What are Skype Private Conversations?

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    Skype private conversations uses the industry standard Signal Protocol, allowing you to have end-to-end encrypted Skype audio calls, send text messages, image, audio, and video files. The content of these conversations is hidden in the chat list notifications to keep the information you share private. Private conversations are not available in Skype on Android 4.0.4 - 5.1.

    Note: Private conversations can only be accessed on one device at a time. 

    1. Start a new chat:
      • On mobile: Tap the iOS New chat button New Chat button, and then select New Private Conversation button New Private Conversation.
      • On desktop: Select the Desktop New chat button New Chat button, and then select New Private Conversation
    2. Select the contact you'd like to start the private conversation with. An invitation will be sent to your contact asking to accept your invitation. This invitation is valid for 7 days. If they do not accept before then, the invite will expire, and you will need to send another one.

      accept or decline a private conversation
    3. Once your friend accepts your invitation, your private conversation will be available on the device they accepted from. If you, or your friend would like to move the conversation to a different device, accept the invitation from the device you want to use. 

      Note: If you switch devices while maintaining a private conversation, you may have to go through the steps again on your new device to continue your private conversation. Other members of the private chat will be notified of the device change.
    4. Switch between your Skype and private conversation by selecting the Skype or Private tabs at the top of your conversation. 


    Note: If you're already in a conversation with someone, you can also start a private conversation with them by selecting New Private Conversation from that person's profile. 

    1. Start a new private conversation or select an existing one. 
    2. Select audio call, then select New Private Call button Private call


    Note: Private calls are not available in Skype for Web.

    Deleting a private conversation allows you to remove the conversation and messages from your device, while making it possible to start the conversation later without needing to send a new invitation. 

    1. Go to the Private conversation. 
    2. Right-click or tap and hold on the Private chat tab and select Delete Private Conversation
    3. From the Delete private conversation window, select Delete


    Note: Deleting a private conversation removes all messages in that private conversation from your device. 

    1. Go to the Private conversation
    2. Right-click or tap and hold on the Private chat tab and select End private conversation
    3. From the End private conversation window, select End conversation


    Note: Send a new invitation if you want to start another private conversation with this person. 

    • A private conversation will have a Private tab in your conversation.
    • For added privacy, previews from private conversations will not show in your chats list or notifications.
    • Private conversation capabilities are limited. You cannot edit or delete a message or forward a file. From the chat window, only emoticons, files and audio messages are available to send.
    • Private conversations are specific to a device. A new invitation must be sent and accepted, to change to another device.
    • Private conversations require the other party to accept the invitation before you can send messages to them. 
    • Messages in a private conversation are only able to be accessed on the device with the accepted invitation. If you change devices for the conversation, the messages in the private conversation on the other device will not transfer. 

    For technical details about the implementation of private conversations, view the private conversations white paper