If you're looking to stream your favorite movies and TV shows, Kodi is a great option to consider. Kodi is an open-source media player that allows you to access a wide variety of content, and Ii this guide, we'll show you how to get Kodi your Firestick so that you can experience directly from an advice you already know and understand.
To install Kodi on your Firestick, start by downloading the “Downloader” app on the device, before using that app to download and install the Kodi APK. Note that some plug-ins allow for access to pirated content, and using the app that way is illegal, but using Kodi itself isn't illegal.
There are a few other ways to do this, and there are also a few other details you should know about the process and the landscape your stepping (perhaps unknowingly) into. So, to begin, let's start with defining what Kodi is and why people use it. We'll cover install instructions and a competitor we recommend further down, so hang around after you find what you came for.
First: What is Kodi, and Why do People Use It?
Kodi is a popular media player software that allows users to access and stream a wide range of content, including movies, TV shows, music, and more. It is open-source and can be installed on various devices, including Firestick, making it a versatile entertainment hub, and we see a lot of people use it regularly in their home theater to great affect.
With Kodi, users can organize and display their content in a user-friendly manner, add media sources, and install various add-ons to expand its functionality. It also lets users play movies, music, photos, and live TV, all without ever leaving its interface. It's also much more aesthetically customizable than other apps like Netflix or Hulu, which have started to bake what are effectively commercials into the devices OS.
While Kodi offers numerous advantages, it's important to consider potential disadvantages as well. One of the major downsides of Kodi is the availability of third-party add-ons that allow access to copyrighted or pirated content. As you can guess, this pretty much automatically triggers a hard conversation about legality.
Is Kodi Legal?
Some Kodi add-ons are flatly illegal. That shouldn't be a surprise to you – any time you're watching something for “free”, or pirating, you're infringing on intellectual property rights. Therefore, it is essential to use Kodi responsibly and avoid using add-ons that violate copyright laws.
It's worth noting that Kodi itself is not illegal, but it depends on how you use it. Add-ons from the official Kodi repository are legal and safe, while most unofficial add-ons are in breach copyright laws because they host pirated versions of movies and TV shows. Sure, you can use a VPN to try these out and protect yourself, but we heavily advise against it.
In summary, Kodi is legal, but it's essential to use it responsibly and avoid using add-ons that provide access to pirated content. We don't think you should be doing anything illegal, but if you have tons of legally obtained media you want to stream, we have a better option for you later in the article.
How To Install Kodi on Firestick (in 3 Steps)
Are you ready to transform your Firestick into a comprehensive entertainment hub? If you're comfortable with the legal situation and also with a little tech support, then go ahead ans work through these steps:
Adjust your Firestick's Settings
Before you can install Kodi on your Firestick, you need to make a few adjustments to the device’s settings.
- Start by navigating to the “Settings” menu on your Firestick’s home screen and selecting “My Fire TV” or “Device.”
- Next, choose the “Developer Options” or “Developer” menu.
- Here, you need to enable the “Apps from Unknown Sources” option, which allows you to install applications from sources other than the Amazon Appstore.
Additionally, it’s advisable to turn off automatic updates for the Firestick’s software to prevent any potential compatibility issues with Kodi. To do this, go back to the “Settings” menu, select “Preferences,” followed by “Privacy Settings.” From there, disable the “Device Usage Data” and “Collect App Usage Data” options.
Download & Install the Kodi “APK”
To install Kodi on your Firestick, you’ll need to obtain the Kodi APK file and sideload it onto the device. One of the easiest methods to do this is by using the Downloader app, which is available in the Amazon Appstore.
- Launch the Downloader app on your Firestick and enter the URL for the official Kodi website ( https://kodi.tv/download ).
- From the website, select the Android version of Kodi and choose the “ARMV7A (32BIT)” option. The APK file will begin to download.
- Once the download is complete, the Downloader app will prompt you to install the APK file. Proceed with the installation, and once it’s finished, you can choose to delete the APK file to save space on your Firestick.
Another alternative method for sideloading Kodi is by using ES File Explorer. Install ES File Explorer from the Amazon Appstore, launch it, and navigate to the “Downloader” option in the left-hand menu. Enter the same URL mentioned earlier to download the Kodi APK file and then install it.
How To Get That Downloader App?
If that note about the Downloader app went right over your head, here are some more detailed instructions on getting the Downloader app installed:
- On your FireStick home screen, select the FIND option in the middle bar.
- Click on Search and search for the Downloader app.
- Click on Download to install the app.
