Skype Shutdown: How to Port Your Number

Change is coming to a familiar friend. Microsoft has announced it will retire Skype on May 5, 2025. This means the Skype service — which many of us have used for years — is closing down to focus on Microsoft Teams. If you have a Skype Number (a phone number purchased through Skype), you won’t automatically lose it on day one, but it will be transitioned to Microsoft Teams. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what that means and how, as the hero of this story, you can keep your number alive by porting it to Phone2.

Starting May 5, 2025, Skype is disabling SMS texting and certain features.

What Happens to Your Skype Number?

When Skype closes, your number doesn’t just vanish. Microsoft’s plan is to let users move into Microsoft Teams (the free version) to handle things like calls. If you do nothing, you’ll still be able to log into Teams with your Skype account, and your number will continue ringing for a short time.

However, there are important caveats:

📅 Limited Time for Calls

You can receive calls to your Skype Number through Teams Free or the Skype web portal — but only for the remainder of your active Skype Number subscription. After that, no new subscriptions can be bought, and the number may stop working if not ported in time.

🚫 SMS Will Not Work Anymore

Starting May 5, 2025, Skype is disabling SMS texting and certain features. While Microsoft Teams supports SMS, it’s not plug-and-play. To send texts with your number via Teams, you must go through a 10DLC registration process (10-digit long code).

For an average user who was used to “pay per text” simplicity on Skype, this new requirement can feel overwhelming. Learn more from Microsoft's official SMS info page here: SMS in Microsoft Teams

📥 Migration to Teams

Microsoft is encouraging all Skype users to switch to the Teams app. Your messages and contacts can move over. But setting up calling and texting (especially texting) may be more complex than what you’re used to with Skype.

Bottom line: If you want to keep using your Skype Number without hassle, you have two paths:

1. Follow Microsoft into Teams (and deal with the new SMS registration requirements), or

2. Port your number to a new service like Sideline, Openphone, Phone2, etc
   

To send texts with your Skype number via Teams, you must go through a 10DLC registration process.

Can Phone2 Do What Skype Did?

Phone2 is a modern phone service that can step into Skype’s shoes and make your transition easy. You’re probably wondering if Phone2 will give you the same features you enjoyed with Skype. The answer, in short, is yes – and then some.

Let’s break down the key features:

📞 2-Way Calling (Inbound & Outbound)

✅ Absolutely. You can make and receive calls using Phone2 just like you did on Skype.

Phone2 provides unlimited calling within the United States, Canada, and even U.S. territories (like Puerto Rico). Your friends, family, or anyone dialing your number will reach you on Phone2, and you can call any regular number as well.

🌍 International Calling

✅ Skype earned its reputation for affordable international calls — and Phone2 is ready to continue that legacy.

International calling is coming by the end of April 2025. Rates will be extremely affordable — around $0.01–$0.02 per minute to many developed countries.

💬 Outbound SMS (Text Messaging)

✅ Yes, Phone2 supports both sending and receiving text messages from your number.

But here's the catch — just like with Microsoft Teams, Phone2 requires 10DLC registration to unlock outbound SMS. That’s because U.S. carriers now require all services to register numbers before they can send texts, to prevent spam. This isn’t just a Phone2 rule — it applies across the board, even on Teams, Twilio, and Google Voice.

For longtime Skype users used to pay-per-text simplicity, this shift might feel frustrating — but it’s the new normal.

Phone2 makes the process easy: See our 10DLC registration guide

Good news: You don’t need 10DLC registration to receive texts like 2FA codes from banks — only for sending texts.

👥 Multiple User Extensions (Shared Lines)

✅ One of the coolest features of Phone2: you can share your number with up to 4 users.

Let’s say you want your spouse, business partner, or caregiver to help manage your calls. You can all be connected to the same number through the Phone2 app. If someone calls, all of you can answer — or just one of you.

🔊 Voicemail & Other Essentials

✅ Phone2 includes all the core features you expect:

• Voicemail (play it in the app or get it by email)

• Call history

• Incoming call notifications

🔐 Receive 2FA Codes (from banks, Google, WhatsApp, etc.)

This is a BIG one — and something most VoIP apps fail at. Phone2 numbers are IoT-grade and backed by wireless infrastructure. In plain terms: they behave like real mobile numbers, not like throwaway online ones.

That means your Phone2 number will still work with your bank, Uber, Amazon, and other accounts that send security codes by text — something many VoIP apps can't handle well.

In summary:

Phone2 is a capable guide for your journey forward. It delivers a warm, user-friendly experience with the same core functionality you relied on with Skype. Now, let’s look at how to actually port your number over — step by step.

Step-by-Step: How to Port Your Skype Number to Phone2

Moving your number from Skype to Phone2 might sound technical — but don’t worry. You’ve got this. Just follow each step below, and you’ll be safely switched over in a few days.

✅ Before You Begin: What’s Eligible?

• Only U.S., Toll-free and Canadian Skype Numbers can be ported to Phone2.

• Your Skype Number must be active and not expired.

• Don’t cancel or let your Skype subscription lapse during the porting process.

1) Sign Up for Phone2

Go to https://checkout.phone2.io and create your account. Pick any temporary number when signing up — this will just be a placeholder.

2) Open the Port-In Form

After logging in for the first time, you’ll see a Port-In Request Form appear automatically. You can also go directly to: https://phone2.io/portin

3) Gather These Skype Account Details

You’ll need the following info to complete the form:

• Skype Number (full 10-digit number with area code)

• Account number: Usually your Skype Number

• PIN code: 0000 for Skype users by default

• Billing name and address associated with your Skype account

  
  

4) Complete the Phone2 Port Request

In the Port-In form, enter the details exactly as Skype has them on file. Be careful with typos — mismatches can delay the process. Once submitted, Phone2 will handle the request and contact Microsoft/Skype for the transfer.

5) Keep Skype Active Until the Port Completes

Do not cancel your Skype Number subscription yet.Leave everything as-is while Phone2 works on the transfer.

6) Get Confirmation & Test Your Number

You’ll receive an email or app notification when the port is complete. Now test everything:

• Call your number from a different phone — it should ring in the Phone2 app

• Try making a call out — your correct number should appear on the other person’s caller ID

• Test receiving a text or 2FA code

You’ve officially completed the transition from Skype to Phone2, without losing your number and without jumping through the hoops of Microsoft Teams and 10DLC setup.

By following these steps, you as the hero have successfully navigated the challenge of Skype’s shutdown. Your trusted phone number has a new home at Phone2, where it will continue to ring and send texts as always. And remember, Phone2’s support team is there to help if you encounter any bumps along the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Phone2 if a step is confusing – they’re the guiding mentor on this journey.

Throwback to the classic Skype interface — where 4 million users were online and “Calling Phones” felt like magic.

Farewell, Skype — the OG of Online Calling

Before we finish, let’s take a moment to honor the service that started it all.

Skype wasn’t just an app — it was a movement. It connected people across continents long before FaceTime or Zoom were household names.

Launched in 2003, Skype revolutionized the way we communicated. It brought grandparents and grandkids together. It let businesses operate globally from bedrooms. It made “Skype me” part of the cultural lexicon. Now, as Skype sunsets and passes the torch, we salute it.

💡 TechCrunch: Microsoft hangs up on Skype – Service to shut down May 5, 2025

Thank you, Skype — the OG of internet calling — for two decades of service and connection. We’re sad to see you go, but your legacy lives on in every call that keeps the world a little closer.