Huge chat app is closing down after 22 years – save data now before it’s lost

A LONG-RUNNING messaging app is retiring next week and users will need to save their chat data before it’s lost forever.

The platform’s closure was first announced in February but the end is now mere hours off, with major changes coming on Monday (May 5).

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Skype was launched back in 2003 and has been a big name in the world of chat and messaging.

At its peak, the service had more than 300million active monthly users.

But its popularity has waned in recent years, dropping to around 23million in 2020.

Microsoft – who bought the app in 2011 – have pumped much of their focus on its other messaging platform, Microsoft Teams.

Skype users have been told they have the option to move to Microsoft Teams Free instead with “many of the same core features”.

Those who wish to move across can sign into the Microsoft Teams Free app with their Skype login details – and all their contacts and chats will be automatically transferred over.

Alternatively, users can download their precious chat data.

But failure to do either before January 2026 and it will be permanently deleted.

“If you take no action, your Skype data will be deleted January 2026,” Microsoft said.

So it’s worthwhile downloading any data or transferring across now before you forgot and data is lost.

“Skype you ran multiple businesses, dished me breakups, kept me in touch with thousands of poeple” one user wrote on Reddit in response to the announcement of Skype’s closure earlier this year.

“You will be missed.”

But others were less mournful saying, “good riddance”.

However, one small part of Skype will live on.

Skype for Business will continue for now – though it’s likely Microsoft will try to move those to Teams too in the future.