Learning how to uninstall addons can free storage, remove outdated software, and fix streaming problems. On Kodi, removing an add-on is usually simple, but you may also need to delete related repositories, dependencies, or leftover app data.
Before making changes, identify the add-on you want to remove and decide whether you need to preserve its settings. The steps below focus mainly on Kodi, with additional advice for Android TV, Fire TV, and similar streaming devices.
Before You Uninstall Addons
Removing an add-on can delete its settings, login information, favorites, and locally stored data. If you might use the add-on again, check whether it has an export, backup, or synchronization option.
It is also useful to understand the difference between these components:
- Add-on: The software that provides a feature or streaming source.
- Repository: A catalog or source used to install add-ons.
- Dependency: A supporting component required by one or more add-ons.
- Add-on data: Settings, cache files, artwork, and saved information.
You do not always need to remove all four. For example, uninstalling a video add-on does not automatically mean you should remove its repository. Keep repositories that still provide add-ons you use, especially official Kodi repositories.
Before uninstalling, close any active stream and make a note of the add-on’s name. If Kodi is unstable, restart the device first so an active process does not interfere with removal.
How to Uninstall Addons in Kodi
Kodi’s menu labels can vary slightly by version or skin, but the general process is consistent:
- Open Kodi.
- Select Add-ons from the main menu.
- Choose My add-ons.
- Select the relevant category, such as Video add-ons, Program add-ons, or Music add-ons.
- Highlight the add-on you want to remove.
- Open its context menu by right-clicking, pressing the menu button on your remote, or holding the select button.
- Choose Information.
- Select Uninstall, then confirm.
On some Kodi installations, you can open the add-on’s information page directly and select Uninstall from there.
After removal, return to My add-ons and verify that the add-on no longer appears as enabled or installed. Restarting Kodi is not always necessary, but it can refresh menus and clear references to the removed software.
If you only want to stop an add-on temporarily, select Disable instead of Uninstall. Disabling keeps the add-on and its settings available for later use.
Removing Repositories and Dependencies
Uninstalling an add-on does not necessarily remove its repository. To remove a repository, go to:
Add-ons → My add-ons → Add-on repository
Select the repository, open its information page, and choose Uninstall.
Only remove a repository if you no longer need it. Other add-ons may depend on it for updates or installation. Removing a repository usually does not uninstall every add-on that came from it, but it can prevent those add-ons from receiving future updates.
Kodi may also refuse to uninstall a dependency if another installed add-on still needs it. This is normal. Do not force the removal of shared dependencies, because doing so can break multiple add-ons.
If you see a dependency warning, open My add-ons, review related video, music, or program add-ons, and remove the ones you no longer use first. Kodi should then allow the unused dependency to be removed.
Clear Leftover Add-on Data
After you uninstall addons, Kodi may retain cache files, artwork, logs, or configuration data. Keeping a small amount of leftover data is generally harmless, but clearing it can help when an add-on caused crashes or storage problems.
Kodi does not provide one universal in-app button for deleting every add-on’s data. The location depends on your operating system:
- Android and Fire TV: Open device settings, select Apps, choose Kodi, and review storage options.
- Windows: Kodi data is commonly stored in the
%APPDATA%\Kodifolder. - macOS: Kodi data is commonly stored in the user’s
Library/Application Support/Kodifolder. - Linux: Kodi data is commonly stored in the user’s
.kodifolder.
Avoid deleting the entire Kodi data folder unless you want to reset Kodi completely. That action can remove your library, settings, profiles, and add-ons. If you only need to clear temporary files, use Kodi’s own maintenance options or remove the specific add-on data folder after creating a backup.
On Android TV or Fire TV, Clear cache is less destructive than Clear data. Clear data resets Kodi and should be treated as a last resort.
Troubleshooting Uninstallation Problems
If the uninstall option is missing, first check that you opened the add-on’s information page rather than simply highlighting it. You may also be viewing a system add-on that Kodi does not allow you to remove.
If Kodi freezes during removal, force-close the app, restart the streaming device, and try again. Make sure the device has enough free storage and that Kodi is not currently updating another add-on.
For repeated errors, update Kodi only through a legitimate source supported by your device. Avoid unofficial “cleaner” tools that promise to remove every add-on automatically. These tools can delete shared files, expose your device to unwanted software, or damage your Kodi profile.
If the add-on keeps returning, check whether it is being reinstalled by a build, backup, or third-party maintenance tool. Remove the source that is restoring it, then uninstall the add-on again. You should also change passwords if the add-on required account access and you no longer trust its source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstall an add-on after uninstalling it?
Usually, yes. Reinstall it from a trusted, compatible repository. However, saved settings may not return unless they were synchronized or backed up before removal.
Does uninstalling an add-on remove its repository?
No. Kodi generally treats add-ons and repositories as separate components. Remove the repository separately only when you are certain no other installed add-on needs it.
Will uninstalling addons improve Kodi performance?
It can help by reducing background checks, update activity, storage use, and menu clutter. Removing unused add-ons will not fix every problem, but it is a sensible maintenance step when Kodi is slow or unstable.
Conclusion
Knowing how to uninstall addons lets you keep Kodi organized, secure, and easier to troubleshoot. Remove unwanted add-ons from My add-ons, avoid deleting shared dependencies, and clear leftover data carefully. Always use trusted repositories and back up important Kodi settings before making major changes.
