Before there was zoom, Skype was the mass’s predominantly Internet-based telephone and video service. After 22 years of service (Next 14 at Microsoft), customers were shocked to learn Microsoft has decided Skype is stopped in May 2025.
That’s why the “PAT” email prompted us to explore alternatives to Skype.
“Hello, obviously, Microsoft is getting rid of Skype. We use Skype every weekend to communicate with our family in Ireland. Do you have any suggestions for alternatives? Thank you.” – Pat, Michigan Commercial Township
While Microsoft is actually terminating Skype for long-term Skype users, it is disturbing due to the same type of services like Zoom and WhatsApp. Although the changes may not be popular, Skype BOWS has a lot of options to choose from.
The company notes on its website: “Your Skype data will be available until January 2026 for you to export or delete. If you log in to Microsoft Team Free At that time, your Skype call and chat history will be available to you. If you do nothing, your Skype data will be deleted in January 2026. ”
Here are the main alternatives to Skype that will help you stay in touch with people you personally and professionally care about, as well as how to export your contacts and other important information near Skype.
A woman using Skype on laptop (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
The top 6 Skype alternatives
Although the changes can be challenging, the following Skype alternatives listed below are not necessarily difficult.
Microsoft Team
This is easy to transition from Skype as Microsoft aborts Skype to invest its attention and resources in the Microsoft team. The Microsoft team will allow you to log in with your existing Skype credentials, making the transition easier. Microsoft encourages its Skype users to use the free version of the Microsoft Team. Like Skype, it includes video calls and messaging. The benefit of signing up for a Microsoft Team is that your Skype contacts and message history will be Automatic migration To the Microsoft team.
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A person using Skype on a laptop (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app It has been around since 2009. It offers free voice and video calls and provides end-to-end encryption, giving an additional layer of protection for your communication. It also allows you to contact other users. Also, since it is used worldwide, WhatsApp is a great tool for international communication.
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Meet Google
If you already use Google services such as Gmail and Google Calendar, Google Meet may be a seamless alternative to Skype. Google Meet is a free video conferencing service that integrates Gmail and Google Calendar. With a free plan, you can include up to 100 participants in your video call.
Soaring
Zoom has become a regular fixture in the modern professional world. With its user-friendly interface and rich features, Zoom has always been the first choice for video calls. Zoom offers a free plan that provides up to 100 participants for 40 minutes of video calls per call.
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signal
For those who are worried about privacy, the signal is a great choice for Skype. It has end-to-end encryption on messaging and video calls, ensuring your communications are secure. Signal is an open source service that allows users to send instant messages as well as voice and video calls.
Disharmonious
Despite its reputation among gamers, Discord has become a versatile communication tool. With free voice channels, screen sharing and low latency audio (better audio quality), it has started as a good group call option.
How to export contacts and messages from Skype
While Microsoft will provide you with export or delete Skype contacts, chats, and file history until January 2026, it is best to log in and start the process immediately, as it may take a while for the company to meet your request.
To export a contact, follow these steps:
- On your web browser, visit https://secure.skype.com/ and Log in to your Skype account Use your username and password
- On the home page, under Account details, go to Settings and preferences
- Click Exit contact person
- A dialog box will appear and select the location you want Save the file Then click save
Steps to export Skype contacts (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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To export conversations and files, follow these steps:
- On your web browser, visit https://secure.skype.com/ and Log in to your Skype account Use your username and password
- On the home page, under Account details, go to Settings and preferences
- Click Export file and chat history
- Under “Request a copy of files and chat history”, Select the box You want to download and click Submit a request
- After processing the request, it will Appears at the top of the same page
- To save, click download
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Steps to export Skype conversations and files (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
How to export Skype data and import it into other video platforms
Until Skype is officially closed on May 27, 2025, it’s a smart move to save data and transition to another platform. Here’s how to do this:
Step 1: Export your Skype data
You can request a full download of Skype chat history, call logs and other personal data.
- go Skype export page: https://go.skype.com/export
- Log in with your Skype (Microsoft) account.
- Select the content to download:dialogue: Chat logs, text messages and call recordsdocument: Photos, videos and documents shared via Skype
- dialogue: Chat logs, text messages and call records
- document: Photos, videos and documents shared via Skype
- Click Submit a request and wait for the email or download link to appear (which may take hours or days, depending on the volume).
- Download the .zip file when ready and extract the content to your device.
Exported messages are usually in .tar or .json format and can be opened with Notepad, Excel or dedicated audiences (such as Notepad, Excel or dedicated audience).
Step 2: Import your information into the new platform
Although Skype does not provide direct import tools for other platforms, here are a few ways to inform you:
Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Slack or WhatsApp:
- Contact: You can manually add Skype exported contacts by copying their email address or phone number.
- Chat History: Most platforms do not allow direct imports, but you can: Save your Skype conversations as PDF or text files for reference. Google Drive,,,,, Dropbox or OneDrive To make them searchable and accessible.
- Save your Skype conversations as PDF or text files for reference.
- Upload important conversations to cloud services, etc. Google Drive,,,,, Dropbox or OneDrive To make them searchable and accessible.
Using Skype data on Microsoft Teams:
- Since the team is Microsoft recommends replacing Skype, this is the most seamless switch.
- If your account is related to Microsoft 365, your contacts may have been synced with the team.
- Chat history is not automatically migrated, but when setting up a new team channel or chat, you can refer to the exported chat.
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Kurt’s key points
Although Skype ended on May 5, 2025, the time to transition to an alternative platform is a must, so you can set up and adjust to continue to communicate professionally and personally with others. While you’ll miss out on the friendly and familiar sky blue interface, there are several options to fill those large empty shoes that Skype will leave. Whether you want to be able to migrate contacts and messages directly from Skype to Microsoft teams or prefer the security of signals, there are a number of options to keep you in touch with loved ones around the world.
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