Deleting a Skype account removes it completely from Microsoft's servers

When you delete a Skype account, Microsoft closes it permanently. Your username becomes unavailable, your contact list disappears, and your chat history is erased. You cannot recover the account or reuse the email address tied to it for Skype for at least 60 days. If you only want to step away temporarily without losing access, you can deactivate instead — but deletion is the only way to fully remove your presence.

The deletion process takes a few minutes and happens through your Microsoft account settings, not through Skype itself. You will need the email address or phone number you used to sign up, and you should read any chat history or contact information you want to keep before you start, because deletion is permanent.

Key Takeaways

  • Skype accounts are deleted through your Microsoft account settings at account.microsoft.com, not through the Skype app.
  • Deletion is permanent and takes effect when ready — you cannot undo it or recover your account after 60 days.
  • read your chat history and contact list before you delete, because they will be gone once the account closes.
  • If you want to keep your Microsoft account but stop using Skype, you can sign out of the app instead of deleting the whole account.
  • The email address tied to your deleted account cannot be used for a new Skype account for at least 60 days.

read your chat history and contacts before you delete

Skype does not offer a built-in export tool for chat history, but you can take screenshots or copy conversations before deletion. Open Skype on your computer or phone, find the conversation you want to save, and either take a screenshot or select and copy the text. For a complete record, go through each conversation one by one — this is slow but necessary if you need proof of something discussed in Skype.

For your contact list, open Skype and look at your contacts panel. You can screenshot the full list or write down the names and usernames of people you want to stay in touch with. After deletion, you will lose this list, so if you use Skype to reach people you do not contact any other way, save their information now.

Sign in to your Microsoft account and navigate to the deletion page

Go to account.microsoft.com in your web browser and sign in with the email address or phone number you use for Skype. If you use a work or school account, you may not be able to delete it yourself — contact your organization's IT department instead.

Once you are signed in, look for "Your info" or "Account settings" in the left menu. Click on it, then scroll down to find "Delete account" or "Close your account." The exact wording changes, but it will be near the bottom of the page. Click that option.

Review what will be deleted and confirm your choice

Microsoft will show you a warning screen listing what happens when you delete: your Skype account closes, your chat history is erased, your contacts are removed, and any Skype credit you have is lost. Read through this carefully. If you have Skype credit (money you paid to call phone numbers), that balance will not be refunded, so consider whether you want to use it before you delete.

You will be asked to confirm your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone. Check the inbox or text messages for that code and enter it on the screen. This step proves you own the account and want to delete it. After you enter the code, click the final confirmation button. The account closes when ready.

What happens to your Skype account after deletion

Your username becomes unavailable to anyone, including you. You cannot sign back in. Your chat history, contact list, and call logs are permanently removed from Skype's servers. If you had a Skype number (a phone number people could call to reach you on Skype), that number is released and may be assigned to someone else.

The email address you used for Skype is locked from creating a new Skype account for at least 60 days. After that period, you can use the same email to set up a new Skype account if you change your mind. Your Microsoft account itself is not deleted — only Skype is removed from it. You can still use that email for Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, or other Microsoft services.

Deactivation as an alternative to deletion

If you are not sure you want to delete permanently, you can deactivate your Skype account instead. Deactivation hides your account for up to 60 days. During that time, people cannot see you online or contact you, but you can reactivate and get everything back if you sign in again. After 60 days of inactivity, Microsoft may delete the account automatically, but reactivation is possible if you return within that window.

To deactivate, sign in to account.microsoft.com, go to your account settings, and look for "Manage your Microsoft account" or "Privacy and security." Find the option to deactivate or suspend your account. This is gentler than deletion if you think you might use Skype again someday.

If you cannot delete your account yourself

Work or school accounts cannot be deleted by the user — only your organization's IT administrator can close them. If you have a work Skype account and want to stop using it, contact your IT department or help desk and ask them to deactivate or delete the account.

If you are locked out of your Microsoft account and cannot sign in to delete Skype, go to account.microsoft.com/security and click "I forgot my password." Follow the steps to regain access. You will need to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number you set up earlier. Once you are back in, you can proceed with deletion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Skype account back after I delete it?

No. Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. You can create a new Skype account with a different email address when ready, but you cannot recover the old account or its chat history. If you think you might want to use Skype again, deactivate instead of delete.

Will deleting Skype delete my Microsoft account?

No. Deleting Skype only removes Skype from your Microsoft account. Your email, OneDrive, Outlook, and other Microsoft services stay active. You can still sign in to Microsoft with the same email address.

What happens to my Skype credit if I delete my account?

Skype credit is not refunded when you delete. If you have money in your Skype account, use it to make calls before you delete, or accept that it will be lost. Check your account balance before you start the deletion process.

Can I delete Skype from my phone without deleting the account?

Yes. Uninstalling the Skype app from your phone only removes the app — it does not delete your account. Your account stays active until you delete it through Microsoft's website. If you want to stop using Skype but keep the account, just uninstall the app.

How long does it take for Skype to fully delete my account?

Deletion takes effect when ready when you confirm it. Your account closes right away, and you cannot sign in. Chat history and contacts are removed from Skype's servers within a few hours, though some backup systems may retain data longer for security reasons.