Firestick and Fire TV users, please be aware: When you download various applications from the Amazon App Store, some may automatically subscribe you to the service.
While installing apps on these devices has always been incredibly easy and mostly free, a new development now requires caution as certain apps might sign you up for a subscription when you download them.
This applies to some of today’s most popular apps, such as Paramount+, Apple TV, Philo, Starz, and others. Searching for these apps on the Amazon App Store may show the first option as “Subscribe & download app.”.
Previously, this button simply said “Download,” allowing the app to be installed free of charge. Now, users must ensure they don’t unintentionally subscribe by selecting the “Download app only” button.
Even users who have already paid for a subscription could unknowingly be charged again, as Amazon processes these subscriptions separately.
For apps offering a free trial, signing up and downloading the app are simultaneous, but these “Free Trials” typically require payment and automatically charge you once the trial ends.
In addition to blocking shortcut remote buttons, 3rd party launchers, and incorporating full-screen video ads, Amazon’s recent move is causing frustration among Firestick users.
Many are switching to popular Android Boxes running the Android TV/Google TV OS, including the new onn. Google TV 4K Pro with 32 GB storage, available for only $49.99.
If you’re installing apps on your Firestick or Fire TV, be cautious to avoid unintentionally subscribing to a service you didn’t intend to pay for.
This article was originally written by Elias at AFTVNews.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the recent changes to certain apps on the Amazon App Store. Share your opinions in the comments below!
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