Blog

Imagine having a world of entertainment at your fingertips, ready to be streamed on your television. That’s the magic of the Amazon Fire Stick. This little device plugs right into your TV, turning it into a smart hub for movies, shows, music, and so much more. If you’re ready to make the switch but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. Connecting your Fire Stick is a straightforward process that you can easily do yourself.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you begin, it helps to have everything ready. You’ll need your Amazon Fire Stick, the power adapter, the remote (with batteries installed), and your TV’s HDMI port. It’s also a good idea to have your Wi-Fi network name and password handy. Make sure your TV is on and that you can see which HDMI input is active; this will save you time later.

Plugging In Your Fire Stick

First, locate an available HDMI port on your TV. Plug the Fire Stick directly into this port. If the stick feels a bit bulky and blocks other ports, don’t worry. Use the included HDMI extender cable to give it more space. Next, connect the power adapter to the Fire Stick and plug it into a wall outlet. For the best performance, always plug the power adapter directly into a wall socket, not into your TV’s USB port, as it may not provide enough power.

Switching to the Right Input and Setting Up

Now, grab your TV remote and press the Input or Source button. Cycle through the options until you see the screen for the HDMI port you used. The Amazon logo should appear, and the setup process will begin. Follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll be prompted to pair your remote—just hold down the Home button until it connects. Then, select your preferred language and connect to your Wi-Fi network.

Getting Your Remote Ready to Use

Once you’re connected to the internet, the device may install any necessary updates. After that, you’ll sign in with your Amazon account. If you’ve purchased the Fire Stick, it might already be registered to your account. If not, you can enter your login details using the on-screen keyboard. And that’s it! You’ll be taken to the main menu, where you can start downloading your favorite apps and streaming content.

In just a few simple steps, your regular TV becomes a gateway to endless entertainment. From here, you can customize your experience, organize your apps, and start watching. Enjoy your newly upgraded television!

If you’re a student, you’re likely always on the lookout for a good deal, especially on services you use regularly. Amazon Prime is a powerhouse of benefits, from fast shipping to endless entertainment. But the regular monthly fee can be a bit much for a student budget. The good news is that Amazon offers a significant discount specifically for those in school.

You might be wondering exactly how much you can save and what you get for your money. Let’s break down the cost and everything included in a student membership, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.

The Cost of Amazon Prime Student

An Amazon Prime Student membership is remarkably affordable. After a six-month free trial, the service costs just $7.49 per month. Alternatively, you can choose an annual plan after your trial for $69 per year, which breaks down to a slightly lower monthly rate. This is a substantial discount compared to the standard Prime membership, making it one of the best deals available for students.

What Your Student Membership Includes

Your discounted membership isn’t a stripped-down version; you get nearly all the same perks as a regular Prime member. The most popular benefit is still free One-Day and Two-Day shipping on millions of eligible items. Beyond that, you get full access to Prime Video for movies and TV shows, Prime Music for ad-free listening, and free gaming content with Prime Gaming. You also receive exclusive deals and discounts, which is perfect for saving on textbooks and school supplies.

How to Sign Up for the Student Discount

Signing up is a straightforward process. You simply need to visit the Amazon Prime Student page and verify your student status. Amazon typically does this by asking for your name, your school, and your expected graduation year. They often use a service called SheerID to confirm your enrollment at a qualified college or university. Once verified, your six-month free trial begins immediately, and you can start using all the benefits right away.

Is Amazon Prime Student Worth It?

For most students, the answer is a resounding yes. The shipping benefits alone can save you time and money, especially if you frequently order items online. When you add in the entertainment value of Prime Video and Music, the package becomes an incredible value for less than the cost of a couple of coffees each month. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly way to get more from your online shopping and downtime.

With its low cost and extensive list of features, Amazon Prime Student is a smart investment for any college student looking to simplify their life and stretch their budget a little further.

