How to Cancel Skype: A Comprehensive Guide

Skype, a pioneer in video conferencing and online communication, has become an integral part of both personal and professional lives for many. However, there may come a time when you need to cancel your Skype subscription or even close your entire account. Whether you’re switching to a different platform, reducing your expenses, or simply no longer need the service, understanding the cancellation process is crucial. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step explanation of how to cancel various Skype subscriptions and close your account permanently.

Table of Contents

Understanding Skype Subscriptions and Credits

Before diving into the cancellation process, it’s essential to understand the different types of Skype subscriptions and credits you might have. This will ensure you cancel the correct service and avoid unexpected charges.

Skype offers several types of subscriptions, each catering to different needs:

Skype to Phone Subscriptions: These subscriptions allow you to make calls to landlines and mobile phones in specific countries at a fixed monthly rate. Different subscription plans offer varying call allowances.
Skype Number: A Skype Number allows you to receive calls directly within Skype. This can be a local number for a specific country, allowing people to call you from their landlines or mobile phones at local rates.
Skype Credit: This is a pre-paid balance that you can use to make calls to landlines and mobile phones worldwide at per-minute rates. It’s ideal for occasional international calls or calls to destinations not covered by your subscription.

Understanding which type of subscription you have, and when it renews, will prevent any confusion during the cancellation process. Check your Skype account details carefully before proceeding.

Why Cancel Skype?

There are several reasons why you might want to cancel your Skype subscription or close your account:

Cost Savings: If you are no longer using Skype frequently, the monthly subscription fees might not be justified. Cancelling can help you save money.
Switching to Alternative Platforms: Numerous alternative video conferencing and communication platforms offer similar or even more advanced features. You might be migrating to platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or WhatsApp.
Privacy Concerns: Some users may have privacy concerns related to Skype’s data collection practices and might prefer to switch to a more privacy-focused alternative.
Reduced Usage: Perhaps your communication needs have changed, and you no longer require the functionality that Skype provides.
Technical Issues: Recurring technical issues with the platform, such as call quality or software glitches, can be frustrating and lead to cancellation.

Cancelling a Skype Subscription

Cancelling a Skype subscription is relatively straightforward, but the exact steps may vary depending on your device and payment method. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

Cancellation through the Skype Website

This method works regardless of how you originally purchased the subscription. It’s generally the most reliable way to manage your subscriptions.

Sign in to your Skype Account: Open a web browser and go to the Skype website (www.skype.com). Click on “Sign in” and enter your Skype name, email address, or phone number, along with your password.
Access your Profile: Once logged in, click on your profile picture in the top-left corner, then select “My Account.” You may be prompted to re-enter your password for security purposes.
Manage Subscriptions: In the “Manage” section, look for “Subscriptions” or “Manage Subscription.” This will display a list of your active Skype subscriptions.
Cancel the Subscription: Find the subscription you want to cancel and click on “Cancel subscription”. If you don’t see this option, it’s likely that the subscription has already been cancelled or is not recurring. You will be asked to confirm your cancellation request. Choose a reason for cancelling (optional) and confirm.
Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation message indicating that your subscription has been cancelled. The subscription will remain active until its expiry date. Note down the expiry date to ensure no further charges are incurred.

Cancellation through the Skype App (Desktop/Mobile)

While managing subscriptions via the website is generally recommended, you can sometimes cancel through the Skype app itself. However, this method is less reliable, especially if you purchased the subscription through a third-party app store.

Open the Skype App: Launch the Skype application on your desktop or mobile device.
Access Settings: Click on your profile picture and navigate to “Settings.” The exact location of “Settings” may vary slightly depending on the platform (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).
Account & Profile: Look for “Account & Profile” or a similar option that allows you to manage your account details.
Manage Subscription: You may find an option to manage your subscription directly within the app. If so, click on it. Otherwise, you will typically be redirected to the Skype website to manage your subscription.
Follow Website Instructions: If redirected to the website, follow the steps outlined in the “Cancellation through the Skype Website” section.

Cancellation through Third-Party App Stores (Apple App Store/Google Play Store)

If you purchased your Skype subscription through the Apple App Store (for iOS devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android devices), you’ll need to cancel it through the respective app store.

For Apple App Store (iOS):

Open Settings: Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap on your Apple ID: Tap on your name at the top of the Settings menu.
Tap on “Subscriptions”: This will show you a list of all your active subscriptions.
Select Skype: Find the Skype subscription in the list.
Cancel Subscription: Tap on “Cancel Subscription.” Confirm your cancellation.

