A Kodi Firestick upgrade can bring security fixes, improved performance, and compatibility with newer add-ons. The safest approach is to install Kodi from its official source without removing your existing app first. Back up your settings, check your Fire TV model, and follow the steps below to reduce the risk of losing your library or configuration.
Before You Start a Kodi Firestick Upgrade
First, check which Fire TV device you have and how much free storage is available. Kodi updates and temporary installation files need room, and older Firesticks may have limited storage. Open Settings > My Fire TV > About to view device information. You can check available space under Settings > My Fire TV > Storage on supported models.
If you use Kodi for a customized library or configuration, make a backup before upgrading. Kodi’s Backup add-on can save settings, databases, and other data to a location you can access later. Alternatively, use a file manager to copy Kodi’s data if you know where it is stored. Save the backup somewhere other than the Firestick, such as network storage or a computer.
Also note your current Kodi version and any add-ons you rely on. An upgrade usually keeps your Kodi data when installed over the existing app, but no update is risk-free—especially if storage is low or the device loses power during installation. Avoid deleting Kodi before installing the new version unless you intend to start fresh.
Get the Correct Kodi Version
Download Kodi only from the official site: kodi.tv/download. On the Android download page, Kodi offers different APK builds for different processor architectures. Many Fire TV devices use the ARMV7A (32-bit) version, while some newer models support ARMV8A (64-bit). The right choice depends on the device and its software; newer hardware does not always mean the 64-bit APK is the correct one.
If you are unsure, check your device’s specifications on Amazon or consult Kodi’s official documentation. You can also use a reputable device-information app to identify the system architecture, but install such apps only from a trusted source. Do not choose an APK simply because it has the largest version number or file size.
Kodi is not generally installed through the Amazon Appstore, so the usual method is sideloading the official Android APK. Avoid unofficial “Kodi builds” that bundle add-ons or promise free access to paid channels. They can create security and reliability problems, and may violate content providers’ terms.
Install the Upgrade with Downloader
- On your Firestick, open Settings > My Fire TV > About and select the device name repeatedly until Developer Options are enabled, if they are not already visible.
- Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options. Choose Install unknown apps and allow the Downloader app to install files. On some Fire OS versions, the setting may instead be called Apps from Unknown Sources.
- Install or open Downloader from the Amazon Appstore. Enter kodi.tv/download in its browser and choose the Android APK that matches your device.
- Download the file, then select Install when prompted. If Fire OS asks whether to update Kodi, confirm the update. Keep the Firestick powered on until installation finishes.
- Open Kodi and check Settings > System information to confirm the version.
Installing the official APK over the existing Kodi app normally preserves its data. If Fire OS reports that the app cannot be installed, check that the download completed, that you selected the correct architecture, and that you have enough free storage. A package-signature conflict can occur if the installed app came from an unofficial source; in that case, back up Kodi first before considering removal and a clean install.
Check Kodi After the Upgrade
Open Kodi and test the features you use: library browsing, playback from your own media sources, subtitles, and any add-ons you trust. Some add-ons may need updates or may not yet support the new Kodi release. If one fails, check its official support page rather than installing a replacement from an unknown repository.
If Kodi crashes or behaves unusually, restart the Firestick and try again. You can also clear Kodi’s cache through Fire OS app settings, but do not select Clear Data unless you are prepared to restore your backup or configure Kodi again. Clearing data removes local settings and library information.
Keep Fire OS updated as well. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates. A current device system can improve app compatibility, although a Fire OS update does not itself upgrade Kodi.
How to Keep Future Upgrades Simple
Kodi does not always update automatically when it has been sideloaded. Check kodi.tv/download periodically or follow Kodi’s official announcements to learn when a stable release is available. You do not need to install every release immediately; waiting briefly can give add-on developers time to confirm compatibility.
Before each major update, back up your configuration and check free storage. Use the official Kodi APK, install over the existing app, and verify the result before deleting any backup. This routine helps protect your setup and makes a future Kodi Firestick upgrade less stressful.
Kodi Firestick Upgrade FAQ
Will upgrading Kodi delete my add-ons?
Usually, installing the official APK over the existing Kodi app keeps add-ons and settings. However, add-ons may stop working if they are incompatible with the new release. Back up your setup first.
Do I need to uninstall Kodi before upgrading?
No. In most cases, install the new APK over the current app. Uninstalling first can erase Kodi’s local data, so do it only if you have a backup and specifically need a clean installation.
Is sideloading Kodi on a Firestick safe?
It can be safe when you download the APK directly from kodi.tv and grant installation permission only to a trusted app such as Downloader. Avoid modified APKs and unofficial builds.
A careful Kodi Firestick upgrade starts with a backup, the right official APK, and an in-place installation. Verify that Kodi and your essential features work afterward, and keep your backup until you are confident the update is stable.
