As is usual among online service providers, removing Skype is not an easy task. Given the large number of accounts you will have linked to (payment methods, your Microsoft account, etc.), it can be quite a difficult process to manage. But fear not. We’ve compiled the process into a simple step-by-step guide, so you can remove the platform from your online account portfolio if you wish.
Before embarking on this liberating journey, it is important to make a distinction whether you signed up for Skype with a Microsoft account or not. If you did, closing your Skype account permanently will also delete your linked Microsoft account. This is an obvious drawback; Your Microsoft account can also be your key to other company services, including Outlook.com, OneDrive, Xbox Live, etc. Therefore, a fairly important step in this case is to unlink the accounts to ensure that you can still benefit from the other Microsoft services once you have removed Skype from the list.
Whether you’re taking a tech detox or just trying to dodge that needy aunt more permanently, follow our guide to deleting Skype for good.
How to delete your Skype account
- Sign in to your Skype account at skype.com in a web browser.
- Scroll to the bottom of the web page and click account settings under the My account qualification.
- Next to your Microsoft account, click Disconnect. NB: If the option says Unlinked instead of Unlink, your Skype and Microsoft accounts are not linked, so you can skip to Step 5.
- Select Continue when a confirmation message appears. NB: You can only unlink your accounts a limited number of times. If you receive a message informing you that you cannot unlink the two accounts, contact Skype Support here.
- You will need to cancel any Skype subscriptions or recurring payments. In your web browser, navigate your payments using the blue bar on the left, simply selecting the subscription you want to cancel and clicking Cancel subscriptionand then Thanks, but no thanks, I still want to cancel.. NB: If you want to request a refund for any unused Skype subscription, this could be your chance. Or fill the Online cancellation and refund form either live chat with Skype support staff.
- If you bought a Skype number where people can call you, it’s worth canceling it before closing your account. Select Skype number in it Manage features section, then click Settings and then Cancel Skype number. Your Skype number will remain active until its expiration date, after which Microsoft will reserve your Skype number for 90 days.
- If you use auto top-up to automatically top up your Skype balance when needed, go to Account detailsso Billing and paymentsso Deactivate under the Automatic recharge tab right next to State.
- At this point, all Skype subscriptions should be canceled and all recurring payments removed, allowing you to contact Skype Customer Support and inform them that you want to close your account.
- Go to Skype account closure page. Make sure you are signed in with the account you want to close. Click Next.
- In it Select a reason drop-down list, choose the reason you are closing the account.
- Select Mark account for closure….And you are ready! Although not entirely, since Skype offers you a 60-day deliberation period to reflect if you really want to leave the video calling platform for good. Once those 60 days have passed, you will get rid of your Skype account forever. If you change your mind and want to rescue your account from the jaws of the Internet abyss, all you have to do is log back in to cancel the shutdown.
No more Skype
Deleting a Skype account is easy. Whether you’re tired of managing the influx of Skype messages or just don’t like social media, Skype can quickly become a thing of the past with a few clicks or taps.
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