Set Up Kodi On Your Fire Stick
After successfully installing Kodi on your Firestick, it’s time to set it up and configure it to suit your preferences. When you launch Kodi for the first time, you’ll be greeted with a default interface. To enhance your Kodi experience, you can customize the interface by installing different skins. Skins change the look and feel of Kodi, allowing you to personalize it according to your taste.
And to fully utilize Kodi’s capabilities, you’ll want to add media sources. These can include local storage, networked drives, or online streaming services. By adding media sources, Kodi will organize and display your content in a user-friendly manner.
And of course, you can install various add-ons to expand Kodi’s functionality as we discussed abit above. Add-ons provide access to additional content and features such as movie and TV show streaming, live TV, sports, and more.
Here's how you do all this setup:
- Navigate to the “Settings” menu within Kodi, select “Interface Settings,” and choose “Skin” to explore and install various skins.
- In the “Settings” menu, select “File Manager” and choose “Add Source” to add your desired media sources. Additionally, you can install various add-ons to expand Kodi’s functionality.
- Explore the “Add-ons” section within Kodi to browse and install popular add-ons like Exodus Redux, Seren, or YouTube.
Common Install Issues + Additional Tips
One common problem is the “Parse Error” during the APK installation. This error typically occurs when you download an incompatible APK file. To resolve this, ensure that you download the correct version of Kodi specifically designed for the ARMV7A (32BIT) architecture.
Another potential issue is related to storage space on your Firestick. As Kodi allows you to stream and download media content, it’s crucial to manage your storage wisely. Consider regularly clearing the cache within your Fire Stick and removing any unnecessary add-ons or media files to free up space and maintain optimal performance.
Remember to periodically update Kodi (our guide) to enjoy the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. Updates can be found on the official Kodi website ( https://kodi.tv/download ). And note that updates aren't automatic: to update the software, you have to basically re-do the install instructions above and install the freshest version of the app that way.
Troubleshooting & Maintenance
As with any software, Kodi on Firestick can experience issues from time to time. Here are some common problems and solutions to help keep your Kodi running smoothly.
Potential Troubleshooting Issues
One common issue is difficulty with subtitles. If your subtitles aren't displaying properly, make sure they are in the correct format and that you have the necessary add-ons installed. You may also need to adjust your settings (within Kodi) to ensure subtitles are enabled.
Third-party apps can also be a source of trouble. While they can add extra functionality to Kodi, they can also introduce security risks and malware. Be sure to only install trusted add-ons and apps, and use a tool like VirusTotal to scan any downloads before installing them. And if you're doing pirating, just don't be surprised if you get pirated back in some way…using Kodi is choosing to use an unsecure system where your data may not be secure.
Expect To Do More Troubleshooting
While Kodi on Firestick is a powerful tool, it isn't supported by a big fancy dev team or billions in revenue like the other major players in this arena. As such, you shouldn't be surprised if it needs, on average, more of your attention over time than those other more streamlined options.
You'll need to update it manually as described above, and also maintain outside libraries you want to have access to. For some, this is no problem, but others won't want the hassle…in which case we have a better option for you in the next section.
Drawbacks of Using Kodi + An Alternative
While Kodi offers numerous advantages, it’s important to consider potential disadvantages as well.
- Pirated Content Concerns: One of the major downsides of Kodi is the availability of third-party add-ons that allow access to copyrighted or pirated content. Using such add-ons can be illegal and may infringe upon intellectual property rights. It is important to be cautious and only use legal add-ons to avoid any legal issues.
- Technical Complexity: Kodi can be complex for some users, especially those who are not familiar with media player software or technology. Setting up and configuring Kodi, managing add-ons, and troubleshooting issues may require technical expertise or additional help. It is important to have a basic understanding of the software and seek help when needed.
- Security Risks: Kodi add-ons are not always secure and can potentially expose your device to malware or other security risks. It is important to only download add-ons from trusted sources and keep your device’s security software up to date.
Of course, we've been through this conversation before on the blog, and in the case of putting Kodi on a Roku device, we came to the same conclusion we will here: we recommend PLEX as your streaming solution for managing your own content, because it has a better UI with more support, is easier to install, and it has much more security and safety baked in than Kodi.
Going (Kodi) Clear
In conclusion, getting Kodi on your Firestick is a great way to enhance your streaming experience. With Kodi, you have access to a wide range of content, including movies, TV shows, live TV, and more.
But that said, as home theater enthusiasts we can say that in the modern world, it's just not worth the hassle for most people. You can use it, but there are better, simpler options, so why spend the time?
