Keeping Skype conversation history is not recommended for various reasons, especially since it can pose a security risk if it contains sensitive data. In any case, you can clear the history on any version of Skype in just a few clicks.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Skype for Windows
There are two versions of Skype for Windows. The desktop version is the "classic" version, known and used by many users. Click here if you are using this version. Windows 8 users can also use the Metro version, which uses the operating system's Metro interface. If you have this version available, click here
Desktop version
Step 1. Open Skype
If necessary, log in with your username and password.
Step 2. Open the "Options" menu
In the menu bar, look for the "Tools" tab. Click on it, then click on "Options" in the drop-down menu.
Step 3. Select the "Privacy" tab
On the left side of the window, you will find a tab labeled "Privacy". Next to it you will see a lock icon. Click on this button.
Step 4. Click on "Clear history"
It's a small button located on the right side of the window, under the sentence "Keep history for".
A pop-up window will open asking you to confirm your choice. Click on the "Cancel" button to complete the procedure
Step 5. Click on "Save" to finish
This button is located at the bottom right, next to "Cancel". By clicking on it, the window will be closed and you will return to the main Skype window, where all past conversations have been deleted.
Metro version
Step 1. Open Skype
If necessary, log in using your username and password. Computers with a Windows 8 operating system offer the Metro version in the "Start" menu.
To access the "Start" menu, click on the Windows logo at the bottom left. Then, click on the sky blue box of Skype (you may need to swipe left or right to find it)
Step 2. Open the "Settings" charm
Charms are the menu buttons that appear from the right side of the screen on computers running Windows 8. This is the same menu you use to turn off your computer. There are several ways to access the "Settings" charm:
- Press ⊞ Win + C, then click the "Settings" button at the bottom (the icon looks like a gear).
- Move the mouse cursor to the bottom right, then move it up. Click on the "Settings" button.
- If you have a touch screen, swipe from the right side of the screen, then tap the "Settings" button.
Step 3. Open the "Options" menu
Click on the "Options" link, which appears after clicking on the "Settings" charm.
Step 4. Click on "Clear History"
It is a blue button that appears in the "Privacy" section.
- Once you have clicked on the button, you will be asked to confirm your choice. Click "Clear History" again to confirm, otherwise click outside the pop-up window to cancel.
- Once the operation is complete, click on the arrow to go back to the top left of the "Options" menu, in order to reopen the main Skype page.
Method 2 of 3: Skype for Mac
Step 1. Open Skype
If necessary, log in using your username and password.
Step 2. Open the "Preferences" menu
Click on "Skype" in the menu bar at the top of the screen. It is located in the upper left, next to the Apple icon. Select "Preferences" from the drop-down menu.
Alternatively, you can press ⌘ Command +, on your keyboard
Step 3. Select the "Privacy" tab
Click on the button at the top of the window called "Privacy". Next to it you will see a lock icon.
Step 4. Click on "Clear entire history"
It is located directly under the "Save history for" option.
- You will be prompted to confirm your choice. Click on "Clear All" to complete the procedure.
- At this point, you can exit the window. There is no need to save changes, as is the case on Windows.
Method 3 of 3: Skype for Mobile
Since Skype can be used on a variety of mobile devices, the exact steps to follow may change slightly. The instructions in this section should work for most users.
Step 1. To get started, clear the history on your computer
The version of Skype for mobile and tablet is synchronized with the version for computer, so changes made on one device affect the other. To begin with, clear the Skype history on your computer. Search for your operating system in the previous sections and follow the instructions.
Step 2. Open the "Settings" menu on your mobile device
The exact way to perform this step varies by device. The procedure is usually the following:
- Open the "Settings" menu from the list of apps (the icon usually looks like a gear);
- Select the "App" option, then scroll down the list and tap "Skype";
- Some operating systems require you to tap and hold the Skype icon, then select "Settings". Others hide "Settings" in a drop-down menu, which you can open by swiping your finger down on the main screen.
Step 3. Delete the application data
This should erase the entire conversation history from the device. If prompted to confirm your choice, tap "Ok" or the equivalent option. When you open Skype in the future, you may need to re-enter the necessary login credentials.
Some users have stated that this procedure also clears the Skype address book on certain devices. You may need to re-synchronize the mobile version with the computer version or re-enter contacts manually
Advice
- Make sure you actually want to remove the history before clicking the "Clear" button. This operation cannot be undone.
- If you happen to clear your history often, try changing your settings so that you don't keep conversations for long or directly avoid doing it. These options are located next to the "Clear History" button on most versions of Skype.
- Clearing history automatically closes all open conversations. Consequently, it is not recommended to perform this procedure in the middle of a conversation.
- Remember that Skype keeps conversation data on its cloud for 30 days. In other words, deleting them from your computer will not immediately remove them from the corporate server's remote storage.
