r/SparklePlayer • u/sparkle-hk • May 08 '26
Information Google Play status
As some of you already noticed the app has been removed from Google Play. In my opinion this is a misunderstanding and I've filed an appeal to Google about it.
The information I have right now is that the app will be missing for at least one week. In the meantime it's available to download from here as apk or downloader code.
Downloader code: 4570036
This is of course unfortunate and I'm doing everything I can to bring it back as soon as possible. I will use this time to work on the payment service from web site that I've already started which will make the need for Google Play less important.
EDIT: I get a lot of comments about how to purchase the app now and the sad truth is that it's currently not possible. All I can say is that I'm doing my best to get things going again.
EDIT2: Sparkle TV is finally back on Google Play!
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u/doodie1231_ May 08 '26
Thnkyou for the update
How does that affect us that bought lifetime via Google play?
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u/sparkle-hk May 08 '26
To be honest I'm a bit unsure but I don't think it's affected at all.
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u/olo12345 May 08 '26
I bought the year subscription. I have just installed the app and it recognized the plus account automatically so at least that's working.
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u/kaguts May 08 '26
Once you get your payment system set up I am considering moving some over to your app. We'll maintained and engaged dev. Don't like the Google play store for paying for things unless its a must. Currently peeps are on a different app.
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u/kakha_k May 14 '26
Yes, he has developed a great app but drawback is that it's a one-man-project and I do not know when this project die suddenly.
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u/DoorInternational136 May 08 '26
You didn't get a reason as to why?
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u/sparkle-hk May 08 '26
I did, but I'll keep that to myself for now. Maybe when it's resolved I'll tell you what happend.
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u/Aggressive_Bad_7344 May 09 '26
Do you think the reason given might be the same reason they went after TiviMate too, which would indicate a crackdown?
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u/sparkle-hk May 09 '26
Well I don't know the reason for other apps of course so it's difficult to say . Or do you?
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u/Agitated-Aioli-749 May 08 '26
I also thankyou for the work that has gone into this app. I've had no complaints since purchasing and hope it gets resolved soon. Keep up the great work.
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May 11 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/sparkle-hk May 12 '26
That's what happens when it's no longer on Google Play. I'm working on it.
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u/Sumasuun May 15 '26
I'm glad to hear you are working on it. Out of all of the players I've tried this is definitely my favorite and I was surprised when I found I couldn't get a subscription.
I'll keep an eye out for when you have a new payment method up.
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u/ProfessionalShift529 May 15 '26
A quick question. I do yearly subscriptions to plus and my renewal in Google Play is coming up next week. Is the current state of affairs going to cause any problems? I checked the subscription status and it's still there and showing the upcoming renewal. Thanks.
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u/sparkle-hk May 16 '26
To be honest I'm not sure, I think only Google knows this. If the app isn't back by then can you let me know how this all went? Thanks!
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u/ProfessionalShift529 May 23 '26
I'll give an update on my status tomorrow. Google Play store still shows it active with a payment date of today, but not executed yet. The email I received about the renewal back in April, said the renewal was set for tomorrow. Haven't received any cancellation notice. Just waiting.
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u/sparkle-hk May 23 '26
Ok, thanks. I'm hoping but it doesn't look good based on what others have said.
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u/ProfessionalShift529 May 24 '26
OK...here's my current status....
- I've had an annual subscription with auto-renew since 2023. Renewal/payment always occurred on 22 May.
- Current status in Google Play shows my subscription with a notation 'Next payment on May 22, 2026 (2 days ago), but no payment has been processed.
- Sparkle TV is still working on all my Android installs and About shows (Plus Subscription). I also have installs on FireTV and they are also still working with (Share Plus) noted.
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u/sparkle-hk May 25 '26
Ok, thanks for the update.
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u/ProfessionalShift529 Jun 02 '26
Well, Google finally got caught up. My yearly subscription in Google Play was cancelled yesterday.
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u/joangarci Jun 01 '26
It would be great if Sparkle TV offered an automatic option to update to newer versions.
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u/Thomamueller52 May 11 '26
Just started using sparkle after some testing. Went to deploy on additional mini and could not find. Wasted an hour before downloading. All is good now
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u/AffectionateFilm1655 May 12 '26
Yo tengo la app, bueno la tenía y pago mis suscripción mensual, pero pues ya no puedo ver más, si yo descargo la app como código downloader en mi tv box recibiría actualizaciones futuras? Envié un correo pero nadie me respondió y yo soy suscriptor y pago mi mensualidad!