When you think of a company as vast as Amazon, it’s natural to wonder about the sheer number of people it takes to keep it running. From the delivery drivers who bring your packages to your door to the software engineers building the cloud infrastructure that powers much of the internet, Amazon’s workforce is a massive and complex ecosystem. The number is constantly changing, but getting a handle on it helps illustrate the scale of this modern-day titan.

The Staggering Scale of Amazon’s Workforce

As of early 2024, Amazon employs approximately 1.5 million people worldwide. This figure makes it one of the largest private employers on the planet, second only to Walmart in the United States. This number represents a mix of full-time and part-time employees, but it doesn’t even include the hundreds of thousands of seasonal workers hired during peak holiday seasons to manage the surge in orders.

Where Do All These People Work?

It’s easy to picture Amazon workers in the company’s famous fulfillment centers, and that’s a huge part of the story. Hundreds of thousands of employees work in these warehouses, managing inventory, picking and packing orders, and ensuring the logistics machine runs smoothly. However, the workforce is incredibly diverse. A significant portion works in Whole Foods Market stores, while others are software developers, data scientists, and Alexa engineers in corporate offices. You’ll also find them driving delivery vans, producing original TV and movie content, and working in research and development for projects like autonomous drones.

How the Workforce Has Grown Over Time

Amazon’s employee count has seen explosive growth. A decade ago, the company had around 88,000 employees. The jump to over 1.5 million today shows just how rapidly Amazon has expanded its reach beyond online bookselling. Major acquisitions, like the purchase of Whole Foods in 2017 which added 87,000 employees overnight, have contributed to this growth, as has the relentless expansion of its e-commerce and cloud computing divisions.

What This Number Means for You

This immense workforce is the engine behind the convenience we’ve come to expect. The quick delivery, the vast product selection, and the seamless streaming services are all made possible by this global team. It also highlights Amazon’s significant impact on local economies and job markets around the world, creating opportunities in everything from logistics and transportation to artificial intelligence and entertainment.

In the end, the number of people working for Amazon is more than just a statistic; it’s a reflection of a company that has woven itself into the fabric of global commerce and daily life. It’s a constantly evolving figure, one that tells a story of remarkable scale and ambition.

Your Amazon order history is a convenient way to reorder paper towels or find that tracking number, but sometimes it holds more than just receipts. Whether you’re planning a surprise gift, sharing an account with family, or simply want to tidy up your digital footprint, you might be looking for a way to clear your past purchases.

While Amazon doesn’t offer a single “delete all” button for your entire history, you can take steps to archive individual orders. This effectively hides them from your main order history view, giving you a cleaner slate without permanently erasing the records Amazon needs for things like returns or warranties.

How to Hide Individual Orders from View

The process for hiding an order is straightforward. First, log in to your Amazon account on a desktop browser and hover over ‘Account & Lists’ in the top right. Click ‘Your Orders.’ You’ll see a list of all your purchases. Find the order you want to remove and look to the left of the product name. Click the ‘Archive Order’ button. A confirmation message will appear, asking if you’re sure. Confirm your choice, and the order will immediately disappear from your main order list.

What Happens When You Archive an Order?

It’s helpful to know that archiving isn’t the same as deleting. Amazon keeps the order information in a separate, archived section. This means you can still access the details for customer service or warranty purposes if needed. The order is simply moved out of your primary sight. Think of it like putting a document in a filing cabinet instead of leaving it on your desk.

Finding Your Archived Orders Later

If you need to find an order you’ve hidden, you can easily view your archived items. From the ‘Your Orders’ page, look for the ‘Filter orders’ dropdown menu. One of the options is ‘Archived Orders.’ Selecting this will show you everything you’ve chosen to hide. From this list, you also have the option to ‘Unarchive Order’ if you change your mind and want it to reappear in your main history.

