The iconic bubble sounds of Skype will fall silent forever on May 5, 2025. Microsoft has announced the retirement of its pioneering video calling platform as it shifts focus entirely to Microsoft Teams.

Born in 2003, Skype revolutionized global communication, connecting families across continents and enabling business without borders. Now, after struggling to compete with newer platforms like Zoom and Slack, the blue-and-white icon will join other tech relics in the digital history books.

Microsoft promises a seamless transition for loyal users. Those migrating to Teams will find their contacts, chat histories, and credentials automatically transferred. Alternatively, users can export their data before the shutdown date if they prefer moving elsewhere.

Paid services are already winding down—no new Skype Credit or subscriptions are available, and existing credits will remain valid only until their next renewal.

“For many of us, Skype represented our first video calling experience,” notes tech analyst Maya Singh. “Before smartphones made video calls commonplace, Skype showed us the magic of seeing loved ones across any distance.”

As the countdown begins, millions have just over a year to bid farewell to the platform that first connected our world through screens.