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How to Use Kodi: 2024 Ultimate Kodi Guide

— October 4, 2024 add comment
Key Takeaways: How to Set Up Kodi (General Guide)
  1. Go to the Kodi website and click “download.”
  2. Scroll down to the “select your platform” section and click the one you use (e.g. Windows).
  3. Click the installer to download the Kodi file. Open the file to begin the installation process. Alternatively, read the installation how-to guide provided on the Kodi page. 

Facts & Expert Analysis: How to Use Kodi App

  • Kodi basics: Kodi is a free streaming software that lets you manage and stream local media files and various internet media, such as movies, shows, documentaries, news, music and games.  
  • Add-ons: Kodi has a wide variety of official add-ons that provide access to media from across the web, including free movies, TV series and live TV. 
  • Kodi on different devices: You can use Kodi on many devices and operating systems, such as Windows, Android, macOS and Chromecast. Some devices, like Firestick, don’t have native support for Kodi, but there are workarounds. 
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Are you drawn to Kodi’s powerful media management and add-ons full of free content, but aren’t sure how it works or how to install it on your device? No worries: We’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to use Kodi to stream content and how to install add-ons. We also discuss some workarounds for devices with no native Kodi support, like Firestick. 

Kodi is easy to use once you get the hang of it, but installing the software and navigating the user interface isn’t always straightforward for beginners. Without further ado, let’s get Kodi up and running so you can dive straight into watching your desired movies and shows. Our Kodi guide has more information if you’d like to start there. 

  • 10/04/2024 Facts checked

    Rewritten to include more detailed and up-to-date information on using Kodi and installing it on various devices. 

What Is Kodi?

Kodi is a free media streaming platform that lets you import and organize local media like video files, music files, game files, photos and more. The software supports most formats. 

However, its biggest benefit is its library of add-ons, which are similar to apps. These contain internet content such as movies, TV shows, live TV, games and news. We’ll explain more about add-ons further down. 

How to Use Kodi on Various Devices

In addition to operating systems like Windows, Linux and Mac, Kodi allows you to stream movies, series, photos, music, games, news and live TV on many other devices. Examples include Firestick, Android devices, Google TV, gaming consoles and more. Check out the installation steps for these devices below. 

1. How to Use Kodi on Media Sticks [on Firestick, Roku, Chromecast With Google TV]

You can watch movies and TV shows on Kodi using various media streaming sticks, but installation methods vary from one device to another. Here, we explain the installation steps in detail to get you started as quickly as possible. 

How to Install Kodi on Firestick

Firestick doesn’t have native support for Kodi, so you’ll need to sideload it onto your device. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Download the Downloader App

    In the Firestick user interface, search for and download the “Downloader” app.

    downloader app
  2. Enable Installation of Unknown Apps

    Return to the Firestick homepage and go to the “settings” cog. Click the “My Fire TV” tab and select “developer options.” If you can’t see the developer options, go to step three. Click “install unknown apps” or “apps from unknown sources” (this varies by Firestick model). On the next page, click “Downloader” to turn it on.

    enable unknown sources
  3. (Optional) Enable Developer Options

    If you didn’t see a “developer options” tab in step two, go to “settings” and click “about.” Find the tab that displays your Firestick version (e.g. Fire TV Stick 4K) and click that tab seven times. Then, go back to the “My Fire TV” tab. The developer options should now be enabled.

    click firestick model
  4. Launch the Downloader App

    Go to the Firestick homepage and click the “Downloader” app tab. On the next page, click “allow.” Then click “OK” on the quick-start guide.

    open downloader
  5. Enter the Kodi Download URL

    In the URL search box, enter “https://kodi.tv/download/android” and click “go.”

    kodi android url
  6. Download & Install Kodi

    Click “ARMV7A (32-bit)” to download the Kodi file. Once the file is downloaded, click “install” when prompted.

    installing kodi
  7. Open Kodi

    Let the installation process finish, then open Kodi. Allow access if prompted. If you’ve never used Kodi before, scroll down to our Kodi add-ons tutorial.

    kodi allow access

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How to Install Kodi on Roku

Unfortunately, there’s no option to install Kodi on Roku itself. The only way to use Kodi on Roku is to mirror the screen of a device that has Kodi installed, like a PC. We discuss more details in our full guide on how to use Kodi on Roku, but here’s a basic tutorial: 

  1. To enable screen mirroring on Roku, go to “settings,” then “system.” Now select “screen mirroring.” Pick your screen mirroring prompt settings. 
  2. On Windows, press the Windows key + K to bring up the “cast” list. On Mac, go to “control center” and select “screen mirroring.” 
  3. Select your device from the list to start mirroring and use Kodi as usual. 

How to Install Kodi on Chromecast With Google TV

Luckily, if you own a Chromecast or smart TV that has Google TV built in, then Kodi will be available in the Google Play store. This means you can install it directly on your Chromecast with Google TV or a smart TV with Google TV.