A Note on Permanently Removing Information

For true, permanent deletion of your data, a more thorough approach is needed. You would have to contact Amazon Customer Service directly and request the deletion of your personal information. This is a broader process that affects your entire account, not just your order history.

By using the archive feature, you can effectively manage your Amazon order history, keeping your main view clear and organized for the items you use most often. It’s a simple tool that offers a great balance between convenience and privacy.

Have you ever thought about turning that spare room full of collectibles or your passion for handmade crafts into a thriving online business? Amazon provides a massive marketplace where millions of customers are just a click away. Starting your journey as an Amazon seller is more straightforward than you might think, and it opens the door to a world of potential.

Choosing Your Amazon Selling Plan

The first step is to pick the right plan for your business goals. Amazon offers two main options. The Individual plan is perfect if you plan to sell fewer than 40 items per month. You pay a small fee for each item sold. If you’re aiming for higher volume, the Professional plan is a flat monthly subscription that allows for unlimited sales and access to advanced tools like bulk listing and advertising options.

Gathering Your Seller Information

Before you click the sign-up button, it helps to have a few things ready. You’ll need a valid email address, a government-issued ID, tax information, and a bank account for depositing your earnings. You’ll also need a chargeable credit card. Having these details on hand will make the registration process smooth and quick.

The Step-by-Step Registration Process

Head to Amazon’s Seller Central page to begin. You’ll be guided through creating your account, providing your business details, and agreeing to the seller terms. The system will also guide you through a tax interview to ensure everything is set up correctly. Once completed, you’re officially ready to start building your storefront.

Listing Your First Product for Sale

This is where the fun begins! In your Seller Central dashboard, you can list your products. You can either create a new product page if your item isn’t already on Amazon or match it to an existing listing. Be sure to take clear, high-quality photos and write a detailed, honest description. This is your chance to convince a customer that your product is the one they need.

Managing Orders and Building Your Reputation

After your first sale, the focus shifts to excellent customer service. Pack your items securely and ship them promptly. Encourage your customers to leave feedback, as positive reviews are incredibly valuable for building trust and attracting future buyers. Respond to customer questions quickly and professionally to foster a great reputation.

Starting as an Amazon seller is an exciting venture. By following these steps and focusing on your customers, you can build a successful business from the ground up. Your online store is waiting for you.

Finding the perfect gift can sometimes feel like a puzzle. You want something thoughtful, convenient, and sure to be appreciated. An Amazon gift card checks all those boxes, offering the recipient the freedom to choose exactly what they want from a world of possibilities. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just to say thank you, it’s a present that always fits.

You might be wondering about the best way to get one. The good news is that buying an Amazon gift card is a simple process with several flexible options to suit your needs. Let’s walk through the easiest ways to make your purchase.

Purchasing an Amazon Gift Card Online

The most direct method is through Amazon’s website. Simply navigate to the ‘Gift Cards’ section from the main menu. From there, you can choose from a vast selection of digital and physical designs. A digital card is sent via email almost instantly, which is perfect for last-minute gifts. A physical card, on the other hand, is mailed to you or directly to the recipient, making for a lovely tangible surprise.

Finding Gift Cards at Local Retailers

If you prefer to shop in person, you can find Amazon gift cards at thousands of retail locations. Major grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers typically have displays near the checkout aisles. Just pick a card with the design you like, take it to the register, and pay for the amount you want to load onto it. It’s a quick and easy stop on your regular shopping trip.

Choosing the Right Amount and Design

Amazon gift cards are available in a wide range of amounts, allowing you to tailor your gift to any budget. You can also find cards for specific interests or holidays, from birthday themes to designs featuring popular characters. For a more personal touch, consider a gift of Prime, which gives the recipient access to fast, free shipping and entertainment for a set period.

Sending Your Gift Card with a Personal Touch

No matter how you buy it, don’t forget the personal message! When you purchase online, you’ll have the option to add a custom note before sending the digital code or shipping the physical card. A few warm words can turn a convenient gift into a truly thoughtful one, showing you care.

