Updating Kodi keeps the media center secure, improves performance, and adds support for newer add-ons and streaming technologies. The process varies by device, and a major version update can affect your add-ons, settings, and media library. This guide explains how to prepare for and complete updating Kodi safely.
Why Updating Kodi Matters
Kodi updates usually include bug fixes, security improvements, playback enhancements, and compatibility changes. Newer versions may also support updated operating systems, modern video formats, and revised add-on requirements.
Kodi itself does not provide movies or TV shows. However, its media library and add-ons depend on the software working correctly. An outdated version may cause buffering, crashes, broken menus, or add-ons that refuse to install.
Kodi uses major version names, such as Kodi 20 “Nexus” and Kodi 21 “Omega.” Moving between major versions can be more significant than installing a small maintenance release. Some older add-ons may not work until their developers update them.
Before updating Kodi, check the version currently installed by opening Settings > System Information. Make a note of your current version and operating system.
Prepare Before Updating Kodi
A little preparation can prevent lost settings or a difficult reinstall.
First, back up your Kodi data. This includes your library, sources, add-ons, skins, profiles, and configuration files. On many devices, the easiest option is the Backup add-on from Kodi’s official repository. Install it through Add-ons > Program add-ons > Backup, configure a destination, and create a backup.
You can also manually copy Kodi’s data folder:
- Windows:
%APPDATA%\Kodi - macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/Kodi - Linux:
~/.kodi - Android: The Kodi data folder is commonly under
Android/data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi, although access varies by Android version.
Save the backup to another drive or cloud storage rather than keeping it only on the Kodi device.
Next, record any custom settings, repository addresses, and add-on names. Remove add-ons or repositories you no longer trust. Avoid unofficial “builds” that bundle excessive add-ons, change system files, or require unknown update tools.
Finally, make sure the device has enough free storage, a stable internet connection, and current operating-system updates. Do not turn off the device while an update is installing.
Updating Kodi on Android and Fire TV
On an Android phone, tablet, or Android TV device, updating Kodi is usually straightforward. If Kodi was installed through Google Play:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Select your profile or open Manage apps and device.
- Find Kodi under available updates.
- Select Update.
You can also search for Kodi’s official Play Store listing and install the newest available release.
On Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Kodi is generally installed by sideloading because it is not normally available in the Amazon Appstore. To update Kodi, download the current Android APK from the official Kodi website using a trusted method such as the Downloader app. Choose the correct version for the device’s processor architecture when prompted.
Before installing, enable permission for the app being used to install unknown applications. On newer Fire TV software, this permission is found under Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options > Install unknown apps. After installation, open Kodi and confirm that your profiles, library, and add-ons remain available.
Do not download Kodi APK files from random websites. Modified APKs can contain malware or unwanted software. If an APK update fails, uninstalling Kodi may delete its data, so back up first.
Updating Kodi on Windows, macOS, and Linux
For Windows, download the latest installer from the official Kodi website. Choose the Windows installer that matches your system, then run it while Kodi is closed. The installer normally updates the existing installation without removing your library or settings.
On macOS, download the current disk image from Kodi’s official website. Open it and drag Kodi into the Applications folder, replacing the existing copy if asked. macOS may request permission to open software downloaded from the internet. Only approve the app if it came from the official Kodi source.
Linux update instructions depend on your distribution. On Ubuntu-based systems, Kodi is commonly updated through the distribution’s package manager or an official Kodi repository. For example, after adding the appropriate repository, users typically run:
``bash sudo apt update sudo apt install kodi ``
Package availability and commands can change, so check Kodi’s official Linux instructions for your distribution. Avoid mixing random third-party repositories with your normal system packages.
After updating Kodi on a computer, open Settings > System Information to verify the new version. Test a few videos, your remote control, subtitles, and important add-ons.
Updating Kodi on Consoles and Other Devices
Kodi on Xbox is normally updated through the Microsoft Store. Open the Store, go to your library or updates area, and install the available Kodi update. Xbox manages the application files, so manual APK installation is not applicable.
Raspberry Pi and other Linux-based media boxes are updated according to the operating system or image installed on the device. LibreELEC, CoreELEC, and similar platforms have their own upgrade procedures. Follow the project’s documentation rather than installing a generic Kodi package over the top.
Apple devices require additional care. Kodi is not distributed through the standard iOS App Store in the same way as many mainstream media apps. Installation and updating may require a compatible sideloading method, developer signing, or a jailbroken device, depending on the model and operating system. Use current instructions from the official Kodi documentation and avoid unknown signing services.
If an update does not appear immediately, restart the device and check the relevant app store again. Some platforms receive releases later than others.
Fixing Problems After an Update
If Kodi crashes or behaves strangely after updating, restart the device first. Then update your installed add-ons and check whether your skin is compatible with the new Kodi version. Temporarily switch to the default Estuary skin if the interface will not load correctly.
A broken add-on may need to be reinstalled from its official repository. If the library is missing, verify that your media sources still point to the correct folders or network shares.
For serious problems, restore the backup you created before updating. As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall Kodi, but confirm that your userdata folder is backed up first. Never delete Kodi’s data folder until you are certain your library and settings can be recreated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will updating Kodi delete my add-ons and library?
A normal in-place update usually preserves them. However, major-version changes, manual uninstallations, or corrupted installations can cause data loss. Always create a backup before updating.
Is updating Kodi legal?
Kodi is legal software. The legality of content depends on the source and your local laws. Use Kodi with personal media and legitimate services, and avoid add-ons that provide unauthorized access to copyrighted content.
Why is the latest Kodi version not available on my device?
Different platforms approve and distribute updates on different schedules. Your device may also be running an unsupported operating system or architecture. Check the official Kodi download page and your platform’s app store for compatibility information.
Conclusion
Updating Kodi is generally safe when you use official downloads, back up your data, and verify add-on compatibility. Whether you are updating Kodi on Fire TV, Android, Windows, macOS, or another platform, avoid unofficial installers and keep a backup available before making major changes.
