Keeping a history of old Skype conversations is a bad idea for many reasons. More importantly, it poses a security risk if your conversation contains sensitive information. However, it's easy to clear history with a few clicks in any version of Skype.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Skype for Windows
There are two versions of Skype available for Windows. The desktop version of Skype is the “classic” version that users are already familiar with. Windows 8 users can also use the Metro version that uses the Metro OS interface.
Desktop Version
Step 1. Open Skype
If necessary, login (login) with your username and password.
Step 2. Open the Options menu
Look for the "Tools" menu in the menu bar. Click tools, then click "Options" in the drop-down menu
Step 3. Select the Privacy tab
Look for the button on the left side of the window that says "Privacy". There will be a lock icon next to it. Click this button.
Step 4. Click "Clear History"
It's a small button on the right side of the window. This button is under the "Keep history for" heading.
This will open a popup window to confirm your selection. Click the "Delete" button to delete the history
Step 5. Click "Save" to save changes
It's in the lower-right side, right next to "Cancel". Clicking this button will close all windows and return you to the page where your Skype conversation was before it was deleted.
Metro Version
Step 1. Open Skype
If necessary, login (login) with your username and password. Computers running Windows 8 have the Metro version of Skype on the start screen.
To access the start screen, click on the Windows flag icon located at the bottom left of your desktop. Click the blue, rectangular Skype tile (you may need to scroll to the other side to find it.)
Step 2. Open the Settings charm
"Charms" are the buttons in the menu that appear from the right side of the Windows 8 computer screen. These are the same menus you use to shut down your computer. There are several ways to access the Settings charm:
- Press Win+C and click the Settings button located at the bottom (marked by the gear icon).
- Move your mouse cursor towards the bottom right of the screen, then move it up. Click the Settings button.
- If you are using a touch screen, swipe in from the right side of the screen and tap the Settings button.
Step 3. Open the Options menu
Click the "Options" link that appears after clicking the Settings charm.
Step 4. Click "Clear History"
It's the blue button that appears under the "Privacy" header.
- When you click the button, you will be asked to confirm your choice. Click "Clear History" again to confirm or click outside the popup to cancel.
- When you're done, click the "back" arrow in the upper-left corner of the Options menu to return to Skype.
Method 2 of 3: Skype for Mac
Step 1. Open Skype
If necessary, login (login) with your username and password.
Step 2. Open the Preferences menu
Click "Skype" in the menu bar at the top of the screen. It's located on the top left side next to the apple icon. Select "Preferences" from the drop-down menu.
Alternatively, press Command+ on your keyboard
Step 3. Select the Privacy tab
Click the button at the top of the window that says "Privacy". This button is marked with an image of a "do not disturb" sign.
Step 4. Click "Delete All Chat History"
This button is located directly below the "Save chat history for:" option.
- You will be asked to confirm your choice. Click "Delete All" to finish.
- From here you can go straight out of the window. You don't need to save changes like in Windows.
Method 3 of 3: Skype on Mobile
Since many different mobile devices use Skype, the steps that work for you may vary slightly. The method in this section should work for most users.
Step 1. First, clear the history on your computer
Skype on mobile syncs with the version of Skype on your computer, so changes on one device will change the other. Find the operating system you are using at the top and follow the instructions.
Step 2. Open the Skype Settings menu on your phone
The way to do this differs depending on your device. Usually the process is something like this:
- Open the Settings menu on your phone from the application list (usually marked with a cog icon).
- Select the "Apps" option, then scroll through the list and select Skype.
- Some systems may require you to touch and hold the Skype icon and select "Settings". Other systems have the Settings menu hidden in the drop-down menu on the main screen.
Step 3. Clear app data
This should delete all conversation history from your device. If you are asked to confirm your choice, tap “OK” or a similar option. You may have to re-enter your login details when you open Skype again.
Note that some users report that this also deletes the Skype address contact on your device. You may have to resync with the computer version or re-enter the contacts manually
Tips
- Make sure that you are sure to delete the history before clicking the "Delete" button. There is no way to restore deleted history.
- If you frequently delete your history, change your settings so that you don't save conversations for a long time (or don't save them at all). This option is right next to the "Clear History" button in most versions of Skype.
- Deleting history will automatically close all conversations you have open. Because of this, avoid deleting while you're talking to someone.
- Note that Skype stores conversation data for 30 days in the cloud. In other words, deleting a conversation from a computer does not mean deleting it directly from the company's server remote storage.
