Movistar plus+ cuts off thousands: compatibility chaos unfolds

Movistar Plus+ is scrambling to inform users about app availability, but a concerning trend is emerging: a rapid erosion of device compatibility, leaving a significant portion of subscribers facing an uncertain future.

Smart tvs face the axe

The operator has updated its website with revised compatibility lists, offering a lifeline for some, but the reality is stark. Samsung Smart TVs from 2016 onwards remain compatible, though with some feature limitations – a costly upgrade to a newer model may be the only way to unlock the full experience. However, users with LG TVs, particularly those purchased just two years ago, are facing a far more immediate crisis, with reports circulating that models from 2016 are already incompatible, despite ongoing sales by El Corte Inglés of older stock.

This isn’t a Movistar issue, per se; it’s a consequence of manufacturers prioritizing older models and delaying software updates. A crucial point: consumers need to meticulously verify the precise manufacturing date of their televisions before assuming compatibility – a detail often overlooked.

Beyond samsung and lg: a wider problem

The situation extends beyond the usual suspects. Hisense TVs with VIDAA 4.0 are also facing obsolescence, requiring system updates to maintain app functionality. TiVo models from 2021 to 2024, including Panasonic and JVC versions, demand a software refresh. Even newer models – TiVo from 2025 onward – are currently limited to Sharp and Panasonic. Philips’ Titan OS devices from 2021 onward, and Google/Android TVs from 2015 onwards (requiring Android TV 6.0 or later), are also affected, with Xiaomi and Sony contributing to the landscape.

And it’s not just Smart TVs. The Movistar Plus+ app continues to work with Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV (4th & 5th generation), though using a mobile device as a remote control offers a limited workaround. Chromecast without Google TV necessitates the mobile app – a frustrating constraint for many.

The bottom line? Movistar is issuing warnings, but proactive research is paramount. The operator’s website now lists a comprehensive – though admittedly selective – breakdown of compatible models, but consumers must independently confirm their TV’s build date. This isn't a glitch; it’s a systemic issue highlighting the inherent fragility of streaming ecosystems.

Don’t get left behind

Movistar is reminding users that the service remains accessible via web browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox, Opera – Internet Explorer is officially defunct). But as the operator itself admits, the exhaustive list of compatible devices is shrinking. Users with Huawei P40, P40 Lite, and P40 Pro phones are still in the clear. This isn’t a technological failure, but a stark reminder of the relentless march of obsolescence in the digital age.