Are you using a FireStick with Kodi as the “brain” of your home theater system? This is a great option offering you tons of features, but updating Kodi on the FireStick is a manual process that you have to do intentionally. That said, it's a simple process that can be completed in just a few minutes.
To update the Kodi app on FireStick, we recommend first uninstalling the current version before using the Downloader app and the most recent Kodi/Android install from their website for the best user experience. Note that using a VPN is also suggested with any use of Kodi, and in general.
There are few details you have to get right along the way here, but we promise the steps are pretty simple, especially if you're a bit tech savvy (and you already have Kodi installed). That said, we're going to assume you're starting from scratch and first cover a big of background about the Kodi operation and updating on FireStick. Let's dive in!
First: How To Figure Out If You Need An Update
When it comes to Kodi on Fire TV Stick (on Amazon), updates have to be run manually because it's not a supported app. So, how do you know if you need an update? First, you need to check the most current Android Kodi version at Kodi's official website. Note the current Android version (20.2 at time of writing) and navigate to your Kodi system on your FireStick to figure out which version you're on.
To check which version of Kodi you have installed, follow these steps:
- Open Kodi on your FireStick.
- Click on the gear icon in the top left corner of the home screen to access the settings menu.
- Click on “System” in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Click on “System Information” and look for the “Version Info” section.
You can also check the version from outside the Kodi app, from with FireStick's menu:
- On the FireStick main menu, navigate to Settings –> Applications
- Then select Manage installed applications, and click Kodi
- From here you'll be presented with the Kodi app's information, including the version of the Kodi app you have installed (17,18, etc.)
At this point, you may be on the Leia (Kodi version 18) or Matrix (Kodi version 19) version, or an even earlier on. At time of writing, the 20.2 version is the most up to date. No matter what, if the Android version at the link is more updated than the numbered version on your install, then you need to update.
So, now that you know how to figure out if you need to update, we can move to talking about how to do that in the section below!
How To Update Kodi on Your FireStick (In 4 Steps)
To update Kodi to a new version, we recommend that you completely uninstall the old version of Kodi before upgrading. We have the simplified steps below, but we have a fuller article on Kodi on FireStick if you need it. This will help you avoid any dependency errors, crashes, or other issues that may arise from incompatibility.
This will also get rid of any custom skins or plugins your have setup, including your content libraries, but this setup on the other side is definitely worth it considering the new features, bug fixes, and continued security updates that more contemporary versions of the app will include.
Here's how to upgrade to the latest version of Kodi on Amazon Fire devices:
- Uninstall the old version of Kodi. From the Fire TV Home screen, go to Settings > Applications > Manage installed applications. Scroll down to and select Kodi. Select Uninstall, and then Uninstall again to confirm.
- If you haven't already, download and install the Downloader app. You can find it by using the search function on the Fire TV home screen. It has a bright orange logo.
- Visit the Kodi website, click on the Android version, and right-click the 32-bit file. Now, select Copy Link. Paste this into the URL bar and make a note of the address — you'll need it in a moment.
- Return to your Firestick. Enter the address from the previous step into the Downloader app and click Go. Once the download finishes, you'll be prompted to install Kodi. Read the permissions and click Install.
If you just want to install the latest Kodi update without installing a completely new version, there's no need to completely reinstall Kodi. Instead, you can just follow the same steps above and Kodi will handle the update process itself.
That said, we really recommend the fresh-install option because, frankly, you're already a bit off the reservation when you're side-loading any app onto your FireStick, and when it comes to a situation like this where your privacy/security is in question, we just think most users benefit form the extra 10m of work to make sure they're on a fresh, bug-free install with no funny business.
What Settings Need Attention After You Update Kodi?
After updating Kodi on your Fire Stick, there are a few settings that need attention to ensure that you are getting the best experience.
Firstly, you should check the UI settings and configure them to your liking. This includes the skin, background, and font size. You can also customize the home screen by adding shortcuts to your favorite features.
Next, you should check the new features that have been added with the update. These features may require additional settings to be configured, such as a new icon or shortcut.
It's also important to manage your installed applications, including any plugins or add-ons. Make sure they are up to date and working properly, as outdated plugins can cause issues with Kodi. If you started with a fresh install, this will just mean installing the plugins and apps you use most often, as well as re-connecting your content libraries if that's how you use the service.
Overall, updating Kodi on your Fire Stick is a simple process that can be done in just a few minutes. By paying attention to these settings, you can ensure that you are getting the best experience possible.
And a quick note on other streamers – this tactic (Kodi on FireStick) is pretty unique. It doesn't work on either Roku or Apple TV, so, it makes sense to be focusing on a FireStick as the launching place for your Kodi app, even if that's all you use the FireStick for.
Legal Implications of Kodi
When it comes to Kodi, there are some legal implications to keep in mind. It's worth noting, however, that Kodi itself is not illegal. It's simply a media player that allows you to access a variety of content. However, the way you use Kodi could potentially land you in legal trouble.
One of the biggest issues with Kodi is the potential for streaming copyrighted, pirated content. While Kodi doesn't provide access to any content itself, some users may choose to install add-ons that allow them to stream copyrighted material. This is illegal and could lead to legal action being taken against you.
To stay safe when using Kodi, it's important to only use legitimate add-ons and avoid any that may provide access to copyrighted content. Additionally, using a VPN can help protect your privacy and keep you safe from potential legal issues in general (although we aren't advocating for you to use it to sidestap laws…instead we advise it as a good all-purpose security “vaccine” measure you can take when doing anything online.
If you're using Kodi on a Firestick and want to use a VPN, there are a few options available. Some VPN providers offer dedicated apps that can be installed directly on the Firestick, while others may require you to manually configure the VPN settings. Regardless of which method you choose, using a VPN can help keep you safe and protect your privacy when using Kodi.
As a rule we don't recommend one or the other VPN service (because they often change hands and TOS details…) so do your own research on the right VPN option for you, that you're willing to trust. Just serach VPN on the FireStick's app store and go from there.
Keeping Kodi Fresh & Updated
Updating Kodi on FireStick is an important process that ensures you have access to the latest features, bug fixes, and enhancements. In this article, we have covered several methods that you can use to update Kodi on FireStick, as well as how you can think about the overall landscape here.
Kodi isn't for the faint of heart, but a tech-savvy user can get a ton out of it…so long as you commit to keeping yourself safe and keeping the software up to date!
