What is Kodi?
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In this article, we will tackle everything you need to know about Kodi.
Kodi is an open-source, free online media player that streams content from the internet and your local devices.
Xbox Media Center or XBMC was the first name of Kodi when it was introduced last 2002. As it transformed into Kodi, it became very popular with millions of users worldwide.
Many people find it more interesting as different developers create addons for more content to stream. These addons are unofficial and provide movies, tv-series, audio, etc. for free.
It is an advantage for Kodi to be available on many different devices, from the big screen to smartphones.
Although some might not find the interface of Kodi to be easy to understand at first. But when you finally understand the software, you will enjoy all the benefits given by Kodi.
You can use Kodi on Firestick, Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.
Kodi APK Download for Android Devices
Note: ReviewVPN.com does not host this APK file. It is hosted by Archive.org
How to Install Kodi on Firestick for Beginners
We will show you how to install Kodi on your firestick device. This version of Kodi is 18.9.
Since Kodi is not an official application from the Amazon App Store, we are going to sideload it.
First, we are going to Jailbreak Firestick and Install the Downloader App.
We also suggest the use of a VPN when streaming on Kodi.
1. Go to Settings
2. Select Device or My Fire TV
3. Choose Developer Options
4. Turn on the ADB Debugging and the Apps from Unknown Sources
5. Click Turn On
6. Go back to Home and navigate to Search
7. Type in Downloader and click the suggestion
8. Tap the Downloader icon when it appears on the screen
9. Click Get or Download
10. Wait for the app to be installed
11. Select the Open button to launch the app
12. Click Allow
13. Tap the OK button
14. Hover to the search engine
15. Type https://reviwvpn.com/kodiapk on the search engine and click Go
16. Let the apk be downloaded
17. Choose Install
18. Wait for the app to be installed
19. Click on Open
20. Select Continue to accept the app’s request.
21. Click on Allow.
22. You can now use Kodi on your Firestick.
How to Install Kodi on Windows
To Install Kodi on Windows, or any other device other than Firestick, we need to go to the official Kodi Website. The version of the APK featured on the website is always the latest one.
At this moment, Kodi v19 is the latest version of Kodi that is downloadable from Kodi.tv.
1. Launch any browser on your computer, PC, or Windows. For this one, we are going to use Google.
2. Search for kodi.tv
3. Tap the Download button
4. Scroll down, and look for the icons of different devices applicable for Kodi. For this example, we are going to use Windows.
5. Choose the best installer for your device.
6. Let the file be downloaded on your device.
7. Tap the file once it is downloaded.
8. Select Next.
9. Choose I Agree.
10. Select Next one more time.
11. For Choose Install Location, click Next.
12. Click Next again.
13. Then choose Install.
14. Wait for the software to be installed.
15. Make sure to check Run Kodi then click on Finish.
16. You can now use Kodi on your Windows.
Install Surfshark on Firestick
Kodi Build
A build contains different pieces of software put together by hobbyist developers to create a great Kodi experience.
Every build is uniquely designed with themes and features. They contain addons on their own.
To install a specific build on your Kodi, you need to know the URL for the repository from where they will be taken.
Since each build is unique from the others, no two builds have the URL for the repository.
We will show you how to Install a build on your Kodi. For this example, we are going to use Xanax Build.
How to Install the Xanax Kodi Build with Step by Step Screenshots
1. Click the cogwheel in the upper left corner of the home screen.
2. Scroll to System in the lower right corner and click it.
3. Select Add-ons in the left column.
4. Click on Unknown sources.
5. Click Yes.
6. Take one step back and click File manager in the upper left corner of the System page.
7. Click on Add source.
8. Click on <None>.
9. Type the URL exactly as: http://xanaxrepo.com/repo/ (Kodi is really finicky about URL’s, so take care to type it correctly).
10. Click OK.
11. Click on the box under “Enter a name for this media source”
12. Name is Xanax
13. Click OK again
14. Click OK again.
15. Click on Add-ons.
16. Click on Install from zip file.
17. Click on Xanax.
18. Click on xanax-repo.zip
19. Wait for a popup in the upper right corner saying the Xanax Repository Add-on Installed (be patient).
20. Click on Install from repository.
21. Click on Xanax Repository.
22. Click on Program add-ons.
23. Click on XANAX Wizard.
24. Click on Install.
25. Click on Continue.
26. Click on Build Menu.
27. Select any of the Xanax server hosts.
28. Select Fresh Install (note this will delete any previously added addons. if you don’t want them deleted, you can pick standard install).