For Google Play Store (Android):

Open Google Play Store: Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
Tap on your Profile Icon: Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
Tap on “Payments & Subscriptions”: Select “Subscriptions” from the menu.
Select Skype: Find the Skype subscription in the list.
Cancel Subscription: Tap on “Cancel subscription.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the cancellation.

Important Considerations for App Store Cancellations:

Timing is Crucial: Make sure to cancel your subscription at least 24 hours before the renewal date to avoid being charged for the next billing cycle.
**Confirmation: Verify the cancellation in your app store account. It’s always a good practice to take screenshots as proof of cancellation.

Understanding Refunds

Skype’s refund policy is generally as follows:

Unused Subscriptions: Skype may offer a refund for unused portions of a subscription, depending on the specific circumstances and local laws. Contact Skype customer support to inquire about a refund. Note that refunds are not guaranteed.
Skype Credit: Refunds for Skype Credit are typically not provided unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as fraudulent activity or technical issues that prevented you from using the credit.
Automatic Renewal Issues: If you were charged for a subscription after you thought you had cancelled it, contact Skype customer support immediately. They may be able to offer a refund.

Closing Your Skype Account

Closing your Skype account is a more permanent action than cancelling a subscription. It will completely delete your Skype profile and associated data. Ensure you understand the implications before proceeding.

Preparing to Close Your Account

Before you close your Skype account, consider the following:

Back up Important Data: If you have any important conversations, files, or contacts stored in Skype, make sure to back them up before closing your account. Once the account is closed, this data will be permanently deleted.
Cancel Active Subscriptions: Ensure that you have cancelled all active Skype subscriptions and that there are no pending charges. Closing your account will not automatically cancel subscriptions, and you might still be charged.
Spend Skype Credit: If you have any Skype Credit remaining in your account, consider using it before closing the account. You are unlikely to receive a refund for unused credit after the account is closed.
Notify Contacts: Inform your Skype contacts that you are closing your account so they can connect with you through other means.

Closing Your Microsoft Account

Skype is now integrated with Microsoft accounts. Closing your Skype account will also close your associated Microsoft account, which may affect other Microsoft services like Outlook, OneDrive, and Xbox.

Sign in to your Microsoft Account: Go to the Microsoft account website (account.microsoft.com) and sign in with the same email address and password you use for Skype.
Navigate to Account Closure: Scroll down to the “Close Account” or “How to close your Microsoft account” section. It might be under “Security” or “Privacy” settings.
Review the Information: Microsoft will provide a list of services and data that will be affected by closing your account. Read this information carefully.
Verify Your Identity: You will be asked to verify your identity, typically by entering a code sent to your email address or phone number.
Set a Waiting Period: Microsoft requires a 60-day waiting period before permanently closing your account. This allows you to change your mind and reopen the account if needed.
Mark Account for Closure: Follow the on-screen instructions to mark your account for closure.

During the 60-day waiting period, you can reopen your account by simply signing in. If you do not sign in during this period, your account will be permanently closed, and your data will be deleted.

Alternative: Unlinking your Microsoft Account

While completely closing your Microsoft account impacts all services, unlinking your Microsoft Account from Skype might be a suitable alternative if you still want to use other Microsoft services. To unlink, you’ll likely need to create a separate Skype account with a different email address (not a Microsoft one). Be aware that this method might require you to contact Skype support for assistance, and the procedure is not always straightforward, since the platforms are so integrated.

Troubleshooting Cancellation Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues when trying to cancel your Skype subscription or close your account. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

“Cancel Subscription” Option Not Available: This usually means that the subscription is already cancelled, or it is not a recurring subscription. Double-check your subscription details. If the subscription was purchased through a third-party app store, you need to cancel it through that app store.
Still Being Charged After Cancellation: Contact Skype customer support immediately and provide proof of cancellation. It’s helpful to have screenshots of the cancellation confirmation.
Cannot Sign In to Skype: If you are having trouble signing in, try resetting your password. If that doesn’t work, contact Skype support for assistance.
Account Closure Issues: If you are having trouble closing your Microsoft account, make sure you have followed all the steps correctly and that you have verified your identity. Check for any outstanding balances or subscriptions linked to your Microsoft account.

Contacting Skype Support

If you encounter any difficulties during the cancellation or account closure process, or if you have questions about refunds, the best course of action is to contact Skype customer support.

Visit the Skype Support Website: Go to the Skype support website (support.skype.com).
Search for Help Articles: Use the search bar to find articles related to your specific issue.
Contact Support: If you cannot find a solution in the help articles, look for an option to contact support directly. This might involve submitting a support request, chatting with a live agent, or calling a customer support number.