  1. Go to the search bar in the Google TV user interface.
  2. 2. Search for “Kodi” and click “install.”
  3. Allow Kodi access to device media and files if prompted.  
  4. Open Kodi to start streaming. 

2. How to Use Kodi on Android Devices

As with Google TV, it’s easy to install and use Kodi on Android devices, like phones, tablets and TVs, thanks to its presence in the Google Play store. Android 5.0 is the minimum requirement for installing Kodi on your Android TV, Android TV box or other devices. 

How to Install Kodi on Android TV

The steps below will provide the easiest way for Kodi users to get the app on Android TV, but you can also install it manually via the Downloader app. This may be necessary if Kodi has been recently updated to a new version that isn’t available via Google Play yet. Currently, the most recent version available is Kodi 21. 

If you want to learn how to manually install Kodi on Android devices, you can check out Kodi Wiki’s dedicated page on the topic. 

  1. Go to the “apps” tab on the Android TV home screen. 
  2. Find the Google Play store and open the search bar.  
  3. Enter “Kodi” and click “install.” 

How to Install Kodi on Android Phones

You can install Kodi painlessly on an Android phone in a few clicks. Here are the steps:

  1. Open the Google Play store on your phone. 
  2. Search for Kodi and tap “install.” 
  3. Allow Kodi access if prompted. 

3. How to Use Kodi on a Windows PC (Windows 10 & 11)

Downloading Kodi for Windows 10 and 11 using the official Kodi website is very straightforward. The minimum version requirement listed on Kodi Wiki is Windows 10. However, according to some sources, you can still install Kodi on Windows 8.1 and earlier from the official Kodi site by following the same steps listed below.

We found installing Kodi on Windows to be a breeze. These steps will get you up and running in a matter of minutes:

  1. Go to the official Kodi website and click the “download” tab at the top of the page. 
  2. Scroll down and select “Windows” from the platform options. 
  3. Click the 64-bit or 32-bit installer based on your PC’s processor. If you’re not sure which version your PC runs, type “system” into the PC’s search bar. Select “about” and look for “device specifications.” Check the information listed beside “system type.”
  4. When the download has finished, click the download arrow in the top-right corner of your browser. 
  5. Click the Kodi download file under the arrow. When prompted, give Kodi permission to make changes to your device, then follow the installation steps.

4. How to Use Kodi on iOS (iPhone & iPad)

While it’s possible to sideload Kodi onto iOS devices, this process is definitely the most complex. In addition, while several methods exist, the one you use will depend on whether or not your device is jailbroken. We recommend navigating to the Kodi Wiki page named “HOW-TO: Install Kodi for iOS” to see detailed steps for each method. 

5. How to Use Kodi on macOS

According to the current download page, Kodi 21 needs a device with at least macOS 10.14. Like with Windows, you can download the Kodi macOS file from the official website, but the process is different. Fortunately, it’s still pretty simple. Here’s what to do: 

  1. On the official Kodi website, go to the “download” tab and scroll down to “platforms.” Select “macOS.” 
  2. Choose the download file based on whether your Mac runs on Intel or Apple Silicon. To find this information, click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the Mac’s home screen. Select “about this Mac” and check the processor. 
  3. Click the download arrow at the top of the browser to show the Kodi file. 
  4. When the Kodi prompt appears, drag Kodi into the “applications” folder on the right.
  5. Open the applications folder, double-click Kodi and click “open.” Then, wait for Kodi to install. 

6. How to Use Kodi on an Xbox Gaming Console (Xbox One & Series S/X)

In addition to PCs, phones and tablets, you can install and use Kodi on your Xbox. You have two options: Install Kodi via the Xbox app store or do it remotely from your PC via the Microsoft Store. 

In these steps, we’ll show you the simplest method for installing Kodi on Xbox, which is to install the app directly onto your device. 

  1. Pull up the search bar on your Xbox’s homepage and type in “Kodi.” 
  2. Click the “Kodi” tab, then click “get” on the next page to install the app.

What Is a Kodi Add-On?

A Kodi add-on is similar to an app that contains various types of media, like movies, TV shows, live TV, games, news and more. Kodi has an official repository full of this content. Its video add-ons are especially popular as they allow you to watch movies and TV shows. 

There are also third-party repositories that contain add-ons — like Netflix and Disney+ — as well as Kodi skin options that aren’t part of the official repository. You should always exercise caution when it comes to third-party add-ons as some may link to pirated content. 

How to Install a Kodi Add-On

How you install a Kodi add-on depends on whether it’s official or from a third party. We have a full tutorial on installing external sources in our best Kodi add-ons guide. Below is a guide on how to install addons from the official repository, which comes preinstalled on Kodi. 

  1. Open Kodi and select the settings cog in the top-left corner of the Kodi home screen. 
  2. Click “add-ons” and scroll down to “install from repository.” Then, select the official Kodi repository. 
  3. Choose the type of add-on you want to install. For example, if you plan to watch movies or TV shows, click “video add-ons.” 
  4. Click your desired add-on and click “install” in the bottom-right corner. When you see a tick next to the add-on name in the list, that means it’s been installed. To stream immediately, click the name of the add-on and select “open” at the bottom of the next page. 

