As many of you know Microsoft has announced that it will be shutting down its Skype video conferencing service on 5 May 2025. In this post we are going to make as simple as possible a guide on how to switch from Skype to Microsoft Teams.
The first thing a Skype user should know is that because you have a Skype account, you already have a Microsoft Teams account created with the same email address and password you use for Skype, you just need to login to Microsoft Teams and accept the terms and conditions, there is no need to register again.
At Speakingathome we have been using Skype as the main videoconferencing platform for our English 1-1 classes, but with the closure of Skype we are switching to Microsoft Teams and we are going to explain how to move to Teams yourself.
To download Teams, simply follow the link and download the link depending on the device you want to install on. It is important to download and install Teams as soon as possible, as Skype crashes may occur before 5 May 2025.
Desktop: https://www.microsoft.com/es-es/microsoft-teams/download-app
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.teams&=&hl=en
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-teams/id1113153706
In this section we will explain the basic functionalities of Microsoft Teams, we will focus on the functionalities on how to find a contact, and how to start a video call.
To search for a contact, simply enter the email address of the Teams account you wish to search for. In the case of Speakingathome, enter your teacher's email address, the email address is available on each lesson booking both on our website and in the email you receive with each booking. You can also add the Teams customer service account as you can see in the image and we will help you with any problems.
How to search for contacts in Microsoft Teams
There are two ways to set up a video call in Microsoft Teams.
In the following image, we can see how to initiate a call from the chat with a contact already added to the chat. Option 1:
How to initiate a call from Chat in Microsoft Teams
In the following image, we are going to see how to create a ‘Meeting link’. To do this you need to go to the left menu, click on the video call icon, option ‘Meet’, and click on the blue button ‘Create a meeting link’. This button will create a video call link that can be shared by connecting in video conference with anyone. In Speakingathome the teacher will take care of creating this link in order to be able to teach the class.
How to create a meeting link in Microsoft Teams
These are the basic functionalities to be able to continue receiving English classes with your teacher, Teams has more functionalities, such as screen sharing, real-time subtitling, etc... but in this article we focus on the basics to be able to carry out our English classes.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us through the available channels, chat, e-mail, or Whatsapp. You have the contact links in the footer of this page, at the bottom of the page.