How to Export Skype Chat History to Before They Are Gone?
Published: March 6th, 2025 • 7 Min Read
Skype is officially closing its services, so old users might be wondering how to export Skype chat history before it’s gone or loses accessibility. Whether you want to download Skype chat history, export all Skype conversations, view data, or export Skype conversation into PDF, Text, HTML, DOC, DOCX, or TIFF. You can use manual and advanced ways to view, export messages, and save chat history in multiple formats even without accessing Skype.
This guide explains the whole process to copy Skype conversation history, extract messages, and save chats to your computer from both the desktop Skype app and cloud-based versions. We’ll also answer common questions and the best ways to copy and preserve your conversations.
What are the Reasons to Download Skype Chat History?
- Export functions enable the user’s ability to keep records of text data and audio chats without the worry of any form of data loss.
- Helps businesses and other groups with a stable solution for maintaining service chat history and will also provide an alternative for individuals who prefer communication via Microsoft Skype.
- Allow users to save Skype chat history to a different platform, or messaging service.
- Exporting chats to other formats will allow for easier viewing of chats, thus allowing users to easily view them as well.
How to Export Skype Chat History Manually?
In the following, we have described the steps to manually download all the Skype conversations:
Download Skype Conversation – Cloud Version
- Log in to your Skype account and navigate to the export page.
- Select Download your profile and conversation history, select Conversations and Files, and Request it.
- Skype would take a few minutes to two days to process your data depending on the data size.
- Once ready return to the Skype Export Page Click on Download and save the .tar file to your computer.
- Now right-click on the .tar file and click on Extract All to download Skype chat history.
- Upon extracting yourself, you’ll get a JSON file called messages.json.
Save Skype Chat History – Desktop Version
- Launch Skype on your PC.
- Sign In with your Skype or Microsoft account.
- Get to Settings through the profile.
- Select the Privacy option and extract Skype chat history.
- Select Conversations and Files (if any) and click Submit Request.
- Let Skype process your request, which will take a few minutes, or two days maximum.
- When ready, download and get the file.
- Your Skype chat will be exported in .tar format.
- Right-click the .tar file and select Extract All to extract it.
- After extracting, you will receive messages in JSON format.
Limitations of Manual Method
- Using the above manual methods you can export or backup your Skype chat data to the computer, but you may also fail and take several days depending on your file size.
- You receive your data only in JSON format which is not preferred for regular access and faces compatibility issues with other platforms or devices.
- As Skype has already shut down its services, you may face server and working issues.
- Manual methods can be repetitive, technical, and time-consuming.
Hence, rather than depending on the manual method, you can try the advanced solution to easily get all your Skype chat history in several formats, without even having access to Skype.
Advanced Tool Export All Skype Chat History Without Accessing Skype
The free BitRecover Skype Viewer is an advanced tool that allows you to view, analyze, and download Skype chat history without having access to Skype. This software directly locates the main.db file where all the Skype conversations are saved. This greatly facilitates chat data access, since Skype does not need to be installed or working. The software comes with a Select User option that allows the user to choose a particular Skype profile and view the whole chat under consideration.
The software allows to preview, export, and analysis of chat records, and call records and even carries an analyst view for attachments that serve personal data recovery and forensic investigations. Users can also export into several formats for backup and sharing.
The software ensures convenience for the users whereby they would not need to depend on manual hassle for file checks. It helps old Skype conversations recoverable and the possibility of backing.
How to Export Skype Chat History Without Skype?
- Download and get the tool on your PC.
- Click on the Browse button to select main.db in the default path of Skype. Click Open to locate and load the database.
- You can also use the Select User option to choose the particular Skype profile whose chat history you want to export.
- Preview all data and analyze all details including messages, contacts, call logs, and shared files.
- Now select a Saving option to export Skype chat history.
- Select the folder of your choice and click Save.
This method allows you to obtain, analyze, and save Skype chat history without logging into the application. It is essential for personal backup, recovery of data, and also forensic use.
Benefits of Using the Tool
- Access Skype Chat Without Skype: Open and view chat history even if Skype is not accessible.
- Auto Detects Skype Data: Automatically finds the main.db file in the default Skype storage location and loads it without any hassle.
- Select Specific User: Select the specific Skype profile whose entire chat history you would like to view.
- Structured & Readable View: It shows the message, call log, contacts, and files shared in a simple format.
- Download Skype chat history in Multiple Formats: It can be extracted and saved directly in multiple formats for easy storage and sharing.
Conclusion
Although Skype is shut down forever, it never means we will lose our chat history. There are manual and advanced methods of acquiring your conversations. Export Skype chat history whether it is desktop or cloud version. The recommended tool allows you to export all chats from Skype and print Skype chat history, save them in required formats for easy access. With these methods, you can keep your Skype chat history safe for any future use.
FAQs on Exporting Skype Chat History
1. Is it possible to export all Skype chat history?
Yes, through Skype settings under download Skype chat history. If you would prefer to use a tool to extract and copy Skype conversation history without having to log in, try the given tool.
2. How long does it take to export Skype chat history?
It depends on the amount of data. A small amount will take just a few minutes, while a large amount may take as long as 48 hours for Skype to process your request.
3. How to copy an entire Skype conversation?
You can either manually select and copy the messages in the Skype chat window or extract Skype chat history via Skype’s export feature. You may try software for retrieving and saving conversations if you cannot access Skype.
4. Does Skype maintain a record of conversation history?
Yes, for up to 2 years, Skype backs up your chat history on its cloud service. Older conversations may still exist on your device in the main.db file.
5. Can I save Skype chat history to TXT?
Yes, you can use the software to effortlessly export Skype chat history to Text file without any data loss or formatting alteration.