When contacting support, be prepared to provide your Skype name, email address, subscription details, and a detailed explanation of your issue.

Cancelling a Skype subscription or closing your account requires careful planning and execution. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free process. Remember to understand your subscription details, back up important data, and contact Skype support if you encounter any problems. Always keep records of your cancellation requests for future reference.

What happens to my Skype account if I cancel my subscription?

Cancelling your Skype subscription does not delete your Skype account. Your Skype account remains active, allowing you to still receive messages and calls (if you have Skype Credit). However, your paid subscription benefits, such as allocated minutes to call specific countries, will cease immediately at the end of your billing cycle. You will also lose access to any features exclusive to your subscription.

To continue using Skype, you can still use free features like instant messaging with other Skype users. You can also purchase Skype Credit to make calls to landlines and mobile phones at pay-as-you-go rates. If you wish to permanently delete your account, you need to close your entire Microsoft account, which will affect other Microsoft services as well.

How do I cancel a Skype subscription on my computer?

To cancel your Skype subscription on your computer, first sign into your Skype account on the Skype website. Navigate to the “Manage” section under your profile picture. From there, you should find a “Manage Subscription” option, or something similar, depending on the version of Skype you are using. Click on it to access your subscription details.

Within the subscription details, you will find a “Cancel Subscription” button. Follow the prompts, which may include selecting a reason for cancellation. Be sure to confirm your cancellation to ensure your subscription is properly terminated. You should receive a confirmation email acknowledging your cancellation.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my Skype subscription?

Refunds for Skype subscriptions are generally granted at Skype’s discretion, depending on the circumstances. Typically, you might be eligible for a refund if you haven’t used your subscription much or if there were technical issues preventing you from using the service. However, if you’ve used a significant portion of your subscription minutes, a refund is less likely.

To request a refund, contact Skype customer support. Provide them with details about your subscription and the reason for your refund request. Be prepared to provide information about your usage and any issues you encountered. Skype will review your request and determine if you are eligible for a refund, which can take a few business days.

What happens to my Skype Credit when I cancel my subscription?

Cancelling your Skype subscription has no direct impact on your Skype Credit balance. Any Skype Credit you have in your account will remain available for use. You can use this credit to make calls to landlines and mobile phones at pay-as-you-go rates, even after your subscription is cancelled.

Skype Credit generally does not expire, so you can keep it in your account for future use. However, it’s always a good idea to check Skype’s terms of service regarding credit expiration policies, as these policies can change. If you decide to close your entire Microsoft account, any remaining Skype Credit will likely be forfeited, so consider using it before deleting your account.

How do I cancel my Skype Number?

To cancel your Skype Number, sign in to your Skype account on the Skype website. Navigate to the “Manage features” section, usually found under your profile details. You should see a “Skype Number” option listed under your active features or subscriptions. Click on this to access your Skype Number settings.

Within the Skype Number settings, you will find an option to cancel the number. The wording might be “Cancel Skype Number” or “Turn off auto-renewal.” Follow the prompts to complete the cancellation. Note that if you cancel mid-subscription, you typically won’t receive a refund for the remaining period. The Skype Number will remain active until the end of its paid term.

Can I reactivate my Skype subscription after cancelling it?

Yes, in most cases, you can reactivate your Skype subscription after cancelling it. Usually, you can do this directly from your Skype account settings on the Skype website. After cancelling, your subscription details might show an option to “Reactivate Subscription” or something similar. This option will typically appear until the end of the billing cycle you had already paid for.

If you don’t see a reactivation option immediately, it might become available after the subscription’s original end date has passed. If you are unable to reactivate it through your account settings, you can always purchase a new subscription with the same or different features. Be sure to check the pricing and available features before reactivating or purchasing a new subscription.

How do I cancel a Skype subscription billed through a third-party provider (e.g., Google Play, Apple App Store)?

If your Skype subscription is billed through a third-party provider like Google Play or the Apple App Store, you must cancel it through that specific provider’s platform. Cancelling through the Skype website directly will not stop the recurring billing. Sign into your Google Play account or Apple ID, depending on which platform handles your billing.

Within the relevant app store account, locate your subscriptions and find the Skype subscription. Follow the instructions provided by Google Play or Apple App Store to cancel the subscription. Ensure you receive confirmation of the cancellation from the third-party provider to avoid future charges. The cancellation process and refund policies are determined by the billing platform, not Skype.