How to Delete Skype Conversations

You can easily delete messages you no longer want

By
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Writer
Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified.
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Updated on July 3, 2022

What to Know

  • Launch Skype and log in. Tap and hold or right-click the chat > select Delete Conversation > Delete.
  • You can't retrieve deleted Skype chats.

This article explains how to delete unwanted Skype conversations. Instructions cover Skype on Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, Windows 10, and the web.

How to Delete a Skype Conversation

Skype makes it easy to delete your old chat records, but be aware you can't retrieve these deleted chats. Also, don't worry about offending anyone as the person you chatted with has no way of knowing you erased the archived text.

  1. Launch the Skype application and log in, if necessary. A list of your previous contacts, along with each recorded chat, is visible in the left menu pane. Locate the one you wish to delete and tap and hold or right-click it.

  2. When the drop-down menu appears, select Delete Conversation.

    A screenshot of Skype with the Delete Conversation command highlighted

  3. A message appears asking if you're sure you want to delete the conversation permanently. Select Delete to complete the process.

    A screenshot of Skype's "Delete Skype Chat" confirmation window with the Delete button highlighted

Deleting a conversation clears your copy of messages in the conversation and also removes it from your chat list. If you start a new conversation with someone, you won't see the conversation history.

Why Delete a Skype Conversation?

Skype stores a log of all your text-based conversations by default. This comes in handy if you need to go back and reference a particular chat you had in the past. However, it poses a potential privacy or security risk if you have discussions you want to stay between you and the other party. If you use Skype often, these archived conversations can also become a form of digital clutter, one you might want to clean up on occasion.

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