How to Use Kodi to Watch Movies

You can add video sources from your local library to Kodi or take advantage of installed Kodi add-ons for movies. In addition to the official add-ons, some Kodi users install add-ons via third-party repositories. 

For example, the SlyGuy repository is a popular third-party repository that contains movie add-ons like Max and Disney+. However, bear in mind that these platforms don’t give you a free pass: You still need an account with paid streaming services to watch this content on Kodi. The Crew is another example of a popular third-party repository that’s full of add-ons. 

Again, note that some third-party add-ons can lead you to pirated content, so it’s best to use add-ons for official platforms, whether free or paid. Once you’ve installed an add-on (see the information above), here’s how to find it in your Kodi library: 

  1. Open Kodi on your device and scroll down to “add-ons” on the left sidebar. 
  2. Hover over “add-ons” to reveal your add-ons library. 
  3. Click your chosen add-on to see the categories inside it, such as movies, TV shows and so on. Start streaming your chosen content. 
  4. If you have buffering issues when using add-ons, read our Kodi buffering guide for the fixes. 

Why Use a VPN With Kodi? 

A virtual private network (VPN) is a tool that switches your true IP address for one in another location. This guards your personal data from the eyes of hackers, snoopers and your ISP while letting you use the internet and streaming platforms privately. In addition to getting better privacy, here are several other good reasons to use a VPN with Kodi:

  • Bypass geoblocks: Some Kodi add-ons contain geoblocked content, so a VPN can expand your streaming options. 
  • Prevent ISP throttling: Since your data is hidden from prying eyes, your ISP can’t throttle your internet speed. 
  • Enhance your security: Some third-party Kodi add-ons and builds may contain malware. By hiding your real IP address, a reputable VPN with a strong security infrastructure helps protect you from cyberattacks. 

The Best VPNs for Kodi

Best VPN for Kodi: Stay Safe While Streaming

Best VPN for Kodi: Stay Safe While Streaming

Unfortunately, not every VPN provider is reliable or even secure. The following three VPNs are trailblazers in the industry with excellent security and privacy, and all work well with Kodi: 

  • NordVPN — NordVPN is a speedy provider with strong security and cheap long-term plans. If you want to find out more about our top VPN recommendation, check out our NordVPN review. 
  • Surfshark — Surfshark is another affordable and secure provider with a great streaming track record. All the pros and cons are detailed in our Surfshark review. 
  • ExpressVPN — ExpressVPN is pricier than NordVPN and Surfshark, but it’s an excellent choice for those new to VPNs. Our ExpressVPN review has all the information you need. 

How to Use a VPN With Kodi

Here we’ll show you how to set up a VPN on a PC to use with your Kodi software. You can also download a VPN on your phone, tablet, TV or router, but the process differs by device. 

  1. Sign Up for a VPN

    Go to your chosen provider’s website and subscribe to a plan that suits you. Reputable providers like NordVPN typically offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

    get nordvpn
  2. Download the VPN

    If you’ve signed up for a NordVPN account, you can download the app from the “download” tab on the website. Select the device you’re using and click “download.” Mobile users can download the app from the Google Play store (Android) or the Apple app store (iOS). 

    download nordvpn
  3. Install the VPN

    Click the “download” arrow in the top-right corner of your browser. Click the VPN’s setup file to start the installation process. 

    install nordvpn
  4. Launch the VPN

    Open the VPN’s app and connect to a server in your chosen location. For example, if you want to watch content from a platform that’s available only in the U.S. (like Hulu), connect to an American server.

    nordvpn connect
  5. Open Kodi

    Open Kodi on your device and start streaming.

    kodi open

Final Thoughts

Though the process isn’t as straightforward as using a streaming platform, watching movies and shows on Kodi is easy with a little know-how, thanks to its abundance of add-ons. Remember to be careful when using third-party Kodi builds and add-ons. It’s best to protect your data with a reliable and fast VPN like NordVPN, Surfshark or ExpressVPN. 

Do you use Kodi? If so, which are your favorite add-ons? Do you launch a VPN before streaming on Kodi? Feel free to share in the comments section below, and thanks for reading. 

FAQ: Kodi User Guide 

  • Kodi is a streaming software that lets you organize your local media and install a range of add-ons with content like movies, TV shows, live TV, games and more.

  • You can start watching content on Kodi by installing add-ons in the official Kodi repository. Some people prefer to install add-ons from third-party repositories like The Crew or SlyGuy.

  • Some smart TVs, like Android TV, have native support for Kodi and let you download it from their app stores. Alternatively, you can install Kodi on a device like Firestick.

  • You can install add-ons on Kodi from the official Kodi repository, which comes with the software and doesn’t need to be installed. You can also get them from third-party repositories.

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The post How to Use Kodi: 2024 Ultimate Kodi Guide appeared first on Cloudwards.

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