With options for every situation and style, an Amazon gift card is a wonderfully simple solution for your gifting needs. It’s a present that combines ease for you with pure joy for the recipient.

If you’re thinking about canceling your Amazon Prime membership, you’re not alone. Many people find that their shopping habits or entertainment needs change over time, and the annual fee might not make sense for their budget anymore. Whether you’re looking to trim monthly expenses or simply don’t use the benefits enough, canceling is a straightforward process when you know where to look.

Finding Your Membership Settings

The first step is to navigate to your Amazon account. On the desktop site, hover over “Accounts & Lists” in the top right corner and click on “Your Account.” From there, look for the “Memberships & Subscriptions” section and click on “Prime Membership.” This will take you to the hub where you can manage everything related to your Prime account.

Steps to End Your Prime Membership

Once you’re on your Prime membership page, you’ll see an option to “Update, Cancel, and More.” Clicking this will present you with several choices. Select “End Membership.” Amazon will likely show you a page reminding you of the benefits you’ll lose, like free shipping and Prime Video. If you’re sure, just follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation. It’s important to know that if you cancel partway through a billing period, you should receive a prorated refund for the unused portion, provided you haven’t used any Prime benefits since your last payment.

What to Know About the Cancellation Timing

Your cancellation timing matters. If you are on a monthly plan, canceling will stop the next charge. For those on an annual plan, you can cancel at any time, but the refund amount depends on how much of your membership year has passed. Your Prime benefits will remain active until the very end of the billing cycle you’ve already paid for, so you can still enjoy them until that date.

Considering a Pause Instead of a Cancel

If you’re on the fence, Amazon offers a handy alternative for some accounts: pausing your membership. You can pause your Prime benefits for a set period, during which you won’t be billed. This is a great option if you’re going on an extended vacation or just want a break from the subscription fee without going through the full cancellation process.

Taking control of your subscriptions is a key part of managing your finances. Canceling your Amazon Prime is a simple, quick process that can be done in just a few minutes, potentially saving you money if the service no longer fits your lifestyle.

Over time, your Amazon address book can get a little cluttered. Maybe you’ve moved, or perhaps you had a gift shipped to a relative last holiday season and that address is now permanently saved. Keeping old or incorrect addresses in your profile can lead to those frustrating moments at checkout where you accidentally select the wrong shipping destination. Tidying up your address list is a simple task that helps ensure your packages always find their way to the right door.

Why a Clean Address Book Matters

Before we get to the steps, let’s talk about why this is a good habit. A streamlined address list prevents shipping errors, saving you the hassle of dealing with returns or forwarded packages. It also makes the checkout process faster and smoother, as you won’t have to double-check which “Home” address is the correct one. It’s a small bit of digital housekeeping that pays off with peace of mind.

Step-by-Step: Removing an Address from Your Account

The process is straightforward whether you’re on a computer or using the Amazon app. On a desktop, start by hovering over ‘Account & Lists’ in the top right corner of the Amazon homepage. From the menu, click on ‘Your Addresses’. You’ll see a list of all your saved shipping addresses. To the right of the address you want to remove, you’ll find an Edit or Delete option. Click ‘Delete’ and confirm your choice when prompted. The address will be immediately removed from your account.

Managing Addresses on the Amazon Mobile App

If you’re using your phone, open the Amazon app and tap the profile icon, usually at the bottom of the screen. Go to ‘Your Account’ and then select ‘Your Addresses’. This will bring up your saved list. Tap on the address you wish to delete, and then look for the Delete button. Confirm the deletion, and you’re all set. The change syncs across all your devices instantly.

A Quick Tip for Frequently Used Addresses

Instead of deleting an address you use occasionally, like a workplace or a family member’s home, consider simply editing it. You can update the details if something minor changes, like an apartment number. This way, you keep the convenience without the clutter of outdated information.

