Introduction

Amazon has upgraded its built-in price tracking feature, letting you view how much a product's price has changed over the entire previous year. This tool is now accessible through the Amazon app’s Price History button or by asking the AI assistant, Rufus. Whether you’re bargain-hunting for Prime Day or simply want to ensure you’re getting the best deal, this guide will walk you through every step. We’ll also cover what you need, insider tips, and the context behind this feature—including the recent legal spotlight from the California Attorney General.

What You Need

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

• An Amazon account (free or Prime)
• The official Amazon app installed on your smartphone (iOS or Android)—the feature is not available on desktop browsers
• A stable internet connection
• A product you’re interested in (search for it in the app)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Open the Amazon App and Sign In

Launch the Amazon app on your mobile device. If you’re not already logged in, tap the Account icon (usually a person silhouette) and enter your credentials. A signed-in account is required to access personalized features like price history.

Step 2: Search for a Product

Use the search bar at the top of the home screen to find the item you want to track. Type keywords like “wireless headphones” or “instant pot,” then tap the search icon. Browse the results and select a product to open its detail page.

Step 3: Locate the Price History Button

On the product detail page, scroll down to where the current price is displayed. Below or beside the price, you’ll see a button labeled Price History. It may also appear as a small graph icon. Tap it to expand the price trend view.

Step 4: View the Past-Year Price Graph

After tapping, a graph will appear showing the product’s price fluctuations over the last 12 months. The vertical axis represents price, while the horizontal axis shows dates. You can pinch or swipe to zoom in on specific periods. The graph includes markers for all-time lows and highs, plus the current price.

Step 5: (Alternative) Ask Rufus for Price History

If you prefer voice or text commands, you can use Amazon’s AI assistant, Rufus. Tap the Rufus icon (usually a sparkle or microphone symbol) on the main screen or product page. Say or type: “Show me the price history for this product over the past year.” Rufus will pull up the same graph and provide a brief summary of price trends.

Tips for Using the Price History Feature

Here are some expert suggestions to get the most out of this tool:

• Check before major sales – Because Prime Day and Black Friday often see price surges weeks beforehand, reviewing the year-long trend helps you spot artificial markups. The California Attorney General’s lawsuit against Amazon alleges that the company pressures sellers to raise prices before its events. By looking at the history, you can decide whether the “deal” is genuine.
• Set price alerts – Although not part of this feature, combine price history with Amazon’s “Watch this deal” or third-party alert apps to get notified when the price drops near its yearly low.
• Compare multiple sellers – The price history reflects the current offer from the default seller. If the graph looks flat, check other sellers on the page—they may have different trends.
• Use for non-Prime products too – The feature works on all items sold by Amazon or third-party sellers using the same SKU. It’s not limited to Prime-eligible goods.
• Keep app updated – Amazon periodically updates the app. Make sure you have the latest version from your device’s app store to access new features like extended history.

Conclusion

Amazon’s expanded price history gives you more power to make informed purchasing decisions. By following the steps above, you can now see a full year of price changes—helping you avoid fake discounts and time your buys perfectly. While the feature is simple to use, remember to pair it with other research like product reviews and competitor prices. Happy shopping!