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How to Delete and Close Your Skype Account Permanently

Introduction

Skype is a popular video calling and instant messaging application owned by Microsoft. Over the years, many users have created Skype accounts that they no longer need or use. If you want to permanently delete your Skype account, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps.

Key things to know before deleting your Skype account:

  • Deleting your Skype account means deleting your Microsoft account. The two are linked so you cannot delete one without the other.
  • When you delete your Microsoft account, you lose access to all associated Microsoft services like Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox Live, etc.
  • It is a 60-day process. Your account will be inactive during this period and you can still reactive it anytime. After 60 days, deletion is permanent.

Step-by-Step Guide to Delete Skype Account

Follow these simple steps to permanently close your Skype and Microsoft account:

On Desktop

  1. Open the Skype desktop application and sign into your account
  2. Click on your profile picture and select Settings
  3. Under Account Details, click on Close Your Account
  4. Enter the email address associated with your Skype/Microsoft account and click Next
  5. Check your email inbox for a verification code and enter it on the next page
  6. Review the account closure information and click Next
  7. Check all the boxes, select a reason for closure, and click Mark Account for Closure

On Mobile

  1. Launch the Skype mobile app and sign into your account
  2. Tap on your profile picture and select Settings
  3. Choose Account & Profile > Close Your Account
  4. Read through the provided information and click Next
  5. Check all the boxes, pick a closure reason, and tap Mark Account for Closure

Once you complete the above steps, your Skype and Microsoft accounts will be scheduled for deletion in 60 days.

What Happens During the 60-Day Waiting Period

When you mark your Skype account for closure, here is what happens over the next 60 days:

  • Your account remains inactive but still exists in Microsoft’s system
  • You can reactive your account anytime by simply signing back in
  • Your Skype profile is removed from search results and suggestions
  • Contacts can still see your profile but cannot message or call you
  • After 60 days, deletion of your account and data is permanent

So you have a 60-day window to change your mind. If you take no action, your account is automatically deleted after two months.

What Gets Deleted Along With Your Skype Account

Since Skype is inextricably tied to your Microsoft account, deleting one deletes the other. So here is what you lose access to:

Skype Data

  • Contacts list
  • Chat history
  • Shared media & files
  • Call logs
  • Voicemails
  • Skype Number
  • Remaining Skype Credit

Microsoft Services

  • OneDrive documents
  • Outlook emails
  • Office 365 subscriptions
  • Xbox Live profile and games
  • Windows licenses

Essentially everything associated with your Microsoft account, including Skype, is deleted. So be certain before proceeding.

Steps to Take Before Account Deletion

Before you permanently delete your Skype and Microsoft account, take the following steps:

  • Download chat history: Back up your Skype chats and call history by going to settings and exporting conversation history.
  • Use Skype Credit: If you have any remaining Skype Credit, make paid calls and use it up before deletion.
  • Cancel subscriptions: Go to Subscriptions page on Skype to cancel any active auto-renewing paid plans.
  • Unlink devices: Sign out from all devices like mobile, tablet, Xbox etc. that are linked to your Microsoft account.
  • Backup OneDrive files: Download all your documents and files store in OneDrive to your local storage.

What Happens if You Change Your Mind

Don’t worry if you go through the account deletion steps but later change your mind. You can still get your account back during the 60-day waiting period by:

  • Simply signing back into your Microsoft account on any service like Outlook or OneDrive
  • Microsoft will then cancel the account closure request
  • You’ll have full access to your Skype account and data again

So you have two months to undo the closure process if you regret your decision.

Getting Skype Again After Deletion

If your Skype account gets permanently deleted after 60 days, then you cannot retrieve or reactive it. However, you can always sign up for Skype again by:

  • Creating a new Microsoft account with a different email address
  • Downloading the Skype app and creating a fresh Skype profile
  • Adding new contacts and starting your Skype history from scratch

The downside is that you cannot recover any old Skype data. But you can use Skype with a new account without issues.

Conclusion

Deleting your Skype account is simple but has lasting consequences due to its integration with Microsoft services. Make sure to backup important data, cancel subscriptions, and unlink devices beforehand. You get a 60-day window between requesting account closure and permanent deletion. So you have time to change your mind if needed. With this guide, you can safely and smoothly delete your Skype account.

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