Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue its Skype consumer calling service on May 5, 2025, transitioning users to the free version of Microsoft Teams. This change comes 14 years after Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion.

Existing Skype users are advised to move to Teams, where they can access their contacts, message history, and other data. Users who do not transition by the deadline will have their data retained until the end of 2025, after which it will be deleted.

As part of this phase-out, Microsoft will cease support for domestic and international calling through Skype. Users with Skype credits and subscriptions can continue using them in Teams until the end of their current renewal periods. However, current Skype Number users will need to find alternative providers.

The decision to end Skype's consumer calling service highlights the growth of alternative platforms like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Telegram.

Despite the discontinuation of the consumer service, Skype for Business Server will continue to be supported. Microsoft plans to introduce the Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition later this year, ahead of the end-of-support for Skype for Business 2015 and 2019 in October 2025.