How to Set an Away Message in Skype

Setting an away message in Skype lets your contacts know you’re not available, whether you’re in a meeting, stepping out, or just need a break. This guide shows you how to set a custom status message that appears next to your name, so people see it before they try to reach you. You’ll need the Skype app (desktop, mobile, or web) and an active Skype account.

What You’ll Need

• Skype app installed on your device (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or web version)
• An active Skype account (free or paid)
• You must be signed in to your account

Step-by-Step

1. Open Skype and sign in. Launch the app on your device and log in with your Skype username and password.
2. Click or tap your profile picture. In the top-left corner of the main window (desktop) or the top-left of the chat list (mobile), you’ll see your avatar. Click or tap it to open your profile menu.
3. Select “Set Status Message” or “Change Status.” In the dropdown menu that appears, look for an option like “Set Status Message” (desktop) or “Change Status” (mobile). On some versions, you’ll see a pencil icon next to your status text.
4. Type your away message. In the text field, enter the message you want to show, for example: “In a meeting until 3 PM” or “Away from my desk.” Keep it brief and clear.
5. Choose your status (if prompted). Some versions ask you to select a status (e.g., Active, Away, Do Not Disturb) alongside the message. If you want the message to be your away notice, select “Away” or “Do Not Disturb” depending on your preference.
6. Save your changes. Press Enter (on desktop) or tap the checkmark/save icon (on mobile). Your status message will now appear next to your name in your contacts’ chat lists.
7. Verify it’s set. Check your own profile or send a test message from another account to confirm the message displays correctly.

Common Mistakes

• Not saving the message. If you click away from the field without pressing Enter or tapping save, your message won’t be applied.
• Setting a status but not a message. Changing your status to “Away” without adding a custom message won’t show anything specific—just the word “Away.”
• Using the wrong field. Some users accidentally type in the “Mood” field (a separate feature) instead of the status message. Mood messages are not the same as away messages.
• Forgetting to clear it. An away message stays until you remove it, so if you’re back and still showing “Away,” contacts may think you’re unavailable.

Tips

• Make it specific. Include a time you’ll be back, e.g., “Back at 2 PM” or “Out until Friday.” This helps contacts know when to expect you.
• Use “Do Not Disturb” for focus time. If you don’t want to be interrupted at all, combine your message with the “Do Not Disturb” status, which suppresses notifications.
• Set a reminder to clear it. If you’re prone to forgetting, set a calendar reminder or use a note to remove the message when you return.
• Keep it professional. If you use Skype for work, avoid overly casual or vague messages like “brb” or “gone.”
• Check your privacy settings. Your status message is visible to all your contacts by default. If you want to limit visibility, adjust your privacy settings in Skype’s options.

Troubleshooting

• Message doesn’t appear for others. Ensure you actually saved the message. Try setting it again and confirm you see it on your own profile. If it still doesn’t show, log out and log back in.
• Can’t find the status message option. In some versions, the option is under “Profile” > “Edit Profile” or in the “Settings” menu. Look for a pencil icon next to your status text. If you’re on the web version, click your avatar at the top right.
• Message shows but status is still “Active.” This can happen if you didn’t select a status. Go back and choose “Away” or “Do Not Disturb” after typing your message.
• Contacts see an old message. Clear the old message first, then set the new one. Sometimes syncing takes a few seconds—wait a moment and refresh.
• On mobile, the message disappears. Make sure you tap the checkmark or “Save” after typing. If the app is buggy, try force-closing and reopening it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set an away message for specific contacts only?

No, Skype doesn’t allow per-contact status messages. Your status message is visible to all your contacts, or you can hide your status from specific people via privacy settings.

Will my away message automatically clear when I return?

No, it stays until you manually remove it. You’ll need to change your status back to “Active” and delete the message.

Can I schedule an away message in advance?

Skype doesn’t have a built-in scheduler for status messages. You’d need to set it manually or use third-party automation tools (if allowed by your organization).

Does the away message show on my profile even when I’m online?

Yes, the message appears next to your name regardless of your actual online status, unless you change your status to “Active” without a message.

Can I use emojis in my away message?

Yes, Skype supports emojis in status messages. You can add them using the emoji picker or by typing the code (e.g., :smile:).

Why doesn’t my away message show on mobile?

If you set it on desktop, it should sync to mobile. If not, check your internet connection and ensure you’re signed in on the same account. Logging out and back in often fixes sync issues.

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