If Kodi is running slowly, missing features, or showing compatibility errors, it may be time to update Kodi Firestick. Kodi updates can improve performance, fix bugs, and support newer add-ons. The safest approach is to download the official Android version from Kodi’s website and install it over your existing copy.
Before You Update Kodi on Firestick
Before starting, check a few basic requirements:
- Your Firestick should have a stable internet connection.
- Make sure you have enough free storage. Removing unused apps can help.
- Keep your Firestick connected to power throughout the installation.
- Back up important Kodi settings, add-ons, and custom builds if possible.
- Confirm that you are updating the official Kodi app, not an unofficial modification.
Installing a newer Kodi version normally keeps your existing settings and media library. However, major upgrades can occasionally create compatibility problems with older add-ons or custom builds. A backup gives you a way to restore your setup if something goes wrong.
You should also update Fire OS first. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates. The exact wording may vary slightly by Fire TV model.
How to Update Kodi Firestick Using Downloader
The most reliable way to update Kodi Firestick is with the Downloader app and Kodi’s official download page.
1. Install or open Downloader
From the Firestick home screen, select Find, search for Downloader, and install the official app. Open it after installation and allow any requested permissions.
2. Enable app installation
On newer Fire TV devices, go to:
Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options > Install Unknown Apps > Downloader > On
On older Firestick versions, the setting may be called Apps from Unknown Sources. Enable it so Downloader can install the Kodi APK.
If Developer Options is not visible, select My Fire TV > About and click your Fire TV device name several times until a developer message appears. Return to the previous menu and Developer Options should be available.
3. Visit Kodi’s official website
Enter this address in Downloader:
https://kodi.tv/download/android
Select the Android download option. Kodi may offer different Android builds. For most Firestick models, the ARMV7A (32-bit) version is the safest choice. Some newer Fire TV devices may support ARM64, but the 32-bit version is generally compatible with a wider range of Firestick hardware.
Never download Kodi APK files from unknown websites. Unofficial APKs may contain malware, modified code, or outdated software.
4. Install the update
When the APK finishes downloading, select Install. If Android detects your existing Kodi installation, choose Update or Install to replace the older version.
After the installation completes, select Done, then delete the APK file when Downloader offers the option. This saves storage space. Open Kodi from your apps list and verify that your settings and add-ons are still present.
How to Update Kodi Firestick Without Losing Settings
A standard update usually preserves Kodi’s user data, including settings, installed add-ons, and media sources. Still, backing up is recommended before a major version change.
You can use Kodi’s Backup add-on, available through the official Kodi repository:
- Open Kodi and select Add-ons.
- Choose Download or Program add-ons.
- Find and install Backup.
- Select a storage location and create a backup.
The Firestick has limited internal storage, so save the backup to an accessible location if possible. You can also record important media source paths and take screenshots of custom settings.
If Kodi was installed from an unofficial source or is a modified “build,” the official installer may not update it correctly. In that situation, you may need to uninstall the modified version and install the official Kodi release. Uninstalling can erase Kodi data, so back up first.
Troubleshooting Kodi Updates on Firestick
If the update fails, try these solutions.
“App not installed” error: The downloaded APK may not match your Firestick’s architecture, or the existing Kodi installation may have a different signature. Try the ARMV7A version first. If that does not work, uninstall Kodi only after backing up your data, then install the official APK again.
Kodi will not open: Restart the Firestick by going to Settings > My Fire TV > Restart. If the problem continues, open Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > Kodi, then select Clear cache. Avoid selecting Clear data unless you are prepared to reset Kodi.
The download stops or fails: Check your Wi-Fi connection and available storage. Restart the router and Firestick, then try the download again. You can also close other apps running in the background.
Add-ons no longer work: Some add-ons are not compatible with newer Kodi releases. Update them through their legitimate repositories, or check whether the developer supports your Kodi version. Avoid installing suspicious “fix” APKs.
Kodi still shows the old version: Open Kodi and go to Settings > System Information. If the version has not changed, the APK may not have installed over the previous copy. Repeat the installation or remove the old app after creating a backup.
What to Do After Updating Kodi
Once Kodi launches successfully, check the following:
- Open Settings > System Information to confirm the new version.
- Test your media library and several legitimate add-ons.
- Re-enable any add-ons that were disabled during the update.
- Review video, audio, subtitle, and network settings.
- Delete unused APK files and old downloads to recover storage.
- Restart Kodi once more to ensure settings are saved.
Kodi is legal software, but the legality of content depends on the source. Use Kodi with personal media, official services, and authorized add-ons. Avoid repositories or streams that distribute copyrighted content without permission.
FAQ
How often should I update Kodi on Firestick?
Check for updates every few months or when Kodi announces a major release. You do not need to update immediately if your current version works well, but security fixes and compatibility improvements make regular updates worthwhile.
Will updating Kodi delete my add-ons?
Usually, no. Installing a newer version over the existing app normally preserves add-ons, settings, and media sources. Back up Kodi first because major upgrades or unofficial builds can behave differently.
Can I update Kodi directly through the Amazon Appstore?
Kodi is not always available through the Amazon Appstore, depending on your region and Fire TV model. Downloader and the official Kodi Android download page are the most consistent options.
Conclusion
The safest way to update Kodi Firestick is to back up your settings, download the correct official Android APK, and install it over the existing version. Keep Fire OS current, use trusted sources, and troubleshoot storage or compatibility issues before considering a fresh installation.
