How to delete your Skype account (and alternatives to use)

Microsoft shut down Skype in May 2025 and began deleting account data in January 2026. Learning how to delete your Skype account will remove a potential target for identity theft or scams and keep your data from being used for AI training or analytics.

In this guide, we’ll explain why you might want to delete your Skype account and provide a step-by-step deletion guide. Then, we’ll explore some Skype alternatives for work and personal use, and show you how to uninstall Skype on PC and mobile.

Why should you delete your Skype account?

While Microsoft retired Skype, your account and data still remain. Here are the main reasons you might want to delete it:

• Microsoft hasn’t deleted your account (yet): Even though Skype is gone, your Microsoft account tied to it still exists. That means details like your profile and past activity remain unless you take the step to fully close the account yourself.
• You don’t use other Microsoft services: If Skype was the only reason you signed up, deleting your Microsoft account ensures all related data is erased. This way, you don’t leave an unused account floating around with personal information attached.
• Reduce digital footprint and account risks: Unused accounts can become targets for identity theft or phishing scams. Delete your Skype account to remove one more location where your personal data could be exposed or misused.
• Prevent future data use: Companies may use old account data for analytics or AI training. Remove your account to ensure Microsoft doesn’t use your chats, contacts, and call records to train Copilot or other projects.

You can also export your data and contacts for safekeeping before deleting your Skype account. It can take more than 30 days to get a copy of everything, so act soon if you want to hang on to your chat history and connections.

How to delete your Skype account: Step-by-step guide

To delete your Skype account and data, you’ll have to close your Microsoft account. Doing so also removes your access to Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, and any connected services. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Head to account.microsoft.com and sign in with your Skype or Microsoft username and password.
2. Save any emails or media stored in your OneDrive and create a backup of your Skype data and contacts at secure.skype.com/en/data-export, if you wish.
3. Access account.live.com/closeaccount, and you’ll be asked to sign in again. Choose a wait time (30 or 60 days) before your account gets deleted, and click Next.
4. Read carefully, and confirm you’re aware of the outcome by checking each box.
5. Pick a reason for deleting your account from the drop-down, then click Mark account for closure to finish up.

Skype alternatives for international calls and more

Looking for a replacement for Skype? These platforms cover everything from casual chats to group meetings:

• WhatsApp: One of the easiest ways to stay in touch worldwide. It offers free voice and video calls, messaging, and media sharing as long as both sides have the app and internet access.
• Microsoft Teams: Offers video calls, messaging, and built-in file sharing in one app. It’s known as a workplace tool, but it also works for family or group communication. Log in with your Skype credentials, and it’ll automatically fetch your old contacts and chats.
• Zoom: Best for smooth group video calls, webinars, and virtual events. It handles large calls better than Skype (and with improved quality), making it ideal for online classes, meetings, or family gatherings.
• Google Meet: Great Skype alternative if you’re already using other Google services. Scheduling calls is simple thanks to its integration with Gmail and Google Calendar. Reliable for one-on-one chats or team meetings, and works straight from the browser.

How to uninstall Skype on PC and mobile

Now that you’ve learned how to delete your Skype account and some decent alternatives, you’ll want to delete Skype from your device. Here’s how to do so on the most popular systems.

How to uninstall Skype on Windows

1. Click the Start button, then Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps, and scroll down to find Skype.
3. Press the three dots on the right and select Uninstall from the drop-down.
4. Confirm that you want to uninstall Skype on Windows.

How to uninstall Skype on Mac

1. Launch Finder and head to Applications.
2. Find Skype in the list.
3. Drag the app to the bin.
4. Empty it to finish uninstalling.

How to uninstall Skype on Android

1. Locate Skype on the home screen or your list of installed apps.
2. Press and hold down its icon.
3. Select Uninstall.
4. Tap OK to uninstall Skype.

How to uninstall Skype on iOS

1. Find Skype on your phone’s home screen.
2. Tap and hold the icon.
3. Press X or Remove app.
4. Confirm your choice to delete Skype.

How to delete your Skype account FAQs