Taking a few minutes to manage your Amazon addresses is a simple way to make your online shopping experience more secure and efficient. With a clean and current address book, you can shop with confidence, knowing your orders are headed to the right place every single time.

Does your Amazon order history feel like a cluttered digital junk drawer? Scrolling through years of purchases to find a recent item can be a real hassle. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution built right into the app that helps you tidy things up.

Archiving orders is a fantastic way to hide completed purchases you no longer need to see every day. Whether it’s a surprise gift for a family member or an old subscription you’ve since canceled, archiving keeps your main order list clean and relevant without deleting any important information.

Why You Might Want to Archive an Order

Think of archiving as a way to hide an order from your default view. The order isn’t canceled or deleted; it’s simply moved to a separate, archived section. This is perfect for keeping gifts a secret from anyone who might glance at your screen, or for clearing out old, one-time purchases so you can easily find your frequent reorders. It declutters your shopping experience and helps you focus on what’s current.

A Simple Guide to Archiving on the Amazon App

Archiving an order only takes a few taps. First, open the Amazon app and tap the three-line menu icon, usually found at the bottom of the screen on iOS or the top on Android. From there, select “Your Orders.” You’ll see a list of your recent purchases.

Find the specific order you want to hide and tap on “View Order Details.” On the order details page, look for the “Archive Order” button. The app will ask you to confirm your choice. Once you confirm, the order will immediately disappear from your main order history.

Finding Your Archived Orders Later

What if you need to find an order you’ve archived? Don’t worry, it’s safe and sound. Go back to the “Your Orders” section. Look for a filter option—it might say “Filter orders” or appear as a dropdown menu. Within the filter options, you should see a selection for “Archived Orders.” Tap on that, and you’ll be able to see every order you’ve ever archived. You can even unarchive an order from this view if you change your mind.

By taking a moment to archive old orders, you can create a much more organized and manageable Amazon account. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in your daily browsing, helping you find what you need quickly and easily.

Managing your payment methods on Amazon is a key part of keeping your account secure and organized. Over time, you might find your wallet has a few expired, old, or simply unused credit or debit cards saved. Knowing how to remove them is a simple but effective way to tidy up your digital space and ensure a smoother checkout experience for your next order.

Navigating to Your Amazon Wallet

The first step is to find where your payment information is stored. Start by logging into your Amazon account on a desktop browser or through the mobile app. On the desktop site, hover over ‘Account & Lists’ in the top right corner and select ‘Your Account’. From there, click on ‘Your Payments’. In the mobile app, tap the profile icon, go to ‘Your Account’, and then find ‘Manage Payment Options’. This is your central hub for all things related to how you pay.

Removing Your Card in a Few Clicks

Once you’re in your payment methods section, you’ll see a list of all your saved credit and debit cards. Find the card you wish to delete. Next to it, you should see an option that says ‘Edit’ or a similar action button. Clicking this will reveal the option to remove the card permanently. Amazon will typically ask you to confirm this action, as it cannot be undone. Confirm, and the card will be deleted from your account immediately.

What to Do If You Can’t Delete a Card

Sometimes, you might find that the ‘remove’ option is grayed out or unavailable. This usually happens for one simple reason: the card is linked to an active subscription service, like Amazon Prime or a Kindle Unlimited membership. To delete the card, you will first need to update the payment method for that specific subscription. Go to ‘Your Memberships and Subscriptions’ in your account settings, manage the subscription, and change its payment method to a different card. After that, you can return to your payment options and remove the old card.

Keeping Your Payment Information Current

Regularly reviewing your saved cards is a great habit. It not only helps prevent declined payments from an expired card but also adds a layer of security to your account. By removing payment methods you no longer use, you minimize the risk and make your next purchase a quicker, more streamlined process.

Taking a few moments to manage your Amazon wallet ensures your account reflects your current financial tools, giving you peace of mind with every click of the ‘Buy Now’ button.