Skype is a digital software that allows you to keep in touch with your family, friends, or colleagues no matter whether they live in any corner of the World. However, if you have some kind of privacy issues on your Skype account like spam messages, fake profiles, or any kind of cyberbullying risks or others. Then, you might want to know how to delete a Skype account. Right?
Well! don’t worry. I have good news for you: you can delete your Skype account within minutes if you follow the instructions which I’m gonna discuss in detail in this blog. Moreover, we’ll also discuss what happens to your chats, contacts, and subscriptions after deleting your Skype account. So, read this article till the end. Trust me it would be very informative and beneficial for you!
What is Skype?
“Skype is a digital platform which was specially designed in 2003 having aim to make you easily connect with your desired people lived anywhere around the World.”
Moreover, the amazing thing about this application is that you can use it using a phone, tablet, or even a computer. Thus, making it accessible wherever and whenever. Apart from this, you will definitely be surprised to know that according to a 2024 survey report, Skype has almost 400 million users. Let’s talk about its features, so you will understand why it’s so popular among people!
Key features
- Voice & video calling: If you have a Skype account then you can easily voice and video calls with your loved ones and see them. so you will never feel far away from the person.
- Instant messages: Moreover, Skype also allows you to send instant messages.
- Share files: It also allows you to send a picture, video or document within seconds.
- Screen sharing: You know one of its amazing features is screen sharing. For instance; if you wish to explain something or show someone what is on your computer, you can do that by showing your screen.
- World wide calls: Apart from these, if a person does not have Skype, you can still call their mobile or landline phone at cheaper rates.
- Use live subtitles: Moreover, it also proves beneficial for hearing disabled persons even if you don’t know other languages. This is because it shows real-time captions while calling
Protect your kid with the parental control.
Is Skype safe?
Though Skype may be keeping you connected, showing safety concerns is a good thing. So, if you want to ask whether Skype is safe to use. Well, first of all, keep in mind that there is no application which is completely secure and guarantees your privacy. But the good news is that Skype has security measures like system features such as encryption, which shields your messages and calls from being exposed to a third person.
Additionally, only people on your contact list can call or message you unless you modify the features. However, it is still advisable to exercise caution while online.
However, if you are a child or some other kind of vulnerable user, be aware of a number of threats that you might face, For instance; there is a chance of unknown users sending you contact requests with the aim of getting your personal information.
Moreover, Be aware that some individuals may use fake profiles to target you and obtain sensitive information from you.
How can you stay safe?
Now, if you are also worried about your kid’s digital safety on Skype. Then don’t worry, you can use a parental control application. When we talk about parental control apps, the very first name that comes to our mind is FlashGet Kids. The reason is that it acts as a digital bodyguard for your kids and protects them from online potential dangers by giving you real-time updates. For instance;
- You can see live what your kids are doing on Skype, like to whom your kids are chatting or calling using its screen mirroring feature.
- You can also set time restrictions on the use of Skype apps using screen time. Moreover, you can also use its usage report feature to know how much time your kids have spent on Skype. Apart from this, owing to its notification tracker feature, you can also get notifications from your kids device.
Does Skype have age limit?
Absolutely Yes! You can only create your Skype account if you are 13 years old. Keep in mind that this is the minimum age since the platform is not intended for younger children. Wait there is more! Some nations have an even stricter policy. For instance, China has a restriction of 14 while France has 15.
Does Skype have parental controls?
Skype does not provide full control over its usage, unlike many other applications. Let’s see how Skype heps you to keep digitally safe!
- First of all, messages and calls can only be sent by those on your contact list. It will help prevent unwanted strangers from contacting you.
- Moreover, age and gender as well as other personal information are restricted from the public profile.
- Additionally, other users can be blocked or reported if they are making you feel uncomfortable.
However, I know that for kids and younger users, some of these settings may not be enough. That is why there are additional parental tools like FlashGet Kids.
Why do you want to delete your Skype account deletion?
Now let’s discuss some of the most popular reasons that make you choose separation from Skype.
- You don’t use it anymore: If you are among those who rarely ever log in to their Skype. Then I can imagine that a Skype account would be nothing for you. So, you may want to delete it to free up space.
- Spam messages: Spam messages is the most common reason of leaving any social media platform. I know getting messages from unknown people can be very disturbing for you. So, you think that deleting your account might stops it. Right?
- Concern over privacy: Sometimes, you may feel that keeping your personal information on Skype is not the safest option. Thus, you might think that Deleting the account does provide some peace of mind.
- Multiple accounts: However, if you have more than one Skype account, it surely is time to declutter a bit and keep only the one that is actually used most often.
- Want to shift to other: There is also a possibility that you might want to use other platforms like Whatsapp, Facetime, Zoom, etc.
What do you need to know before a Skype account?
Although you may have decided to delete your Skype account. However, there are a few things you need to figure out before taking this step.
What are the Consequences of Deleting Skype:
- You’ll lose all your chats and contacts: First of all, upon deletion of your account, you will lose all of your chats and contacts without any possibility of recovery.
