When you look at the Thmanyah app (ثمانية) on Google Play, the description promises an exciting service: exclusive Arabic films and shows, cultural series, and even live streaming of major Saudi football events. For any fan of Arabic media or local football, this sounds like the perfect subscription.
Yet the app currently sits with a 1.9-star rating out of thousands of reviews. That is unusually low for any entertainment app, and the reviews explain why. What was supposed to be a smooth streaming experience quickly turns into frustration for many users.
What Thmanyah Promises
On paper, Thmanyah is ambitious. It claims to provide live coverage of Saudi Super Cup matches, Roshn Saudi League, Yelo League, and King’s Cup. Alongside football, the platform also highlights exclusive documentaries, lifestyle shows, and a variety of Arabic entertainment.
The app emphasizes interactive viewing features as well. Users are told they can switch commentary options, adjust crowd noise levels, or track real-time match statistics, giving the impression of a modern and premium service.
In addition, the company highlights cross-device availability. Whether on mobile, smart TV, or desktop, the subscription is supposed to work seamlessly across multiple screens with minimal ads.
So why does an app that promises so much end up with so many negative reviews?
The Reality for Users
The first problem most users mention is the login process. Instead of a simple sign-in with email and password, Thmanyah forces people to log in using QR codes. While this might seem modern at first, it is unreliable. Review after review describes how QR codes simply don’t work on TVs like Samsung or LG, leaving paying subscribers locked out of their accounts.
Another major frustration is with OTP verification. Many people report that the one-time password never arrives. Without OTP confirmation, users can’t even register or log in properly. This is particularly annoying when you want to quickly watch a live match but end up stuck waiting for a code that never comes.
On top of that, the app has a habit of requiring frequent manual updates. Each time you open it, instead of loading smoothly, you are asked to update before using the service. While updates are necessary for improvement, forcing them manually on nearly every use makes the app feel inconvenient and poorly optimized.
When these three issues combine — QR login problems, OTP failures, and endless updates — the entire experience becomes frustrating. For many users, it doesn’t matter how good the content is if the app itself blocks them from watching it.
Voices from Real Users
Scrolling through the reviews on Google Play tells a consistent story. One user explained how they bought a subscription specifically to watch matches on their LG TV but couldn’t get past the login screen. Another complained about never receiving the OTP despite several attempts, describing the app as the “worst experience ever.” Others pointed out that while the idea is good, they couldn’t stand the repeated manual updates and begged the developers to fix the basics.
Out of more than 3,700 reviews, the majority rate the app with one star. This isn’t a case of a few unhappy customers; it’s a pattern showing fundamental issues in how the app is built and maintained.
Why the App Rating Is So Low
The low rating comes down to poor usability. Streaming apps succeed when users can quickly open them, sign in without hassle, and enjoy content. Thmanyah does the opposite. The login feels experimental and broken, the OTP process fails too often, and the constant updates slow down access.
The irony is that many users still say the actual content is good. Exclusive Arabic shows and live Saudi football are strong selling points. But the app’s execution overshadows its strengths. A service can only succeed when the technical foundation works smoothly, and Thmanyah has not delivered on that expectation.
Developer Responsibility and Missed Potential
It’s clear from reviews that people want the app to succeed. Several users mention the potential of having a reliable platform focused on Arabic entertainment and football. But they also feel that the developers are not listening closely enough to feedback.
An app that relies heavily on subscriptions cannot afford to ignore its base. Problems like OTP verification and forced updates are solvable, but they require consistent improvement, faster bug fixes, and a more customer-first design. Without that, even loyal fans of Saudi football will look for alternatives.
Better Alternatives in the Market
Since Thmanyah has not yet solved its core usability issues, many people turn to other platforms. Shahid by MBC Group has become one of the most reliable Arabic streaming services, with a wider library and better performance. For those mainly interested in sports, beIN Sports offers a smoother and more professional app with clear live match coverage. Another rising option is stc tv, which provides both entertainment and football streaming without the frequent login issues.
These alternatives show that the demand exists ; people are ready to pay for quality Arabic content and live sports. The challenge for Thmanyah is to catch up with competitors by improving its basic app functionality.
Should You Try Thmanyah?
If you are determined to watch specific matches or exclusive content only available on Thmanyah, you may be willing to tolerate its problems. However, be prepared for possible login failures and delays. For many, the hassle simply outweighs the benefits right now.
Unless the developers fix these technical flaws, it’s hard to recommend Thmanyah over more stable streaming apps. It might still be worth watching from a distance to see if updates improve things in the future, but at present, the poor Google Play rating reflects the reality of the user experience.
Final Thoughts
The Thmanyah app stands as a reminder that no matter how good your content is, an app lives or dies by usability. With its ambitious catalog of Arabic entertainment and exclusive football coverage, Thmanyah could have been a leading player. But login barriers, broken OTP systems, and constant updates have turned away many potential subscribers.
Right now, the app is more of a warning than a recommendation. For those who want reliability, looking at alternatives like Shahid or beIN Sports is the safer choice.
If the developers of Thmanyah take reviews seriously and rebuild the app with user-friendliness as the top priority, the service could still recover. Until then, the one-star reviews speak louder than the promises.
