If you are a streaming enthusiast, you might have heard of Kodi. This open-source software is a powerful media player that lets you stream movies, TV shows, live TV, and more. But what if you have a Roku device and want to use Kodi on it?
Unfortunately, Kodi is not officially accessible on Roku devices. However, you can use screen mirroring on Android, iOS, and Windows devices to watch Kodi media on your Roku. Just be sure you have screen mirroring enabled on the Roku and that both devices are connected to the same WiFi network.
Don’t worry if you want to use Kodi on your Roku Player. There are several workarounds you can use. That said, there are several considerations to keep in mind before getting started. Let’s look at everything you need to know to install Kodi on your Roku Player.
Does Roku Have a Kodi App?
Unfortunately, the Kodi App is not officially available on the Roku Channel Store. Kodi is a free, open-source media player allowing users to stream content from various sources, such as media files and online streaming platforms.
Roku has a proprietary operating system known as Roku OS, which does not authorize the installation of third-party software like Kodi.
Luckily, there are a few unofficial workarounds you can utilize to use the Kodi App on your Roku Player. Some of the workarounds include stream mirroring and using third-party screen mirrorings software like AlCast or Miracast.
Keep in mind that installing Kodi on a Roku device may violate Roku’s terms of service, so proceed with caution.
How to Mirror Your Screen to Watch Kodi
Kodi doesn’t have an official app on the Roku Channel Store. That said, you can cast the platform from other devices using screen mirroring.
Screen mirroring allows you to stream Kodi media from a compatible smartphone, tablet, computer, or laptop onto your Roku Player. Both devices must be connected to the same WiFi network, and you must enable screen mirroring on the Roku before you start.
Note: These methods may not provide the same level of performance as accessing Kodi on a supported platform. Using these methods may violate Roku’s terms of service and may compromise the security of your device.
On an iPhone
Casting Kodi media to your Roku Player with an iPhone is a simple process as long as you have the Kodi app installed. Both devices must be connected to the same WiFi network, and you must have screen mirroring enabled.
To get started, follow the steps outlined below:
- Power on your Roku Player and click the Home Button using the Roku Remote.
- Navigate to ‘Settings’ and select ‘System Updates.’ Ensure you have the latest software update.
- From ‘Settings,’ navigate to ‘Screen Mirroring.’
- Choose ‘Enable Screen Mirroring’ and click ‘OK’ to confirm your choices.
- Ensure your iPhone is on the same WiFi network as your Roku.
- Open the Control Center on your iPhone.
- Select ‘Screen Mirroring.’ Your iPhone will start scanning for nearby devices.
- Select your Roku model once it appears in the list of nearby devices.
- Launch the Kodi App on your iPhone to start casting media to your Roku.
Note: Kodi is not an authorized app on the iPhone, meaning it isn’t accessible in the Apple App Store. You may need to jailbreak your device to install Kodi on your iPhone, which can be a lengthy process and break Apple’s terms of service.
On an Android
Like the other methods, both devices must be on the same WiFi network, and your Roku must have screen mirroring turned on. The screen mirroring process on Android is straightforward and takes no time at all. Follow the instructions provided below to get started:
- Power on your Roku Player and click the Home Button using the Roku Remote.
- Navigate to ‘Settings’ and select ‘System Updates.’ Ensure you have the latest software update.
- From ‘Settings,’ navigate to ‘Screen Mirroring.’
- Choose ‘Enable Screen Mirroring’ and click ‘OK’ to confirm your choices.
- Ensure your Android device is connected to the same WiFi network as your Roku Player.
- Open the ‘Settings App’ on your Android device.
- Select ‘Display.’
- Next, click ‘Cast Screen’ or ‘Wireless Display.’
- Choose your Roku model from the list of available devices.
- Launch the Kodi App on your Android device to start casting media to your Roku.
Note: Copyright laws and other restrictions may limit your access to TV shows or movies, even when using screen mirroring. Using a device that supports Kodi will offer more performance, so you might encounter fewer features or functionality on the Roku.
