Skype Shutdown: How to Port Your Number

What's Happening to Skype?

Microsoft announced it will retire Skype on May 5, 2025. This means the Skype service, which many 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.

What Happens If You Do Nothing?

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.

But there's a catch.

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.

The SMS Problem

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.

In short, if you do nothing, you'll probably lose the ability to send texts from your Skype Number unless you jump through Microsoft's compliance hoops.

Your Options

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

Option 1: Microsoft Teams

Microsoft is making it easy to sign up for Teams Free. Just use your Skype credentials and your chat history, contacts, and calls will move over.

The catch is that sending texts still requires 10DLC registration. And if you plan to expand into more advanced business calling features (like call recording, AI transcription, or a team inbox), Teams will push you into their paid plans pretty fast.

Option 2: Port to Phone2

Phone2 is a modern phone service that can step into Skype's shoes and make your transition easy.

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

Texting: Phone2 supports both sending and receiving text messages from your number.

How to Port Your Skype Number to Phone2

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.

Step 1: Create Your Phone2 Account

Go to checkout.phone2.io and create your account. Pick any temporary number when signing up. This will just be a placeholder.

Step 2: Start the Port Request

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

Step 3: Enter Your Details

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

1. Skype Number: Full 10 digit number with area code
2. Account Number: Your Skype Number (same as above)
3. PIN: Use "0000" (four zeros)
4. Name and Address: Match what's in your Skype profile

In the Port In form, enter the details exactly as Skype has them on file. Be careful with typos. Mismatches can delay the process.

Step 4: Wait for Completion

Once submitted, Phone2 will handle the request and contact Microsoft/Skype for the transfer. Do not cancel your Skype Number subscription yet. Leave everything as is while Phone2 works on the transfer.

Step 5: Confirmation

You'll receive an email or app notification when the port is complete. This typically takes 1 to 2 business days.

Within that time, your placeholder number will be replaced with your ported number, with no downtime. Once complete, your Skype number will replace the temporary number you chose when signing up.

What About SMS Texting?

U.S. carriers now require all services to register numbers before they can send texts. This is called 10DLC registration. This isn't just a Phone2 rule. It applies across the board, even on Teams, Twilio, and Google Voice.

After porting to Phone2, you'll need to complete the 10DLC registration to enable SMS. Phone2 covers the registration fees for your first year.

For an average user who was used to "pay per text" simplicity on Skype, this new requirement can feel overwhelming. Phone2 simplifies the process by guiding you through each step.

What You Get with Phone2

1. Unlimited calling within the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories
2. Unlimited SMS and MMS messaging (after 10DLC registration)
3. Team inbox for shared access
4. Works on iOS, Android, and web
5. AI call transcription and recording (on Pro plan)
6. International calling at affordable rates

Other Alternatives to Consider

If Phone2 or Microsoft Teams aren't the right fit, here are other options worth exploring:

Google Voice

Google Voice offers free calls to the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico and lets you get or port a number. But it only works if you're physically located in the US during sign-up. VPNs won't help here.

Porting your Skype number to Google Voice costs a one-time fee of $20. International calls incur per-minute charges (for example, about $0.01 per minute to the UK).

Important limitation: Short-code texts (like two-factor authentication codes from banks) often do not work with Google Voice numbers. If you relied on your Skype number for verification codes, this could be a dealbreaker.

VoIP.ms

VoIP.ms is a pay-as-you-go VoIP provider that caters mostly to tech-savvy users and small businesses. Unlike most services, VoIP.ms has no monthly minimums. You only pay for what you use.

US Numbers cost just $0.85 per month, which is cheaper than Skype was. There are no lock-in contracts, making it very affordable if your usage is sporadic or ad hoc.

The downside is that VoIP.ms requires more technical setup. You'll need to configure a softphone app like Zoiper or use a dedicated VoIP phone.

Hushed

Hushed is an app originally designed for anonymous calling that now positions itself as a Skype alternative. Users can purchase or port US, Canadian, UK, or Puerto Rican numbers.

However, there's no guarantee those numbers will receive verification texts. If you need your number for two-factor authentication, proceed with caution.

Zoom Phone

Zoom Phone allows calling and SMS functions, but it's a paid service primarily aimed at businesses. Pricing starts around $10 per month per user. If you're already using Zoom for video calls, this could be a convenient add-on.

Voiply

Voiply provides crystal-clear calling services and a plug-and-play setup. They offer monthly residential phone services for just $8.95 per month. It's a good option if you want something simple without much technical configuration.

Quicktalk

Quicktalk is a newer VoIP provider originally designed for small businesses, but it works perfectly for solo users. It stands out as a pay-as-you-go friendly service that, like Skype, supports low-cost international calling and virtual numbers. Quicktalk directly pitches itself as a modern replacement for Skype's discontinued phone features.

Number Parking (If You're Undecided)

Not ready to commit to a new service? Number parking lets you hold onto your phone number for a small monthly fee while you figure out your next steps.

NumberBarn offers number parking starting at $2 per month. Your number stays active and you can forward calls to another line. When you're ready, you can port the number to your new service.

ParkMyPhone is another option that provides similar functionality. This is useful if you need more time to evaluate alternatives or if you're waiting for a specific feature to become available.

Important Warnings

Before you make your decision, keep these critical points in mind:

Two-Factor Authentication Issues: Many VoIP services do not reliably receive two-factor verification texts. This is critical for users who relied on Skype numbers to log into bank accounts, social media, or apps from abroad. Test your new service with non-critical accounts before fully committing.

Porting Deadline: Porting your number can take several business days, so don't wait until you're right up against the May 5 deadline to take action. Start the process at least two weeks early to avoid any issues.

Keep Your Subscription Active: Do not cancel your Skype subscription until the port is fully complete. Canceling early can cause the port to fail and you may lose your number permanently.

Some Numbers May Not Be Portable: As of Skype's shutdown in 2025, some sources report certain Skype numbers are no longer portable. This means if your business was using a Skype number, you may need to obtain a new virtual phone number from a telecom provider. Check with your new provider before assuming your number can transfer.

Comparing Your Options

If you're weighing your choices, here's how they stack up:

Phone2 Advantages

1. Permanent home for your number
2. 10DLC registration support included (first year free)
3. Unlimited US/Canada calling
4. Team inbox and shared access from day one
5. AI call transcription and recording (Pro plan)
6. Works on iOS, Android, and web
7. $7/user/month starting price

Start Your Port Today

Don't wait until the last minute. Microsoft's May 5 deadline will arrive faster than you think, and porting requests may take longer as more people scramble to move their numbers.

The process is straightforward:

1. Go to phone2.io/portin
2. Enter your Skype number details exactly as they appear on your Skype account
3. Keep your Skype subscription active until the port completes
4. Receive confirmation within 1-2 business days

Start your port request now at phone2.io/portin and keep your business number working seamlessly.