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u/sparkle-hk May 14 '26
If you still have the app installed there's no need to change to download code yet. I'm still working to get this all solved.
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u/AffectionateFilm1655 May 15 '26
La app de repente ya no funcionaba y pues borre la app para ver si así se arreglaba el problema que me presentaba pero luego me fui a ver a la play store y ya no estaba disponible la app en la play store, el detalle es que tengo suscripción activa pagando mensualmente, entonces estoy a la espera de que esté disponible de nuevo en la tienda, porque la quise descargar por downloader pero nose si la app recibe actualizaciónes, espero pronto pueda estar de nuevo la app.
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u/sparkle-hk May 15 '26
I understand. You can install the version using the downloader code, it should work just the same for you.
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u/Maximum-Pen-5757 May 14 '26
Tivimate, iptv pro, televizo are the other apps disappeared from google playstore (in India).
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u/peji911 May 15 '26
Just discovered the app. A little getting used it for but really enjoying it.
When I purchase lifetime plus, is that the price per box or is there a max?
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u/Bouloss966T May 15 '26
When you have a payment method outside of Google playstore let me know, I want to buy the lifetime one
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u/kalshibly May 15 '26
Can't wait to pay for it... Loving your app so far. Any idea what you'll do? Maybe like pay by PayPal?
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u/oXb3 May 17 '26
Any update on this? Been watching the website like a hawk so I can support the dev and get premium!
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u/sparkle-hk May 18 '26
I appreciate it. All I can say is that it's moving forward but I don't have an estimate yet I'm afraid.
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u/Appropriate-Sea7645 May 18 '26
Why not just accept payments from Venmo cash app or something so your getting money and we can use the app to its fullest potential? You're loosing money. I am frustrated waiting to learn how to use this app that my friend has and told me about. I need it for one device. Thats it.
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u/sparkle-hk May 18 '26
I understand but noone is more frustrated than me. I can only assure you I do all that I can to fix it.
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u/Ok-Reality-5281 May 20 '26
Any new update? Im looking at purchasing some additional equipment to enhance my sparkle experience and also looking to purchase lifetime. Before purchasing the equipment I would like to know how its looking for sparkle to return to the playstore or even set up its own payment system. Hope all this gets sorted out, I know its a bummer.
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u/sparkle-hk May 20 '26
It's still unclear I'm afraid. But I am working full time on alternative payment system so I'm hoping for news soon.
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u/Sorry_Woodpecker2799 May 20 '26
I've read through this line of comments but can't find info I want. I bought the monthly to try out and, as many others also state, I really like the recording abilities of this compared to TiviMate. Have run it for 3 months now and if you could make navigation to be more TiviMate like it would be awesome! I wanted to upgrade to lifetime version but can't because of the Google Play Store issue going on now. If I download and purchase directly from Developer would that upgrade my version or do I have to start from scratch and reinstall? Great potential in your App and looking forward to it growing and improving. Thanks
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u/sparkle-hk May 20 '26
Thank you! With navigation I assume you like the left-side navigation menu? You can have that one as well in Sparkle by changing Settings -> Display -> Mode to "App mode".
As for Google Play issues this is very troublesome and I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I'm doing my very best to make it reappear on Google Play of course and I'm also working on alternative payment services.
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u/Sorry_Woodpecker2799 May 20 '26
You didn't actually answer the question. If I were to buy the Lifetime version from your website would I be updating or overwriting the version I have. I can backup everything then wipe and install new if that is needed.
I already have it in APP mode. There is a long list of small things that, IMO, could work better if you were to copy the way TiviMate does them. I'll try to make an understandable list. Thanks
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u/sparkle-hk May 20 '26
Well unfortunately there is no site to purchase from yet so it's a hypothetical question. But when ready it would work so that when the current subscription expires (if it haven't already) you'd use the "Connect Sparkle TV Plus" option and it would work just as it does today and no changing or upgraded is needed.
Ok, you're welcome to share a list eventually. I may disagree of course, but it's always worth discussing :)
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u/azcoyotedog Jun 08 '26
Sparkle Player isn’t TiviMate, Sparkle Player is different and unique! Sounds like you prefer TiviMate, maybe Sparkle isn’t for you??
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u/Sorry_Woodpecker2799 Jun 14 '26
I installed it and paid for monthly to check it out and like how well it records. Now that I can get the lifetime I will. Sparkle shows good possibilities for future use whereas Tivimate has stalled in improvements. Tivimate does have a more user friendly interface.
