--- title: Skype is Shutting Down – Transfer Your Number to Rinkel Before It’s Too Late description: Skype is shutting down in May 2025, leaving users without a way to keep their business number. Rinkel lets you seamlessly transfer your Skype number so you stay reachable. Don’t lose your calls—secure your number today! --- [![Rinkel CMYK](https://start.rinkel.com/hubfs/Rinkel%20CMYK.svg "Rinkel CMYK")](https://start.rinkel.com) # **Skype is shutting down – What’s next for your business?** For years, Skype was the go-to communication tool for businesses and individuals alike. But **as of May 2025, Microsoft is pulling the plug.** So, what does this mean for businesses that **rely on their Skype number and calling features?** It’s time to find a **better, more reliable alternative** before your business calls go silent. [Keep Skype number](https://start.rinkel.com/skype#QR-Code) [Check alternatives](https://start.rinkel.com/skype#skype-alternatives) ![Hero-Skype-UK2-min](https://start.rinkel.com/hubfs/Hero-Skype-UK2-min.png) ![Hero_960x818_SwitchOn_Black](https://start.rinkel.com/hubfs/Hero_960x818_SwitchOn_Black.png) #### **Why is Skype shutting down?** Skype’s downfall wasn’t sudden — it’s been coming for years. According to multiple respected tech blogs, here’s why: Declining call quality & user experience Skype’s once-revolutionary technology struggled to keep up with competitors. Frequent lags, glitches, and dropped calls frustrated users, especially businesses that needed reliable voice communication. Security concerns & privacy issues Skype’s lack of true end-to-end encryption made it vulnerable to cyber threats. Businesses handling sensitive information turned to safer, more modern alternatives. Microsoft’s shift to Teams Rather than improving Skype, Microsoft focused on Teams, a tool designed for large corporations - not small businesses or freelancers. This left many users without an ideal alternative. Failure to adapt to the market While competitors like Zoom and WhatsApp modernised their platforms, Skype stayed outdated. Its decline was inevitable, and the shutdown is simply the final step. ## **What are the best alternatives?** ![Rinkel_Alternatives_for_Skype_EN-EN](https://start.rinkel.com/hubfs/Rinkel_Alternatives_for_Skype_EN-EN.svg) ## **Why Rinkel is the best choice for Skype users** - **Keep your Skype number:** No need to inform customers about a new number. - **Crystal-clear call quality:** More reliable than VoIP-only alternatives. - **Works on your own mobile:** No extra sim or hardware needed. - **Business features like call forwarding, voicemail & more:** Keep the professional setup you need. - **Never miss another business opportunity:** Handle large call volumes with a queue and use voicemail steps when you really can't answer. [Get started](https://start.rinkel.com/skype#QR-Code) ![Rinkel app key features GIF - UK](https://start.rinkel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rinkel%20app%20key%20features%20GIF%20-%20UK.gif?width=375&height=784&name=Rinkel%20app%20key%20features%20GIF%20-%20UK.gif "Rinkel app key features GIF - UK") ## Trusted by 15,000+ entrepreneurs & businesses across Europe [![washaby logo](https://start.rinkel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/washaby%20logo.png?width=120&height=120&name=washaby%20logo.png)](https://washaby.fr/) [![Men in Green logo](https://start.rinkel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Men%20in%20Green%20logo%20Coloured.png?width=207&height=80&name=Men%20in%20Green%20logo%20Coloured.png)](https://meningreen.agency/) [![MoneyPenny logo](https://start.rinkel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rinkel_customer_logo_-_MoneyPenny.png?width=200&height=108&name=Rinkel_customer_logo_-_MoneyPenny.png)](https://www.moneypenny.com/uk/) [![Triventure logo](https://start.rinkel.com/hubfs/2021%20logo.png)](https://triventure.nl/) [![LifeTerra logo](https://start.rinkel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LifeTerra_logo_website.png?width=120&height=65&name=LifeTerra_logo_website.png)](https://www.lifeterra.eu/) ## How do I transfer my Skype number to Rinkel? ##### ![rinkel logo gradient](https://start.rinkel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Profile%20Pictures%20Rinkel/rinkel%20logo%20gradient.png?width=64&height=64&name=rinkel%20logo%20gradient.png) ##### Download