Parental Controls require now paid membership?

Parental Controls require now paid membership?

Parental Controls require now paid membership?
Parental Controls require now paid membership?
2024-10-09 22:27:22 - last edited 2024-10-10 08:58:58
Model: Deco X1500  
Hardware Version:
Firmware Version:

I bought a Deco X1500 set in May 2024 on Amazon Germany and was able to set parental control - time limitations (like daily two hours for a profile)

 

Just realized today now that I need a paid membership to use this feature further. Does anyone have a similar issue or is something wrong with my Deco app? Such a change in policy is unacceptable for me as I bought this device because of the ability of limiting times without any subscription or similar. 

 

TP Link is selling this product still on Amazon Germany with the claim of parental controls and nowhere is a subscription mentioned. TP-Link Deco X1500 Mesh WLAN Set , 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟔 AX1500 Dual Band Router & Repeater, 2X Gigabit Ports für Jede Einheit, für Häuser mit 4-5 Schlafzimmern, Umfassender Jugendschutz, WPA3: Amazon.de: Computer & Zubehör

 

Will this be fixed? Otherwise I will contact Amazon to send the devices back... 

 

Thanks,

 

Mel

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#1
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5 Reply
Re:Parental Controls require now paid membership?
2024-10-10 07:46:21

  @Mel7534 

Hi, Thank you very much for the feedback.

Deco X1500 uses the HomeShield Security kit which has both free and subscribed features.

For more details, please refer to TP-link HomeShield Service Update

Best regards.

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#2
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Re:Parental Controls require now paid membership?
2024-10-10 09:06:02

  @David-TP 

Flexible Bed Time and Time limits function were free of charge as I bought this device. That is my point. TP Link sold a product with certain functions and wants now money for that, that is fraud. And the workaround you suggested me via message to downgrade my firmware will solve my problem only temporarily. What if I have another technical problem? The first thing the support will ask is if I have the latest firmware? I am highly disappointed by this step and apart from that this is simply against regulations in europe as this is definitely a misleading parctice.  

 

Mel

 

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#3
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Re:Parental Controls require now paid membership?
3 weeks ago

  @Mel7534 

Hi Mel, HomeShield Parental Control is an enhanced version of the original one, such as its updated content filter database. Furthermore, several new features, including SafeSearch, YouTube Restricted, Blocked Apps/Always Allowed Apps/App Time Limits as well as KidShield, are also planned to be integrated into the HomeShield version.

(Some models have already implemented these features)
However, certain previously offered features are redefined and require a subscription. If you don't want to revert to the previous firmware version, please reach out to the local technical support for further assistance.

Thank you very much and best regards.

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#4
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Re:Parental Controls require now paid membership?
3 weeks ago

  @David-TP 

I can understand corporates make some decisions but this is not a correct behavior, and there is nothing you can do about it David. 
I returned my set to Amazon and gave my feedback. Will definitely refrain from buying any TP Link products in the future. 
 

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#5
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Re:Parental Controls require now paid membership?
3 weeks ago

  @Mel7534 Unfortunately TP-Link like many tech companies, is trying for the monthly subscription fee that companies like Tesla, got lower to middle class earners used too.
It's a repugnant concept, much like in-app purchases, which likely won't disappear anytime soon, but users like you being highly vocal about the practice will give some companies an clue to skip the practice to target a subset of buyers with technical expertise.

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