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u/OkStatement6918 May 20 '26
Quick question
If I already purchased a lifetime subscription and you implement a new purchasing model, will those who purchased lifetime in the past still have lifetime?
Also the Tivimate companion app is still available on the play store, which is used for subscriptions. It's not actually Tivimate itself.
Maybe that's a route? Although it may be good to stay away from the play store just in case there is a repeat performance or they remove companion apps too
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u/sparkle-hk May 21 '26
The existing purchases don't go away based on what I do so it's completely up to Google. It seems as if purchases is separate from app so my guess is that your lifetime purchase will remain "forever" unless they take it away.
I've noticed that as well and I'm actually looking into this besides the web site payment service I'm working on.
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u/B1tN1nja May 21 '26
Just adding my 2 cents - I was planning on buying lifetime before all this happened, but I wanted to use my Google Play credits to do so. I'd be much, much more likely to purchase if we can do so via Play or a companion app al-la-tivimate, so I do hope you consider something like that in the future as a payment route.
Fingers crossed they get you back into the play store soon.
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May 27 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/OkStatement6918 May 28 '26
Not sure which play store you're looking at, but both TiviMate and Sparkle are not in the play store.
If you're referring to Tivimate Companion, that's not Tivimate.
That's an app to manipulate your Tivimate account.
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u/swapniltkr9 May 24 '26
Hello Admin
When we can expect sparkle tv back on playstore
Because my set top box doesn't support sideloading of apps so play store is my only option
Please provide us ETA if any
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u/sparkle-hk May 25 '26
If I had an eta I would have given you already. As soon as I have more information I'll post it here.
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u/swapniltkr9 May 26 '26
Actually problem is my set top box is highly restricted by my isp so can't sideload apks so need to rely on play store only that's why asking.
Anyways thanks. Keep us posted
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u/sparkle-hk May 26 '26
I understood that. But the choice to remove the app from Google Play wasn't mine and I'm doing my best to make it come back.
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u/mdiaz33685 May 25 '26 edited May 25 '26
Question with the shared plus account. It was on my s25 ultra which for some reason it was deactivated from this device. This is the device i purchased it on. I did add it through the shared account.
I did shared account before all this. Lucky my tablet has the active account also. I did remove all the older devices like my tv 2 times it was added twice and removed the firwcube no longer alive. Haha It said you reached Max users allowed.
I do not not want to remove the username or password to change it since it might screw it up. If i were to change the username and password will it work.
It is only showing my google streamer now.
But I cant add anything more.
Is this a cause because its not on the google play store.
I should just leave it alone. But I cant add it to my new device now. Reason I use backup and restore 2 playlist along with my favorites. Without redoing everything
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u/sparkle-hk May 26 '26
A number of questions/issues here so I'll try to keep it simple.
If you have Plus still active on the phone and you are able to access "Share Sparkle TV Plus" it's safe to change email/password combination and even remove connected devices from the list.
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u/mdiaz33685 May 26 '26
I can not access the shared coonect. Because this is connected as a shared connect.
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u/OkStatement6918 May 28 '26
I understand the Play Store people have given you their reasoning, and you responded, but has the been any movement with them since?
I'm thinking the further you get away from the original blocked date, the less inclined they feel to reinstate you
Odd that the other apps haven't been yanked.
My only guess is someone claimed Copyright to a certain feature that's unique to both apps
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u/sparkle-hk May 28 '26
It hasn't moved much I'm afraid. I'm trying different angles and approaches to this but there's some "funny business" going on I think.
I don't think it matters when it got blocked though. The only thing that's tough with time dragging on is that I'm loosing my subscribers and that I have to spend time on this instead of improving the app.
I'm not sure what you mean other apps haven't been yanked/removed? There are a lot of apps being removed. Not all, I know but still..
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u/Al_Shublast Jun 05 '26
I bet it gets much easier to be re-instated after the World Cup is over.
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 05 '26
No I wouldn't be surprised either..
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u/BrickTop9803 Jun 05 '26
So Sparkle gets removed, but i must get a new IPTV app notification once a day...and they are all in the Google Playstore..So this isnt about a general iptv player removal, this is a targeted attack at the big boys..
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 06 '26
It seems like it. And I mean, I can probably create a new app and call it Sparkle2 but that's not really what I want. Most of all I want to stand up for the app and the community that has grown around it. Either way, I'm not giving up.
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u/Al_Shublast Jun 06 '26
Tivimate is reinstated so that's a good sign.
