Microsoft is dumping most of their Skype service in May 2025, ending a very useful option for people around the world, especially who use a regular phone for communication. Here’s the ending timeline, an important extension for Microsoft 365 customers and alternatives (official and others).
Skype has been around since 2003 and was bought by Microsoft in 2011. Since then, it’s operated as a largely separate entity. Originally Skype was great for ‘computer to computer’ video and audio calls, at a time when that was a novelty. Over time Skype expanded to merge with the main phone system (landline or mobile) to allow calls from a computer to almost any phone number or setup a phone number that people could call and connect to Skype on a computer (Skype Number).
But there’s no help for it — Microsoft is killing Skype, presumably because it’s not profitable or not profitable enough.
Microsoft 365 free calls until 2026
Microsoft 365 Family and Personal plans include 60 minutes of calls to many global phone numbers. That’s been a plan benefit for many years.
That benefit continues until 3 March 2026
Originally that was May 2025 but Microsoft quickly and quietly changed the date, probably because giving only two months notice would be a breach of some trade practices or consumer protection laws.
However the 60 minutes per month is all you’ll get.
Once you reach the 60 minute limit, the call will be cut off. There’s no way to buy more Skype calling minutes, if you need more call time. Skype Credit, to top up for extra minutes has already ended. Skype subscription plans are ending in May 2025.
Alternatives to Skype
Microsoft is recommending Teams (free) instead of Skype but Teams isn’t a complete service, lacking a link to the regular phone system. Teams is also a lot more complicated to use for the less computer savvy who’ve become familiar with Skype.
I expect many people will switch to messaging services like WhatsApp or Signal which offer video/audio calls with a much simpler interface (that’s assuming they haven’t already). For people with Apple devices, we usually find Facetime handles low bandwidth connections better than the messaging services.
Google Voice lets you call regular phone numbers for little or no cost but it’s not available for accounts based in all countries.
Microsoft 365 benefit ends
An important Microsoft 365 plan benefit is 60 minutes a month of Skype calls to many global phone numbers. A very handy option, especially for travellers.
That benefit ends in May 2025.
Media Management notes
- Microsoft isn’t ending Skype, their preferred euphemism is ‘retiring‘ and their announcement email called it an ‘important update‘.
- The end of Skype was announced late on a Friday — a classic PR move to minimize the immediate media coverage. Fans of The West Wing will remember Friday as “Take out the trash day“.
What happens to Skype and when
Skype Credits have already ended.
Here’s the official line on what’s happening to Skype services and when.
Subscriptions & Automatic Top-Ups
Existing subscriptions will continue to automatically renew until April 3, 2025. After this, all subscriptions will be retired and no longer be available for purchase, renewal, or reactivation. Automatic top-ups will end on April 3, 2025.
Skype Number
Your Skype Number subscription will continue to automatically renew until April 3, 2025 and will remain active until the end of your next renewal period. To port your Skype Number, please contact your new provider directly. Learn more
Skype Manager
Skype Manager users can purchase and renew paid products, including automatic credit top-ups, until April 3, 2025. After this date, only existing credit balances can be allocated to group members for calling.
SMS services
SMS services will be discontinued on May 5, 2025.
Skype Dial Pad
After May 5, 2025, the Skype Dial Pad (for business plans) will be available to remaining paid users from the Skype web portal and Teams, where you will continue to be able to use your subscription or Skype Credits.
Skype paid products are subject to the Microsoft Services Agreement.
