Remove Advertisement Skype? How to Stop Ads

Yes, you can remove most advertisements from Skype, but not all of them. The free version of Skype is ad-supported, and while you can disable many in-conversation ads and the Today tab, Microsoft does not offer a permanent ad-free mode for free accounts. This article explains exactly which ads you can remove, which ones you cannot, and the steps to take on Windows, Mac, and mobile.

Why Skype Shows Ads in the First Place

Skype is a free communication tool owned by Microsoft. To cover the costs of running the service, Microsoft displays ads to users who do not pay for a subscription. These ads appear in several places:

In the chat list – a banner ad at the top of your recent conversations.
In the Today tab – a feed of news and sponsored content.
During calls – occasional video or text ads, especially on the free tier.
In the notification area – sponsored messages that pop up like regular chats.

Microsoft’s business model is similar to other free apps: you either see ads or pay to remove them. There is no hidden setting that turns off all ads permanently without a subscription.

What You Can Actually Remove (and What You Can’t)

Before you start clicking through settings, it helps to know what is possible. Based on how Skype currently works across its desktop and mobile apps:

Can remove: The large banner ad at the top of the chat list, ads in the Today tab, and some sponsored content in your notifications.
Cannot remove: Ads that appear during one-on-one or group calls on the free plan, and occasional full-screen video ads after a call ends.
Partially removable: The Today tab itself can be hidden, which removes the entire feed including its ads.

If your goal is a completely ad-free experience, the only reliable method is to switch to a paid Skype subscription (like Skype Premium or Microsoft 365 with Skype benefits) or use an alternative service. But for most users, the steps below will eliminate the most intrusive ads.

How to Turn Off Ads in Skype on Windows and Mac

The desktop apps (Windows and macOS) share the same settings layout. Follow these steps to reduce or hide ads:

Open Skype and sign in to your account.
Click your profile picture in the top-left corner.
Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
Go to Messaging in the left sidebar.
Find the option labeled Show ads in conversations and toggle it off. This removes the banner ad from your chat list.
Go back to Settings and select Notifications.
Look for Show notification ads and turn it off. This stops sponsored messages from appearing as chat notifications.
To hide the Today tab entirely, right-click the Today icon in the left navigation bar and choose Hide (or go to Settings > Appearance and uncheck Show Today tab).

These settings are per-device, so you need to repeat them on every computer where you use Skype.

How to Remove Ads on Skype for Mobile (iPhone and Android)

The mobile apps have fewer ad controls, but you can still hide the Today tab and some banners:

Open the Skype app and tap your profile picture at the top.
Tap Settings.
Scroll to Messaging and look for Show ads – toggle it off if present (this option appears on some versions).
Go back to Settings and tap Appearance.
Turn off Show Today tab to remove the entire feed, which is the main source of ads on mobile.

On Android, you might also see a “Sponsored” conversation in your chat list. You can block or delete it, but it may reappear after an update. There is no mobile setting to disable call ads.

Why Some Ads Keep Coming Back

If you have followed the steps above and still see ads, here are the common reasons:

You are not signed in – some ad settings only apply when you are logged into a Microsoft account.
Skype updated – Microsoft occasionally resets settings or moves options during major updates.
You are using an older version – the settings may be in a different place or missing entirely.
You are on the free plan – call ads are not optional; they are a core part of the free tier.

If you have tried everything and ads persist, check Skype’s official support page for your specific version. The exact menu names can change slightly between releases.

Does Skype Premium Remove All Ads?

Yes, historically Skype Premium (or a Microsoft 365 subscription that includes Skype) removed most ads, including in-call ads. However, Microsoft has changed its subscription offerings over time. As of the current versions, the most reliable way to get an ad-free Skype is to subscribe to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family, which includes Skype benefits such as ad-free calling and additional minutes for phone calls.

If you are considering paying, check the current Microsoft 365 page for what is included. The price varies by region, and the ad-free benefit is explicitly listed. For most casual users, the free version with the settings above is good enough – the remaining ads are limited to occasional call interruptions.

Alternatives to Skype Without Ads

If Skype’s ads are too intrusive, several other free communication apps do not show ads at all. These are general alternatives, not endorsements:

Signal – end-to-end encrypted, completely ad-free, open-source.
WhatsApp – no ads in the chat interface, though business accounts can message you.
Telegram – free with no ads in private chats; sponsored messages appear only in large public channels.
Discord – free for personal use, no ads in direct messages or small servers.
Zoom (free tier) – limited to 40-minute group calls, but no ads.

If you need to call landlines or mobile numbers, Skype is still one of the cheapest options, and the ads may be a fair trade-off. But for pure internet-to-internet calls, the alternatives above are cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove ads from Skype for free?

Yes, you can remove the banner ads and the Today tab for free by going to Settings > Messaging and turning off “Show ads in conversations,” and hiding the Today tab. In-call ads cannot be removed without a paid subscription.

Why do I still see ads after turning them off?

Ads can reappear after a Skype update resets your preferences, or you may have missed the “Show notification ads” setting. Also, call ads are not controlled by these settings – they are always present on the free plan.

Does using Skype on the web show fewer ads?

The web version (web.skype.com) shows fewer ads than the desktop app – usually only a small banner. However, it lacks some features like call recording and advanced settings, and the ad settings are not available there.

Is there a way to block Skype ads with third-party software?

Some ad-blockers or firewall rules can hide certain Skype ads, but they are not officially supported and may break the app. Microsoft does not provide a supported method to block ads beyond the built-in settings.

Does Microsoft 365 remove Skype ads?

Yes, Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions include Skype benefits that remove ads and give you free minutes to call phones. Check the current Microsoft 365 page for details, as benefits can change.

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