What is Skype
Overview
Skype is an internet communications service that offers voice and video calls, instant messaging, SMS and paid calling plans to landlines and mobiles.
It is available as a free app and as paid subscriptions or credits for calls and inbound numbers (SkypeIn).
How people use it
Individuals and businesses use Skype for remote meetings, international calls and messaging on multiple devices.
Paid features include calling bundles, country minutes and virtual local numbers in selected countries.
How to cancel Skype
Cancel if you bought via the App Store (iOS)
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad and tap your name, then Subscriptions.
- Find Skype in your subscriptions and choose Cancel Subscription - Apple manages the payment and cancellation.
- Skype cannot cancel App Store subscriptions for you; follow Apple’s subscription settings.
Cancel if you bought via Google Play (Android)
- Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile, then Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions.
- Select Skype and tap Cancel subscription; Google processes refunds for Play purchases.
- Skype cannot cancel or refund Google Play purchases directly.
Cancel if you bought directly via Skype / Microsoft (web)
- Sign in to your Microsoft account and go to Services & subscriptions.
- Locate Skype, click Manage and then select Cancel. Cancel at least 3 days before renewal to avoid being charged.
- Follow on-screen prompts to confirm cancellation; changes are managed in your Microsoft account.
What happens when you cancel
Access and billing
After cancellation you will usually retain access to paid features until the end of your current billing period.
No further renewals will be charged once cancellation is processed before the next renewal date.
Data and services
Your account, chat history and settings generally remain in your Microsoft account according to Microsoft data policies.
Paid items such as Skype Numbers or Skype Credit may be deactivated or expire after cancellation depending on product terms.
Will I get a refund?
General refund policy
Microsoft’s terms state purchases are generally final and non‑refundable unless law or a specific offer requires otherwise.
Refunds are at Microsoft’s discretion and should typically be requested within 90 days of the charge.
Common exceptions and in-app purchases
- Direct Skype/web purchases may qualify for refund in limited cases (unused services, technical faults, fraud or error).
- Cooling‑off may apply for some direct purchases (examples around 15 days), but not for in‑app purchases through Apple or Google.
- In‑app purchases via the App Store or Google Play must be refunded through Apple or Google, not Skype.
Skype plans and pricing
Current ZAR examples
| Plan | Price | Period | Features |
| SkypeIn number (3 months) | R141 | 3 months | Unique incoming number (SkypeIn) |
| SkypeIn number (12 months) | R471 | 12 months | Unique incoming number (SkypeIn) |
| South Africa 400 | R117 per month | Monthly | 400 minutes to South African landlines |
| World 400 | R141 per month | Monthly | 400 minutes to SA landlines and 40+ other countries' landlines |
| Unlimited World | R102 per month | Monthly | Unlimited calls to landlines in 40+ countries (excludes SA landlines) |
Notes on pricing
These ZAR prices are the specific South African examples publicly available for 2024 - 2025.
No standard App Store or Play Store subscription fee in ZAR could be universally found; local stores may show different amounts.
Your consumer rights in South Africa
Cooling‑off and the law
South African consumer law (Consumer Protection Act) provides certain rights for distance and online purchases which can include cooling‑off protections.
Where local law requires refunds or cancellation rights, those statutory rights can apply despite a provider’s stated policy.
Skype / Microsoft terms vs statutory rights
Microsoft’s service terms say purchases are final unless law or a specific offer states otherwise, so statutory rights may override a no‑refund policy.
If you believe your statutory rights apply, reference the Consumer Protection Act when contacting Microsoft or payment provider for a dispute.
Customer experiences
Positive feedback
Users often praise Skype for its group calling features, cross‑platform availability and simple personal use functions.
Reviews on business software directories note good utility for both work and personal connectivity.
Negative feedback
Common complaints include call quality issues, app freezes, unexpected charges and difficulties obtaining refunds or cancelling third‑party purchases.
Review sites record mixed to poor ratings from users who reported support and migration problems.
Documentation checklist
What to prepare before you request cancellation or refund
- Account email or Microsoft account ID used to buy Skype.
- Order or transaction receipt showing date, amount and payment method.
- Subscription name, plan details and any subscription ID shown in Services & subscriptions.
- Screenshots of billing entries, renewal notices and in‑app purchase receipts (App Store / Google Play receipts).
Where to send proof
- Use the Microsoft account portal for web cancellations and support requests.
- For App Store or Google Play purchases, use Apple or Google receipts and their refund forms.
Common mistakes
Attempting to cancel via the wrong channel
Users often try to cancel App Store or Google Play subscriptions inside Skype; those must be cancelled through Apple or Google.
This mistake can lead to continued charges because Skype cannot access or stop third‑party store subscriptions.
Missing timing and documentation
Failing to cancel at least a few days before renewal can result in an unwanted charge that is harder to refund.
Not keeping receipts or subscription details makes refund requests slower or less likely to succeed.
Comparative recap
Quick comparison
| Method | Who cancels | Refunds handled by | Key note |
| App Store (iOS) | User via Apple account | Apple | Cancel in Apple Subscriptions; Skype cannot cancel or refund. |
| Google Play (Android) | User via Google Play | Google | Cancel in Play Store subscriptions; Google handles refunds if eligible. |
| Skype / Microsoft (web) | User via Microsoft account portal | Microsoft | Cancel in Services & subscriptions; request refunds from Microsoft within stated timeframes. |
How to choose
If you bought through a store, start with that store. If you bought directly, use your Microsoft account portal.
Keep receipts and act early (at least 3 days before renewal) to reduce charge risk.
After cancelling
Follow up actions
Save confirmation emails or cancellation screenshots for your records and disputes.
Check that the next billing cycle does not charge you and that paid features remain until period end.
Helpful links
Address
Formal address for notices
Skype Communications SARL
23‑29 Rives de Clausen, L‑2165 Luxembourg
Advice on sending notices
For formal or registered cancellation notices, send them to the legal address above and keep proof of posting or delivery.
If you have a localised Microsoft contact or portal, use that channel first for speed and tracking.