This article explains how to uninstall Skype from Windows 10 (though the instructions also work for Windows 7 and 8), macOS, Android, and iOS.

What to Know

  • Windows: Search for “Skype” on system > select Skype in results > select Uninstall > confirm.Mac: Open Applications > drag Skype to Trash > open Library/Application Support > drag Skype to Trash.Next: Open Library/Preferences > drag com.skype.skype.plist to Trash.

How to Uninstall Skype on Windows 10

If you have Skype installed on your Windows PC you can quickly uninstall it whether you’re running out of space, using a different app, or having problems with it. Sometimes uninstalling and reinstalling an app will fix issues.

If you use Skype Online, there are no local files on your computer to be removed.

  • If you’re currently using Skype, exit it. Click the X in the upper-right corner to do so.
  • Type Skype into the search bar at the bottom or side of your screen.
  • Click Skype in the search results.
  • On the right is a menu of options. Click Uninstall.
  • A message saying “This app and its related info will be uninstalled” will pop up. Click Uninstall.
  • A message will appear where the menu was that says “‘Skype’ is being uninstalled.”

How to Uninstall Skype on Mac

It’s just as easy to remove Skype on a Mac as it is on Windows. You can just as quickly install or reinstall Skype on your Mac.

Skype for Business has been replaced with Microsoft Teams.

If you’re currently using Skype, exit it. Click the X in the upper-right corner to do so.

Type Skype into the search bar at the bottom or side of your screen.

Click Skype in the search results.

On the right is a menu of options. Click Uninstall.

A message saying “This app and its related info will be uninstalled” will pop up. Click Uninstall.

A message will appear where the menu was that says “‘Skype’ is being uninstalled.”

  • If you’re currently using Skype, exit it.
  • Open the Applications folder, find Skype, and drag it into the trash.
  • Next, open ~/Library/Application Support, find the Skype folder and drag it into the trash.
  • macOS tends to hide the Library folder from users, so you may need to use the Go menu, and select Go to Folder… (or hit Shift-Command-G on your keyboard), then type in (or paste) ~/Library/Application Support.
  • To find your Home folder (represented by ~), open Finder and go to Go > Home.
  • Open ~/Library/Preferences and drag com.skype.skype.plist to the trash.
  • You can also use the Go menu, and select Go to Folder… (or hit Shift-Command-G on your keyboard), then type in (or paste) ~/Library/Preferences.
  • Open Finder and use the search feature to search for Skype. Drag all results into the trash.
  • Finally, click Ctrl+[trash icon], and select Empty Trash.

How to Uninstall Skype from a Mobile Device

If you want to uninstall Skype from an Android or iOS device, the process is fast. As with desktop apps, installing and reinstalling mobile apps can fix some problems.

If you’re currently using Skype, exit it.

Open the Applications folder, find Skype, and drag it into the trash.

Next, open ~/Library/Application Support, find the Skype folder and drag it into the trash.

macOS tends to hide the Library folder from users, so you may need to use the Go menu, and select Go to Folder… (or hit Shift-Command-G on your keyboard), then type in (or paste) ~/Library/Application Support.

To find your Home folder (represented by ~), open Finder and go to Go > Home.

Open ~/Library/Preferences and drag com.skype.skype.plist to the trash.

You can also use the Go menu, and select Go to Folder… (or hit Shift-Command-G on your keyboard), then type in (or paste) ~/Library/Preferences.

Open Finder and use the search feature to search for Skype. Drag all results into the trash.

Finally, click Ctrl+[trash icon], and select Empty Trash.

Skype for Android

Uninstalling Skype on Android is the same as removing any other app. There are two methods.

  • If you have a Skype shortcut on your homescreen, tap and hold it, then move your finger up the screen.
  • You’ll see two options: Remove and Uninstall. Drag the app to Uninstall.
  • You’ll get a pop-up message that says “Do you want to uninstall this app?” Tap OK.
  • If you don’t have a shortcut on your homescreen, go to Settings.
  • Tap Apps & notifications.
  • Tap See all apps.
  • Scroll down to Skype and tap it.
  • Tap Uninstall.
  • You’ll get a pop-up message that says “Do you want to uninstall this app?” Tap OK.
  • If you need to, you can install Skype for Android again.

Skype for iOS

The process is different on iOS devices including the iPhone and iPad. Here’s how to do it.

If you have a Skype shortcut on your homescreen, tap and hold it, then move your finger up the screen.

You’ll see two options: Remove and Uninstall. Drag the app to Uninstall.

You’ll get a pop-up message that says “Do you want to uninstall this app?” Tap OK.

If you don’t have a shortcut on your homescreen, go to Settings.

Tap Apps & notifications.

Tap See all apps.

Scroll down to Skype and tap it.

Tap Uninstall.

If you need to, you can install Skype for Android again.

  • Long-tap the Skype icon until it shakes.
  • Tap X.
  • You’ll get a pop-up message that says “Delete “Skype”? Tap Delete.
  • If you need to, you can install Skype on iOS again.

Long-tap the Skype icon until it shakes.

Tap X.

You’ll get a pop-up message that says “Delete “Skype”? Tap Delete.

If you need to, you can install Skype on iOS again.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day