Skype, the widely recognized video chat and calling application, is set to permanently shut down on May 5, as confirmed by Microsoft. The platform, once a pioneer in VoIP services, has struggled to maintain its relevance in a saturated market.
In its place, Microsoft will introduce a free version of Microsoft Teams, allowing current Skype users to log in and transfer their message history, group chats, and contacts seamlessly. However, Microsoft Teams will not support traditional telephony options, meaning that users will lose the ability to make calls to phone numbers.
Users can utilize their Skype Credits until the shutdown date within either Skype or Microsoft Teams. Anyone with a Skype Number will need to move that service to another provider.
For those who opt not to transition to Microsoft Teams, there will be a 60-day window to sign in and export data. Jeff Teper, Microsoft’s president of collaborative apps and platforms, emphasized that Skype users will have control over their data and can choose their next steps.
Although some may not shed tears for Skype, the application did spark nostalgia for many—particularly among early users who relied on it for communication. The service was once synonymous with video calls, but its decline led it to be viewed as outdated over the years amidst fierce competition from platforms like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Discord.
The official Skype snap is expected to be removed from the Snap Store soon. Users are encouraged to log in and back up any crucial information within the upcoming 60-day period. Microsoft Teams is not officially available on the Snap Store, but users can download a DEB installer directly from the Microsoft Teams website.
For more information, visit the official Skype website and Microsoft’s Teams page.