the app Easily sign up with your Apple ID, Google account, or email. ##### ![phone-gradient-icon](https://start.rinkel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/phone-gradient-icon.png?width=64&height=63&name=phone-gradient-icon.png) ##### Transfer your number Fill in your Skype number and we’ll handle the porting — free of charge. ###### ![profile-gradient-icon](https://start.rinkel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/profile-gradient-icon.png?width=64&height=63&name=profile-gradient-icon.png) ##### Run your business! Set up your profile and configure features to suit your business needs ![Rinkel customer Lejla smiling](https://start.rinkel.com/hubfs/Lejla%20Sejfic_Profile.png) ##### Lejla --- Founder of Say Lej Social work services ### Truly great service as it should be! As always, excellent service from Rinkel! Really recommended for every entrepreneur, especially freelancers! ![Rinkel customer Ivan smiling](https://start.rinkel.com/hubfs/Onboarding%20Visuals/Ivan%20-%20VueloIV.png) ##### Ivan --- Founder of Vuelo IV Webdesign ### Practical, simple, and affordable Contact and support are excellent. Many options and practical applications. Great price/product ratio. ![Rinkel customer Marelva smiling](https://start.rinkel.com/hubfs/Onboarding%20Visuals/Marelva%20-%20Hey%20VA!.png) ##### Marelva --- Founder of Hey VA! Virtual assistant ### Everything super quick and easy Everything is realised super quickly and easily. Many possibilities that make the whole thing appear very professional to our customers. ![Rinkel customer Gisela smiling](https://start.rinkel.com/hubfs/Onboarding%20Visuals/Gisela%20-%20Reux%20Digital.png) ##### Gisela --- Founder of Reux Digital Digital marketing agency #### Very satisfied since we started using Rinkel So far, a very pleasant collaboration with Rinkel; they are quick to respond to your questions, reliable, and the system works very smoothly and is completely clear. ## Limited offer: ## Try Rinkel for free for 30 days Find the perfect plan for your business and get your first month free! Cancel at any time. Essential ### £7.99 \*excl. tax **1-month free trial** Price per user, per month - 100 call minutes - a business number - call forwarding - WhatsApp Business - professional voicemail - international calls [Get started](https://start.rinkel.com/skype#QR-Code) Professional ### £11.99 \*excl. tax 1-month free trial Price per user, per month - unlimited calls\* - a business number - call forwarding - WhatsApp Business - professional voicemail - international calls - custom greeting - business hours - call waiting - transferring [Get started](https://start.rinkel.com/skype#QR-Code) Expert ### £15.99 \*excl. tax **1-month free trial** Price per user, per month - unlimited calls\* - a business number - call forwarding - WhatsApp Business - professional voicemail - international calls - custom greeting - business hours - call waiting - transferring - queue + hold music - call menu - call recording [Get started](https://start.rinkel.com/skype#QR-Code) Essential ### £7.99 \*excl. tax **1-month free trial** Price per user, per month - 100 call minutes - a business number - call forwarding - WhatsApp Business - professional voicemail - international calls [Get started](https://start.rinkel.com/skype#QR-Code) Professional ### £11.99 \*excl. tax **1-month free trial** Price per user, per month - unlimited calls - a business number - call forwarding - WhatsApp Business - professional voicemail - international calls - custom greeting - business hours - call waiting - transferring [Get started](https://start.rinkel.com/skype#QR-Code) Expert ### £15.99 \*excl. tax **1-month free trial** Price per user, per month - unlimited calls - a business number - call forwarding - WhatsApp Business - professional voicemail - international calls - custom greeting - business hours - call waiting - transferring - queue + hold music - call menu - call recording [Get started](https://start.rinkel.com/skype#QR-Code) [\*Subject to our fair use policy](https://start.rinkel.com/terms-conditions?hs_preview=PoabfgjY-193712125146) [![Google Reviews badge showing 4.8 score out of 5](https://start.rinkel.com/hubfs/Google%20Reviews-1.png "Google Reviews badge showing 4.8 score out of 5")](https://business.google.com/n/6796037920490723724/profile?fid=14274323417538362378) [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/rinkel.com) [![Capterra badge showing 4.7 score out of 5 for Rinkel](https://start.rinkel.com/hubfs/capterra-1.png "Capterra badge showing 4.7 score out of 5 for Rinkel")](https://www.capterra.com/p/10002966/Rinkel/reviews/) [![Rinkel received Software Advice's reward for Best Customer Support in 2024](https://start.rinkel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bestcustomersupport.png?width=120&height=126&name=bestcustomersupport.png "Rinkel received Software Advice's reward for Best Customer Support in 2024")](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cloud-communication/rinkel-profile) # 🚀 Ready to secure your business calls? Don’t wait until it’s too late — transfer your Skype number now before the shutdown disrupts your business.    ![appstore-logo-icon](https://start.rinkel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/appstore-logo-icon.png?width=16&height=16&name=appstore-logo-icon.png) Scan & download ## Frequently asked questions ###### How does Rinkel work? Rinkel is a virtual business phone service that lets you manage your business calls from your mobile. [Download our app](https://start.rinkel.com/skype#QR-Code) (available on iPhone and Android), choose a business number, and start making and receiving calls. Keep your work and personal calls separate, set business hours, and greet customers with a professional message—all from one phone. Please note: charges apply for both incoming and outgoing calls. ###### Can I move my existing Skype number to Rinkel? Absolutely! We can port your current business number over to Rinkel, so you don’t have to change anything for your clients. It’s a smooth process and ensures you keep your professional image intact. ###### Can I choose my own business number? Yes, when signing up through the [Rinkel app](https://start.rinkel.com/skype#QR-Code), you can choose from a list of available numbers. This allows you to pick a number that best represents your business, whether it’s a local or national number. ###### Can I make international calls? Yes, and it's included in the call minutes in your plan! No hidden costs. We currently support more than 50 destinations worldwide, including the US & Canada. Here's a list in alphabetical order: - All of Europe (EU + Schengen) - Australia - Bangladesh - Brazil - Canada - Chile - Colombia - Hong Kong - India - Indonesia - Israel - Malaysia - Mexico - Mongolia - New Zealand - Peru - Singapore - Thailand - United States - South Korea ###### What kind of technology does Rinkel use? Rinkel works through your mobile’s GSM network, which means you get high-quality calls without relying on WiFi or data. This is different from VoIP, so you’ll enjoy more reliable connections wherever you are. ###### What if I run out of call minutes? No need to worry! Only outgoing calls will be blocked. So you will remain reachable for incoming calls. To make outgoing calls, you will need to add an extra user, upgrade your plan, or wait for the bundle to refill. ###### What is the difference between Skype and Rinkel? **The differences between Skype and Rinkel are as follows:** - International calls are free. - Calls are made over the GSM network, giving you the reliable quality of GSM without the drawbacks of internet calling. - Easily manage all your settings and features in the user-friendly **Rinkel** **app**, where you stay in control of everything! ![Rinkel model Jennifer holding a mobile phone, and looking up smiling](https://start.rinkel.com/hubfs/Footer%20full%20width%20x2.png) ![Clock Icon](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/19956213/academia/icon/clock.svg) 100 % Projects done ![Clock Icon](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/19956213/academia/icon/clock.svg) 100 % Projects done ![Clock Icon](https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/19956213/academia/icon/clock.svg) 100 % Projects done [![Rinkel-White-RGB-1](https://start.rinkel.com/hubfs/Rinkel-White-RGB-1.png)](https://start.rinkel.com/) You're the professional - we just make sure they see it. 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