For many Android users, the news of an upcoming shutdown may feel like just another small change in the constantly shifting world of technology.

Yet, when digital services disappear, they often leave customers wondering what happens to their purchases and stored value.

In this case, it is not just about apps, but also about digital currency and the risk of losing access to what you already paid for. With the deadline fast approaching, the time to prepare and take action is right now.



The Amazon Appstore was first introduced in 2011 to compete with Google Play, offering Android users an alternative for apps and games.

Over time, however, most Android customers relied on Google’s store, while Amazon’s platform became more popular on Fire tablets and Fire TV devices.

In February 2024, Amazon announced the Appstore would no longer be supported on Android phones and tablets.

The company had already ended Appstore support on Windows earlier this year, so this latest move continues the same direction.


The Appstore will officially shut down on Android phones and tablets on August 20, and it will no longer function as an app marketplace there.

However, Fire tablets and Fire TV devices will continue to have full access to the Appstore without interruption.

This means Android users with devices from Samsung, Google, or other manufacturers must prepare for the change.

For Amazon device users, though, nothing will be different after the shutdown. One of the main questions customers are asking is what happens to their Amazon Coins.


Also read: Amazon warns Prime customers of rise in scam attempts: What to know and how to stay safe

According to Amazon’s official FAQ, any remaining Coins in accounts will be refunded, although the company has said details “will be shared at a later date.”

Purchased apps may still run after the closure, but they are not guaranteed to keep working in the future.

Apps requiring verification or updates from the Appstore may stop functioning once the service is gone.

There are important steps Android users should take before August 20 arrives. First, check your Amazon account for any remaining coins and note your balance so you can track your refund.



Next, review all apps downloaded from the Appstore and search for them in Google Play if they are essential to you, though you may need to repurchase them there.

Finally, back up any saved data, because once the Appstore closes, that information could be lost if the app no longer works.

Another issue to consider is security after the shutdown date. Once the Appstore stops being updated on Android devices, it could become a vulnerability if left installed.

Amazon has not said the app will vanish automatically, so the safest step is to uninstall it after you have finished handling refunds and backups.


Also read: Hundreds of Amazon deliveries, zero orders—one woman’s bizarre year-long mystery solved

That way, your device stays secure, and you avoid potential risks tied to unsupported software. This shutdown highlights a broader trend in the tech industry where major companies focus only on their own platforms.

Amazon wants customers on Fire devices, Apple directs users to its App Store, and Google keeps its ecosystem centered around the Play Store.

While this means fewer choices for consumers, it can also lead to a more consistent experience. For users who relied on Amazon’s Appstore for Android, however, it brings the inconvenience of transition.

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How are you handling the upcoming change to Amazon’s Appstore? Are you worried about losing apps or do you have Amazon Coins you want refunded? Have you already switched to Google Play, or will you keep using a Fire device instead? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below so we can learn from one another.