Where Does Skype Store Chat History?
Skype chat database paths on Windows and macOS, from classic main.db to the modern Electron IndexedDB layout.
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Classic Skype kept one main.db SQLite file per username under an AppData Skype folder. That file held contacts, messages and call history together. Modern Skype 8 moved to an Electron layout with IndexedDB partitions instead.
Check the classic path first on older installs, then the Microsoft/Skype for Desktop tree on current ones. Sign out and quit Skype fully before copying anything, since the databases stay locked. Export important chats from inside Skype too, since raw database copies are awkward to read.
Where Skype stores this, by platform
%appdata%\Skype\[SkypeName]\main.db
Classic layout. Modern Skype 8 uses %appdata%\Microsoft\Skype for Desktop\IndexedDB instead. Check both trees, since upgrades leave the old main.db behind.
~/Library/Application Support/Skype/[SkypeName]/main.db
Classic layout. Current builds store Electron data under ~/Library/Application Support/Skype for Desktop. Use Go > Go to Folder to reach the hidden Library.
Frequently asked questions
Can I read main.db without Skype?
Yes with a SQLite browser, by opening a copy of main.db and checking the Messages table. Newer IndexedDB stores need export tools instead, so prefer the in app chat export for recent history.
How do I back up Skype chats?
Quit Skype, copy the whole Skype or Skype for Desktop data folder with a date in the name. For readable archives, also use Settings > Messaging > Export chat history inside the app.
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