What to know

  • Amazon Appstore for Android and Amazon Coins program will end on August 20, 2025.
  • Users must check Coins balances, update payment details, and transition to Google Play.
  • Refunds for unused Coins will be automatic if payment information is current.

Amazon has announced the closure of its Appstore for Android devices, effective August 20, 2025, marking the end of a 14-year endeavor to compete with Google Play.

Launched in 2011, the Amazon Appstore offered an alternative marketplace for Android users, featuring apps, games, and its digital currency, Amazon Coins. While the Appstore will continue to operate on Amazon’s Fire tablets and Fire TV devices, its discontinuation on third-party Android devices has significant implications for users and developers.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the shutdown, including refund processes, user actions, and what the future holds for Amazon’s app ecosystem.

Why Is the Amazon Appstore for Android Shutting Down?

Amazon’s decision to discontinue the Appstore for Android devices reflects a strategic shift toward its proprietary Fire ecosystem. The Appstore struggled to gain traction against Google Play, capturing less than 1% of global app downloads by 2022, according to Appfigures data.

Despite early perks like a free daily app and competitive developer royalties, the Appstore failed to attract a broad user base or developer support.

Amazon’s focus has shifted to Fire tablets and Fire TV, which sold over 40 million units globally in 2024, per IDC estimates. These devices rely on Amazon’s controlled ecosystem, integrating Prime subscriptions, Alexa, and in-house advertising for better monetization.

The shutdown allows Amazon to streamline resources, eliminating the costs of maintaining a marketplace with limited impact.

Amazon Appstore Shutdown: Key Dates and Timeline

Amazon has outlined a clear timeline for the Appstore’s phase-out on Android:

  • February 20, 2025: New app submissions for Android devices halted; Amazon Coins purchases discontinued.
  • August 20, 2025: The Appstore for Android devices shuts down completely, and Amazon Coins program ends across all marketplaces.
  • Post-August 20, 2025: Automatic refunds for unused Amazon Coins begin, provided payment details are up to date.

Developers can submit updates to existing apps until the shutdown date, but no new apps will be accepted. In-app purchases (IAPs) in the Japan marketplace stopped as of February 20, 2025, while other marketplaces allow IAPs until the final closure.

Amazon Appstore Shutdown: What Happens to Your Apps and Purchases?

Apps Downloaded from the Appstore

After August 20, 2025, apps downloaded from the Amazon Appstore on Android devices are not guaranteed to function. Without updates, these apps may become incompatible with newer Android versions or lose functionality due to server dependencies. Users who relied on the Appstore for exclusive apps or cross-device purchases (e.g., between Fire tablets and Android phones) will lose this synchronization. Amazon recommends transitioning to the Google Play Store, where most apps are available, thoughunofficial sources to avoid security risks.

Amazon Coins Balances

Amazon Coins, the platform’s digital currency, can be used until August 20, 2025. After this date, unused balances will be automatically refunded to the original payment method. However, refunds require up-to-date payment information. Amazon’s 2024 annual filing noted “tens of millions of dollars” in deferred virtual currency liabilities, indicating a significant pool of unclaimed funds. Users with outdated payment details risk losing refunds if they fail to update their Amazon Wallet.

Subscriptions

Active subscriptions through the Appstore will remain accessible on Fire devices but may not function on Android post-shutdown. Users should cancel or disable auto-renewal for subscriptions extending beyond August 20, 2025, to avoid charges for unusable services. Refunds for subscriptions extending past the shutdown date are available upon request.

How to Request a Refund for apps and in-app purchases

Amazon offers refunds for apps and in-app purchases made within 90 days, subject to eligibility. To request a refund:

  1. Visit “Your Orders” on Amazon’s website or mobile browser.
  2. Locate the app or in-app purchase. You can search the product too.
  3. Open and order page by clicking its order ID and then select “Return for Refund” if available.
  4. Follow the prompts to submit the request.

For Amazon Coins, refunds for unused balances will be processed automatically after August 20, 2025. To ensure a smooth refund process:

  • Log into your Amazon account and check your Coins balance.
  • Update your payment details in the Amazon Wallet to avoid issues with expired cards or closed accounts.
  • Monitor emails from Amazon for refund instructions, as inactive accounts may miss critical notifications.

For further assistance, contact Amazon’s support team via the Contact Us form on their website.

Steps Android Users Should Take Now

To prepare for the shutdown, Android users should act promptly:

  1. Check Your Amazon Coins Balance: Log into your Amazon account via a desktop or mobile browser (the Appstore app may be unreliable) to view your balance.
  2. Use or Spend Coins: Redeem any remaining Coins before August 20, 2025, as unspent balances will rely on automatic refunds.
  3. Update Payment Information: Ensure your Amazon Wallet has current payment details to secure Coin refunds.
  4. Back Up App Data: Save critical data from Appstore apps, as they may stop functioning post-shutdown.
  5. Transition to Google Play: Re-download essential apps from the Google Play Store for continued updates and security patches.
  6. Cancel Subscriptions: Disable auto-renewal for Appstore subscriptions to avoid charges for services that may become inaccessible.

Amazon Appstore Shutdown: Implications for Developers

Developers face significant challenges with the shutdown. Those who published apps exclusively on the Appstore must pivot to platforms like Google Play to maintain their user base. Amazon has committed to supporting developers during the transition, allowing app updates until August 20, 2025. However, the lack of new app submissions limits growth opportunities. Developers should:

  • Explore alternative distribution channels, such as Google Play or Samsung’s Galaxy Store.
  • Communicate with users about transitioning to other platforms.
  • Back up app data and ensure compatibility with non-Amazon Android devices.

The Bigger Picture: Amazon’s Strategic Shift

The Appstore’s closure reflects broader trends in the digital marketplace. Amazon’s retreat from third-party Android devices follows its 2023 discontinuation of the Appstore on Windows 11. By focusing on Fire devices, Amazon prioritizes its walled-garden ecosystem, where it controls the user experience and revenue streams. This move highlights the challenges of competing with dominant app stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store, which together account for the vast majority of global app downloads and revenue. For consumers, the shutdown underscores the fragility of digital ownership, where purchased apps depend on ongoing platform support.

FAQs

When will the Amazon Appstore for Android shut down?

The Appstore for Android devices will close on August 20, 2025.

What happens to unused Amazon Coins?

Unused Coins will be automatically refunded after August 20, 2025, if payment details are current.

Can I still use my Appstore apps after the shutdown?

Apps may remain on your device but are not guaranteed to function without updates.

How do I ensure I receive my Coins refund?

Update your payment details in the Amazon Wallet and monitor your email for refund instructions.

Will the Appstore still work on Fire devices?

Yes, the Appstore will continue to function on Fire tablets and Fire TV.

Make your move now before it's late

The Amazon Appstore’s shutdown on Android devices marks the end of an era for a marketplace that once aimed to rival Google Play. For users, the priority is securing refunds for Amazon Coins and transitioning to alternative app sources like Google Play. By checking balances, updating payment details, and backing up app data, users can minimize disruptions. Developers must adapt by shifting to other platforms, while Amazon refocuses on its Fire ecosystem. Act before August 20, 2025, to ensure you don’t lose access to funds or apps tied to the Appstore.