29. Wait for the files to download and then install.
30. Select Force Close
31. Reload Kodi and give it about 5 minutes before using to update all the addons
To learn more about Xanax Kodi Build, you can read our Xanax Build Review.
Other Official Kodi Builds:
Learn more about different Kodi Builds by reading our article, The List of Best Kodi Builds.
YOUR INTERNET ACTIVITY IS BEING WATCHED
ReviewVPN cannot attest to the legality, security and privacy of the applications discussed on this site. It is highly recommended that you use a VPN service while streaming or using Kodi.
Currently, your IP 18.97.14.83 is visible to everyone and your Browser is being tracked by Advertisers & ISP Provider.
Here are the main reasons why you must use a VPN:
- Your activities are hidden from your ISP, the government, and from the apps you are using.
- You can access additional movies and TV streams.
- ISP attempts to throttle are thrwarted thus reducing buffering issues.
- Geographically restricted content like Netflix and Hulu can be unblocked.
A VPN works be replacing your ISP-assigned IP address and creating an encrypted tunnel. We recommend the no log service offered by IPVanish. It works well on a Firestick and offers the fastest possible speeds.
Install Surfshark on Firestick
Kodi Addon
An Addon provides additional features and services for Kodi. Such services are not available in the basic format of the software.
Kodi Addons are customized differently with unique features mostly for online streaming of movies, shows, music, and many more.
Although a build contains addons, you can still install an addon without the build. You just have to know also the specific URL for the repository from which an addon will come from.
For this example, we are going to use Exodus Redux to show how to install an addon on your Kodi.
How to Install Exodus Redux on Kodi with Screenshots
1. From the home screen, select the cogwheel at the upper left.
2. Select System in the bottom right corner.
3. Select Add-ons on the left side of the screen.
4. Select Unknown sources.
5. Click Yes to allow unknown sources.
6. Select File manager.
7. Click Add source.
8. Click on <None>.
9. Type in https://i-a-c.github.io at the URL box.
10. Click on OK.
11. Select enter a name for this media source.
12. Name it Exodus Redux (this part isn’t critical as long as you remember the name).
13. Click on OK.
14. Click on OK.
15. Take one step back and click on Add-ons.
16. Select install from zip file.
17. Click on Exodus Redux (or whatever you named the source).
18. Click on repository.exodusredux-0.0.8.zip.
19. Select on Install from repository.
20. Click on Exodus Redux Repo.
21. Pick Video add-ons.
22. Select Exodus Redux again.
23. Click on Install.
24. Select OK after reviewing the add-ons that will be installed.
25. You should see a popup in the upper right corner saying Exodus Redux has installed. There will be multiple popups for the various components.
26. Click on Open to start the Exodus Redux add-on.
Learn more about this addon by reading our article about Exodus Redux Kodi Addon.
Other Official Kodi Addons:
Learn more about different Kodi Addons by reading our article, The List of Best Kodi Addons.
Kodi Buffering
This is the result of a system that does not have enough speed to download data.
A problem like this is not new to Kodi, but there are some possible reasons why it is happening:
- Having a poor internet connection
- The video source is overcrowded
These problems can be fixed by the following:
- Having a premium VPN Service
- Integrating your account to Real-debrid
You can learn a lot about Kodi Buffering and the ways to solve them by reading our article: Improving Kodi Streaming – Buffering Issues Resolved.
How to Troubleshoot Kodi
Buffering, Crashing, and No Stream are the possible problems we encounter while using Kodi. These things stress us out while streaming online.
The good news is there are possible ways to troubleshoot your Kodi:
No Streams Solutions:
- Check your internet connection
- Clear Kodi Cache
- Find a Working Addon
- Use a Premium VPN
- Change Sources
- Use Real Debrid
For more tips about Solving No Stream Problems, please read Fix No Stream Available Kodi Error.
App Won’t Start
- Make Sure You Have The Latest Version of Kodi Installed
- Download The Latest C++ Distributable Version
Kodi Keeps Crashing
- Clear Cache
- Disable Hardware Acceleration
- Uninstall and Reinstall
Failed to Install a Dependency
- Clear Cache
- Install the Dependencies Manually
- Rebuild the Database
Addon Not Working
Go to Add ons section > Video Add ons > Find the add on that’s not working > Right-click and click Information > Click update
Kodi won’t connect you to a source
- Restart Wi-Fi
- Use a VPN
- Deadlink / Addon Isn’t Working
To better understand each error and learn how to troubleshoot them, refer to Fix No Stream Available Kodi Error, and Kodi Troubleshooting Tips for Buffering, Crashing, and More.