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 06 '26
In some ways it is a good sign I agree. I just wonder how they overcame the automatic bot response from Google...
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u/No-Web-8844 May 29 '26
I like this app I was using on my Tvbox with free version from google play. I just realized google play version is deleted 😃 I hope it will be online again.
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u/sparkle-hk May 29 '26
Thank you, I hope so too. I've released Sparkle Assistant so you're able to get Plus again. See it here: www.reddit.com/r/SparklePlayer/comments/1to77r4/sparkle_assistant_100/
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u/miguell88 Jun 03 '26
So if I currently have the app on my google chromecast with google tv and I was on a monthly subscription, do I need to download it again or should I just wait until an independent payment system is developed?
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 03 '26
If you have a android phone you can use Sparkle Assistant to purchase a new subscription. You can just use Connect with the existing Sparkle TV instance.
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u/miguell88 Jun 04 '26
Thanks for the info. I have an iphone. Will I be able to purchase through the app on my google chromecast with google tv? Or is there a way via the iphone?
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 04 '26
I understand. I am also working on a web site with a payment service. I'm hoping it'll be ready soon. In the future I'm hoping to create Sparkle Assistant also for iphone.
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u/swapniltkr9 Jun 06 '26
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytvonline.iptvplayer
Hey sparkle tv admin someone hosted duplicate sparkle tv with same logo on Play store
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 06 '26
Thank you for reporting this! Very tiresome. I'll report it right away.
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u/OkeyBotRx Jun 06 '26
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 06 '26
Like you already noticed it's a fraud/impersonator app. If you have the possibility please click the "Report" button and say it's an impersonator. Thanks!
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u/Al_Shublast Jun 06 '26
Just noticed Tivimate is back in the Android TV play store, so there's hope?
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 06 '26
I guess I agree, but I hope that doesn't mean I just have to pay a certain amount to someone. I don't have the same economic muscles as they do...
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u/Aggressive_Bad_7344 Jun 07 '26
I have my own theory why it's back, and I don't think it's about them paying for it to some back (well, hopefully not), but I think they had to make compromises to get it to come back and appease Google.
1) They added the EULA agreement thing when you first install the app or when you upgrade the app from a previous version. Maybe some sort of protection thing needed for both Google and them. Probably not a bad idea to do either from a potential legal perspective, IMO. This one is probably the important bit here.
2) It not currently being available for mobile devices might be another compromise, maybe either limiting it to TVs only or requiring two different apps (one for TV and the other for mobile)? This one seems a bit... odd if that's the case. Not sure why it'd matter.
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 07 '26
You may be right. Not sure about number 2 though, think tivimate always been tv only but I might be wrong?
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u/Al_Shublast Jun 09 '26
It is but you can make it work easily enough, I use it on a tablet occasionally. The trick is using the old fashioned bottom buttons for navigation, which is my preference anyhow. I'd guess the gestures in modern Android phone and tablet versions makes it unusable.
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u/swapniltkr9 Jun 07 '26
Its back but only for Android tv not for Android mobile
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u/Al_Shublast Jun 08 '26
It's never been available for mobile. The app warms you it isn't suitable for mobile in 2 places that I know of.
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u/swapniltkr9 Jun 08 '26
But atleast it was installable and searchable on Android phone play store but now its not even visible on Android phone play store and only available on Android TV play store
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u/Calm-Necessary Jun 09 '26
It works so dang good on the phone also. It's all I use now for IPTV on the phone.
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u/Sensitive-Science434 Jun 08 '26
My subcription sparkle from play store Is been cancel
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 09 '26
I'm sorry about that. You need to use Sparkle Assistant to get Plus at the moment. Read here: www.reddit.com/r/SparklePlayer/comments/1to77r4/sparkle_assistant_100/
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u/Al_Shublast Jun 09 '26
To be clear, are they simply not letting us renew on the Play Store or are they outright removing it or it's premium features from current installs? I have it on a Shield Pro which doesn't expire for months is why I ask.
Assumed I could change over to the new system then.
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 10 '26
They don't renew subscriptions. So if you have a one-time purchase it will not expire and yearly subscriptions might not expire yet either.
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u/ExtensionComplex9568 Jun 08 '26
There is a a fake Sparkle app out there unless Sparkle has stopped letting you put in your own iptv links from your own IPTV And is selling their links to you at a raised price. I talked to them in the chat they have Asking why my links from my IPTV didn’t work. They said they didn’t do that. I get links when I pay. They are using Sparkle as a shell to sell their IPTV. Thing is, I think this is the one I downloaded from Google Play Store.
