Google is quietly shutting down a popular app in a service shake-up that will affect thousands of movie fans – here’s how to check if you’ll be affected

In another change to the service, Google decided to close a popular application used by thousands of movie fans.

Over the next few weeks, the tech giant will begin shutting down the Google Play Movies & TV app.

The service has already disappeared from smart TVs and will soon be gone forever.

Starting January 17, you will no longer be able to access movies you purchased or rented through Play Movies & TV.

But they won't be lost forever – purchased movies and TV will be transferred to Android TV and YouTube.

Google has been slowly trying to shut down its Play Movies & TV service since 2021 after it launched its own standalone TV app.

Play Movies & TV has already been removed from all Roku devices and most smart TVs but is still available on Android TV devices and the Google Play Store.

In a recent post on Android TV Help, Google confirmed that the service will soon be removed from these platforms.

“We're making some changes to simplify how you can buy new movies or access movies and TV shows you've purchased through Google,” Google explained in the post.

However, if you are a Google Play Movies and TV user, don't panic as you will still have access to your purchases.

“You will still be able to access all previously purchased titles (including active rentals) on Android TV devices, Google TV devices, the Google TV mobile app (Android and iOS), and YouTube,” Google confirmed.

Google has phased out Play and TV Movies and will soon be removed from Google Play Store and Android TV devices (stock image)

Starting January 17, if you have an Android TV or streaming device, you'll be able to find your purchased titles under the Shop tab under Your Library.

If you're using an Android TV-supported cable box or set-top box, all the content you previously purchased will now be within the YouTube app.

To find your purchases, open the YouTube app and go to the Movies & TV section where your content will be under the Purchases tab.

For web browser users, the process will be the same – just head to YouTube and search in the same section.

However, Google noted that not all countries have the ability to purchase and rent movies through YouTube.

This will not affect the UK, US or Australia, but users in other countries should check if they can access these services in their country.

While January 17 is the final deadline, Google says the update will be rolled out over the next few weeks depending on location and country.

For people who used a set-top box or browser to access Play Movies & TV, all of your content will be transferred to YouTube (stock image)

Where will my purchases and rentals be after Google Play Movies & TV stops?

Google has confirmed that it will be possible to access your purchased content and active rentals from January 17 when the app finally goes down.

If you are using Android TV

• Open the Shopping tab on Android TV
• Select the “Your Library” row.
• This will show your purchases once they've been transferred

If you are using a cable or set-top box

• If your TV is supported by Android TV, your library will be transferred to YouTube
• Open the YouTube app on your TV
• Select the Movies & TV section
• Your media will be under the “Purchased” tab.

If you are using a web browser

• Head to YouTube
• Select Movies & TV and click the Purchases tab.

Other ways to watch

• Google also says you can watch your purchased content on the Google TV mobile app for iOS and Android
• It does not specify where the content is located but it may be stored under your “Your Stuff” tab.

For most smart TV users, content from Google Play Movies & TV will be transferred to Android TV on January 17