On a Laptop
The last device you can use to watch Kodi content is a laptop or computer. The process varies depending on if you have a Windows or Mac system, but it is straightforward. Use the following instructions based on your operating system:
For Windows:
- Power on your Roku Player and click the Home Button using the Roku Remote.
- Navigate to ‘Settings’ and select ‘System Updates.’ Ensure you have the latest software update.
- From ‘Settings,’ navigate to ‘Screen Mirroring.’
- Choose ‘Enable Screen Mirroring’ and click ‘OK’ to confirm your choices.
- Connect your Windows PC to the same WiFi network as your Roku Player.
- Now, click the Windows Key + P to launch the Connect App on your laptop.
- Once your Roku model appears in the list of nearby devices, select it to start a screen mirroring session.
- Launch Kodi on your Windows laptop to start streaming media.
For Mac:
- Power on your Roku Player and click the Home Button using the Roku Remote.
- Navigate to ‘Settings’ and select ‘System Updates.’ Ensure you have the latest software update.
- From ‘Settings,’ navigate to ‘Screen Mirroring.’
- Choose ‘Enable Screen Mirroring’ and click ‘OK’ to confirm your choices.
- Connect your Mac to the same WiFi network as your Roku Player.
- Press the Apple Icon near the top left of the screen and click ‘System Preference.’
- Next, select ‘Displays.’
- Click on ‘AirPlay Display’ or ‘Display Listed,’ depending on your model.
- Select your Roku model from the list of available devices to start screen mirroring.
- Launch the Kodi App on your Mac to enjoy media on your Roku Player.
Is There an Alternative to Screen Mirroring?
Fortunately, there are a few alternatives to screen mirroring for streaming Kodi content on a Roku Player.
One popular method is to use a media server or media player compatible with both Kodi and Roku, like Plex. Plex allows you to configure a media server on your computer to stream media from Kodi to your Roku Player using the Plex app. This process eliminates screen mirroring altogether.
Other options include using a different streaming device that supports Kodi, like the Amazon Fire TV Stick or an Android TV Box. You can connect these devices to a TV, allowing for easy access to Kodi and streaming platforms without the need for screen mirroring.
Should You Use a VPN?
The choice to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when streaming content on Kodi or any media player comes down to personal preference. That said, a VPN is often recommended for several advantages.
Virtual Private Networks encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address, helping to protect your privacy and security. This means your online activities, like streaming media on Kodi, are less likely to be monitored by third parties.
Secondly, VPNs may help bypass geographical restrictions, helping you access media that are blocked in your country. This can be especially useful for accessing shows only available in certain countries or regions.
Finally, VPNS may help prevent your internet service provider from throttling your connection. This helps improve your streaming experience and reduce buffering when watching TV shows or movies.
All that being said, a VPN can slow down your internet connection and cause problems with streaming content in some cases. Furthermore, some streaming platforms have restrictions prohibiting the use of Virtual Private Networks.
Overall, a VPN is not mandatory when streaming Kodi media onto a Roku Player. It offers additional security, privacy, and other benefits. It’s crucial to select a reputable Virtual Private Network that’s compatible with your streaming device before moving forward.
Can You Jailbreak a Roku?
Sadly, it is not feasible to jailbreak a Roku device. Roku Players have a closed operating system called Roku OS. Unlike Android devices, Roku does not allow users to modify the system, sideload unauthorized apps, or bypass restrictions. This means “jailbreaking” a Roku in the traditional sense is not possible.
That said, users often enable “Developer Mode” to download unofficial or private channels to their Roku devices.
Develop Mode uses the device’s IP address to sideload unofficial channels. That said, doing so can violate Roku’s terms of service and expose you to security risks and legal troubles. Unauthorized modifications can void warranties, compromise security, and lead to other consequences.
It is recommended to use your Roku Player as intended and follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for the best results.