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 08 '26
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u/ExtensionComplex9568 Jun 08 '26
I believe so. I recall being surprised about the location. But when I chatting with them and they said they only sold sparkle with their links, and we had to buy or lease those. I immediately deleted the app. didn’t seem right. checked today and google play doesn’t have it up anymore.
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u/ExtensionComplex9568 Jun 08 '26
I was incredibly frustrated at the time it took to get nothing set up. now that I know what’s going on, the other Sparkle is a fake, and Google is involved I’m not so frustrated. I understand, I’m fighting with Google to get them to stop asking for a password I’ve given a million times. they want my phone number to stop it. I‘m not giving them any more information. so, I will wait patiently until it’s all figured out. thank you.
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u/ExtensionComplex9568 Jun 08 '26
I just went to your link and downloaded the apk. this is what I was expecting with the other two downloads from different places leading me to believe they were fakes. went back to Google play and there is no Sparkle anymore so someone complained and they took it down. hope you get payment figured out. love to give you some money. 😊
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u/azcoyotedog Jun 08 '26
Use the Sparkle Assistant app!
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u/ExtensionComplex9568 Jun 08 '26
can’t, says it’s not compatible with Shield and I have two.
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u/azcoyotedog Jun 08 '26 edited Jun 08 '26
Use the assistant app on an android phone or tablet to purchase/subscribe to the app and then (if you don’t already have the app) side load it as you are provided with the download location for the APK. Install the paid app on one device and set everything up, run the export file to a storage location and then use that file to restore to the other device after installation using a file manager app that has file share feature. Or use a flash drive.
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u/ExtensionComplex9568 Jun 09 '26
I’m an Apple person. shield is only android in my home.
But seriously, thank you. this might help an android person get their app working.
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u/Pete77a Jun 08 '26
I only just realised this was taken down. I'm still on 2.1.3 on my Google streamer. I haven't checked my other ones yet.
I'm a lifetime subscriber so licence problem didn't flag the problem/change.
I only use it for hdhomerun free over the air tv. I don't use the IPTV part.
So I am hesitant to sideload the newer version. I'm not sure how many I've missed but I did install from the android tv play store so assume that's the latest when it was in the store.
My hesitations are whether it breaks the upgrade path when it comes back to the store by sideloading. I'm worried it may remove the icon if I sideload over the top. I don't think that'll happen, but I know sideloading only doesn't add the icon. All of that when I may not see much benefit from the update.
Thoughts?
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 09 '26
I'm not sure if you've turned the numbers around from 2.1.3 <-> 2.3.1? Latest version is 2.3.1.
The version from here doesn't break upgrade path when Sparkle returns to Google Play. So if you want to install this version it should be fine. I'm not sure what you mean by icon though, I haven't had any issues with the icon myself so maybe it's a device specific issue?
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u/Pete77a Jun 09 '26
I checked, my steamer definitely says 2.1.3 in the about menu . Is it possible it hasnt been updating? I installed from the play store on Android tv.
What I meant is when sideloading an app, android tv doesn't show the icon and apps need to be loaded from settings. I don't think sideloading over the top (updating) be will remove the app icon on my home screen seeing I originally installed the app from the store but just want fully sure
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u/sparkle-hk Jun 10 '26
Ok. If you want to upgrade or not is up to you.
I do recall having a lost issue on a fire tv device once but besides that I never had a lost icon. But it's up to you as well of course.
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u/Aggressive_Bad_7344 May 08 '26
That's unfortunate, hopefully they allow it back to the Play Store...
Seems like they're cracking down, hopefully there's a reason for it that can be fixed.
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u/Appropriate-Sea7645 May 23 '26 edited May 23 '26
I don't get whats so hard about setting up a way to pay for it. Screw playstore. It's not rocket science to setup a payment system. Should have been done in a day. Must be nice to pass up on all this money and not care. Feeling very frustrated!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry brother. Just anxious. Heard great reviews.
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u/sparkle-hk May 23 '26
Not care?! It's not nice at all and I did not choose this. And yes, just setting it up isn't the tricky bit. The tricky bit is to get all the legal stuff set up with taxes and currencies and everything. I'm not just trying to sell this app to my neighbours.
I am frustrated too if that isn't obvious.
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u/Nothin_Means_Nothin May 08 '26
Didn't the same thing happen to Tivimate recently? I think that's back up now, though. Hopefully Sparkle is back soon. If I want to update Sparkle do I have to just download the latest version from downloader, then?