your conversations/files and save your contacts as CSV. If you’re moving to Teams with your Skype credentials, much of this migrates automatically, but keeping your own archive is still smart.
- Export chat history and files:
Steps: Sign in to the Skype Export page with your Microsoft account → choose “Export files and chat history” → Submit request → return to download Skype shutting down 2025 alternatives
If you’ve been hunting for “Skype shutting down 2025 alternatives,” here’s the clear picture. Microsoft is retiring Skype on May 5, 2025, nudging users to Microsoft Teams Free with a built‑in migration path for contacts and chats, plus an option to export your data if you’d rather move elsewhere.
Skype shutdown May 2025: timeline and what end of life means
Skype’s end of life lands on May 5, 2025. After that, the Skype apps and web experience redirect you to Teams; the only vestige is the Skype Dial Pad for existing paid users (also surfaced inside Teams Free).
- Date and scope: Skype retires May 5, 2025; both free and paid consumer users are affected (not Skype for Business).
- Migration path: Sign in to Teams Free with your Skype credentials; contacts and chat history appear automatically for most users.
- Paid services: No new paid Skype features for new customers; existing credits/subscriptions continue until their next renewal period (renewals auto‑renewed until April 3, 2025).
If you don’t want Teams, you can export your Skype data (messages, files, contacts) before or after retirement—just expect processing delays if you requested large media archives around mid‑2025.
Why Microsoft retires Skype and replaces it with Teams
Microsoft says focusing on Teams will simplify its product lineup and accelerate innovation. The move follows years of overlap between Skype and Teams and the earlier phase‑out of Skype for Business in favor of Teams.
Skype’s relevance declined as Zoom, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Discord surged; Teams also became Microsoft’s default communications layer across Windows 11 and Microsoft 365. Microsoft’s public statements and coverage underscore consolidation, consumer adoption of Teams, and discontinuation of new paid telephony for Skype.
Best Skype shutting down 2025 alternatives (beyond Teams)
If Teams isn’t your cup of tea, these apps cover most use cases—from quick family calls to enterprise‑grade meetings.
- Microsoft Teams Free:
Why choose it: Seamless migration from Skype with contacts/chats ported, meetings, calendar, communities, and the Dial Pad for existing paid users.
Best for: Mixed personal/business use when you already live in Microsoft 365. - Zoom:
Why choose it: Reliable large‑group video, recordings, transcripts, whiteboards, and an easy UI.
Watch out for: 40‑minute cap on free meetings for bigger groups. - Google Meet:
Why choose it: Integrated with Gmail/Calendar, easy joins, solid free tier for most families and small teams.
Bonus: Workspace tiers unlock co‑hosts, breakout rooms, and live streaming. - WhatsApp:
Why choose it: End‑to‑end encrypted calls and messages, enormous reach, effortless for family/friends.
Limit: Not ideal for formal meetings or advanced collaboration. - Signal:
Why choose it: Privacy‑first messaging and calling with strong encryption.
Limit: Smaller ecosystem than mainstream apps. - Discord:
Why choose it: Persistent servers, channels, voice/video for communities.
Best for: Clubs, gaming groups, and creator communities. - Webex:
Why choose it: Enterprise‑grade reliability, AI assistant, polling, and up to 1,000 attendees on paid tiers.
Limit: 40‑minute cap on free meetings.
- Jitsi (self‑hosted or free meet.jit.si):
hen ready.
Tip: Large media archives may take more than 30 days to process due to volume spikes mid‑2025. - Export contacts:
Steps: Sign in to your Skype account → My Account → Settings and preferences → Export contacts (.csv).
TechCrunch and Microsoft support outline these flows and confirm you can download your data if you don’t want to switch to Teams.
Sign‑in, calling, and numbers after the Skype phase‑out
- Sign‑in after shutdown:
What changes: Opening Skype sends you to Teams; sign in with your existing Skype/Microsoft account to see your migrated contacts/chats in Teams Free. - Skype Credits and subscriptions:
What continues: Existing subscriptions auto‑renewed until April 3, 2025; you can use remaining credit and the Dial Pad if you were a paid user.
What ends: No new paid Skype features for new customers. - Skype Numbers and telephony:
Transfer path: To move your Skype Number, contact your new carrier; Teams Free includes the Dial Pad for eligible existing users. New telephony features for brand‑new users aren’t offered.
Quick migration checklist for a smooth switch
- Inventory needs:
Label: Who do you call, how big are your meetings, and do you need recordings, breakout rooms, or encrypted messaging? - Pick your primary app:
Label: Teams Free for continuity; Zoom/Meet for meetings; WhatsApp/Signal for personal; Discord for communities; Webex for enterprise. - Export and archive:
Label: Download chats/files and contacts CSV even if you migrate to Teams—belt and suspenders. - Recreate workflows:
Label: Rebuild groups, meeting templates, and calendar links in your chosen app. - Notify your contacts:
Label: Share your new handle/room links and pin a notice in active chats.
FAQ: “when is Skype shutting down?” and other common questions
- When is Skype shutting down?
Microsoft retired Skype on May 5, 2025. Apps now redirect to Microsoft Teams. - Why is Microsoft shutting down Skype?
Microsoft is consolidating communications into Teams to simplify the product lineup and move faster, after years of overlap and declining Skype usage. - Can I still sign in to Skype after shutdown?
You’ll be routed to Teams. Sign in with your Skype credentials and your contacts and chats should appear in Teams Free. - What happens to my Skype data?
You can export messages, files, and contacts. If you move to Teams with your Skype login, most contacts and chats migrate automatically; large export requests can take time. - How to export Skype chat history?
Use the Skype Export page to request “Export files and chat history,” then download when ready. Export contacts as a .csv from My Account.
Conclusion
Skype shutting down 2025 alternatives aren’t scarce—you’ve got Teams for a seamless handoff, and strong options like Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp, Signal, Discord, Webex, and Jitsi. Protect your history, pick the platform that fits your style, and rebuild your rhythm without missing a beat. Need a tailored migration and tooling plan? Tell me your use case (family, creator, startup, enterprise), and I’ll map the best stack for you.