- Subscriptions & credits on Skype will disappear: Do you possess a current subscription or Skype credit? If yes, then let me clear that you will lose them forever upon deletion. Therefore, it might make sense to use credit or cancel your subscription prior to account deletion if you do not wish to lose the money.
- It takes 60 days to fully delete: Moreover, deletion is not a single-step process, it takes time! For those who wish to change their mind or for some reason need to log in after deletion, your account will be active for 60 days in the system.
What happens to your Microsoft account?
- If your Skype is linked with your Microsoft Account, deleting Skype will automatically delete the whole Microsoft Account associated with it. You will then not have access to Outlook emails, Xbox data, and OneDrive files. If those services are still important to you, it would be better to stop using Skype instead of deleting it.
Step-by-step instructions: how to delete a Skype account on PC & mobile?
After reading all the above consequences, If you are still sure about removing your Skype account. No need to panic, as you’ve come to the right place! I’ll help you out in deleting your Skype account whether you have a PC or a Mobile device. So, let’s get started to know how you can delete your Skype account?
How to delete an account from Skype on a desktop?
Step 1. First Of all, you have to open your Skype application and sign into your account.
Step 2. Now, you need to click on your profile picture at the top left corner.
Step 3. Now, you have to click on three dots located in the top right corner of your screen. By clicking on it, a drop-down menu will appear before you. From there just click on settings.
Step 4. Now under settings section, you have to select Account & Profile tab which is located at top. Once you click on it another window appears. From there just scroll down and click on Close your account option.
Step 5. After that, it will ask you to sign in your Microsoft by entering your email and password > Next.
Step 6. Another window appears in your account activity status. Just click on Next.
Step 7. After this, Skype will provide you with a list of information. For instance; it included those that you are gonna lose permanently such as messages, contacts, active subscriptions, etc. You just click on Mark account for closure.
How to erase a Skype an account on mobile?
Step 1. First of all, take your phone and sign into Skype account. Then, go for profile icon at the top left side of your screen.
Step 2. Under your profile, you need to tap on settings section.
Step 3. Now, you have to find the Account and Profile tab under settings tab. If you find it then just tap on it.
Step 4. After this, you have to scroll down until you find the option to close your account and then tap on it.
Step 5. Then as discussed above, Skype will allow you to confirm your identity by signing in. After this you have to go for Mark Your account for closure option.
Why can’t you delete account from Skype?
Let’s discuss the common reasons one by one which stop you from deleting your Skype account!
1. Your Skype account linkage to your Microsoft account
If your Skype account is connected to your Microsoft Account. That means deleting Skype could result in losing Outlook, OneDrive, Xbox, and additional services. Microsoft does not provide the option to delete Skype independently, which means you will have to delete the entire account.
2. An active subscription exists under your account
If you have purchased Skype credit or any subscription, you will not be able to delete your account until you exhaust your credit. So, keep in mind that your deletion requests will not get fulfilled until you cancel all your active plans, plus until you use your any remaining credit. So, check your account settings to see if there is anything left to cancel first.
3. You still haven’t verified your identity
Moreover, before they allow you to delete your account, Skype makes sure to verify your identity. If you have not verified your email or phone number, then Skype could deny your request. So, check if you need to verify your identity.
4. You’re attempting to delete the account too early
When you initiate the deletion of an account, Skype does not instantly get deleted. There is a 60-day period to suspend your deletion in case you change your mind. But the problem is that if you log in during that time, then your account gets reactivated and you have to restart the process from scratch.
Bonus: how to keep your online presence secure?
Keep in mind that one less account does not imply minimizing risk for your online safety. Your information is still vulnerable to hackers, scammers, and data trackers. So, let’s not waste any more time!
- Use of strong passwords: You should use different passwords for different accounts and all of them should be strong. You know it is almost impossible for hackers to guess passwords based on a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Two Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA is like putting an extra lock on the door to your house. They still won’t be able to get in because they would need a code to log into the password.
- Be aware of phishing scams: Have you ever gotten a strange email or message which asked for personal information? Well! If no, then you are luckily safe. As these are normal techniques which scammers use to steal your personal information.
Final thought
In a nutshell, I must say that although it’s very simple to delete your Skype account. But you must be aware that once you delete your account, all your chats, contacts, your subscription will disappear. Moreover, if your account is linked to Microsoft, then all of your Microsoft files, like MS Office Outlook files, etc will also disappear. So, I would recommend you to think before taking this step.
FAQs
No, you cannot temporarily deactivate Skype. But don’t worry! You can take a break for as long as you like by logging out and removing your details instead of deleting it. Keep in mind, however, that if you delete your account, you will lose it forever after 60 days.
Your subscription will not automatically stop when you delete your Skype account which is an important thing to note. You need to cancel it yourself or else you will be continuously charged. After cancelling, the subscription, you can still use it until the billing period is over.
If you want to delete Skype without losing a Microsoft account, it’s good news. You must first unlink Skype from your Microsoft account. Go to Microsoft’s website, look for “Services & Subscriptions,” and unlink Skype from it. Now, you can delete your Skype account while keeping everything else safe.