Install Surfshark on Firestick
Legal Disclaimer: ReviewVPN.com does not encourage or endorse any illegal activity involved in the usage of services and applications referenced on this site. We do not verify the licensing agreements of services. The end-user is wholly responsible for ensuring that any media accessed through these services does not violate copyright and/or licensing laws. ReviewVPN does not promote, link to, or receive compensation from any Apps and IPTV services.
ReviewVPN cannot attest to the legality, security and privacy of the applications discussed on this site. It is highly recommended that you use a VPN service while streaming or using Kodi. Currently, your IP 18.97.14.83 is visible to everyone and your Browser is being tracked by Advertisers & ISP Provider. Here are the main reasons why you must use a VPN: A VPN works be replacing your ISP-assigned IP address and creating an encrypted tunnel. We recommend the no log service offered by IPVanish. It works well on a Firestick and offers the fastest possible speeds.
YOUR INTERNET ACTIVITY IS BEING WATCHED
App Features:
- A one-stop-shop for all your streaming needs
- Ability to install addons (official and not)
- DVDPlayer for Video
- Supports different file formats
- PAPlayer for audio files
- DVR and PVR Video Recording Features
- Available not only for Windows
- Lets users stream media from the internet
- Lots of available builds, addons, and repositories for additional features
- Ability to browse URLs from the internet
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 100% free
- ability to download addons
- available to almost all types of devices
Cons
- the interface is not that easy to use
- sometimes the app experiences problems
Stream Safely with a VPN
When it comes to Kodi, we think that having a VPN is a must. Since you’ll be browsing lots of sites on the internet using Kodi, you need to protect your identity more. Having a VPN will give you an additional wall of protection from hackers, malware, and especially from your ISP
Here at reviewvpn.com, we always suggest using Surfshark. It is the best VPN for streaming. It guarantees your safety.
When you experience Kodi Buffering, it is one of the best solutions to troubleshoot the problem. If you want to know more about this VPN, kindly read our Surfshark Review.
Other features of Surfshark:
- Surfshark’s protocols are perfect for use with Kodi.
- This VPN will definitely hide all of your online activities.
- It has a military-grade level of encryption that will ensure your safety.
- With this VPN you can access more content and even unblock Netflix and other platforms.
- It also supports P2p file-sharing activities which makes it applicable to torrenting
- Strictly follows No-Log Policy.
- It provides 3,200 VPN servers in 65 locations worldwide.
- DNS Leak Protection is active by default.
Click here to get the lowest price on Surfshark through our exclusive limited-time offer.
How to Install Surfshark VPN on Firestick
If your Firestick still has the older interface, read this article to learn how to update it: Update Firestick Interface.
You can download Surfshark directly from the Amazon App store. It will be easy for you to find Surfshark with your Firestick’s Find feature. Refer to our screenshots below.
1. Go to the Home screen of your Firestick.
2. Navigate towards the Find tab. Press the Search button from the resulting dropdown.
3. Type in the keyword of SurfShark and select from the suggestions that will appear.
4. Click the official SurfShark icon from your search results.
5. Press the Download (You own it) button.
6. The SurfShark VPN installer will download on your device.
7. SurfShark VPN’s app will automatically install itself on your Fire TV stick.
8. Press the Open button after completing SurfShark VPN’s installation process.
9. Please wait for the SurfShark VPN to load its user interface.
10. You can now log in with your SurfShark VPN account credentials.
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Alternatives for Kodi
With all the wonderful and unique features of Kodi, only a few applications can manage to be part of its list of alternatives.
We feature a few apps and provide the reason why we think they can be a Kodi alternative.
Since Kodi is a media player as well, it is somehow the same as VLC Media Player. Although through Kodi, you can stream not only your local files but media from the internet.
This is what separates Kodi from the other media player not only VLC.
This app is similar to Kodi when it comes to the presence of add-ons. To make your streaming capability better, you can also install addons within Stremio.
Some addons on Stremio also work like those of Kodi’s in finding the best torrent links to stream movies and series.
FAQs
Is Kodi Safe to Use?
We tested Kodi using Virus Total. There are no detections found in the results. But is always important to use a VPN every time you use Kodi.
How to install and use Kodi 16.1 Jarvis for beginners?
This question is not up to date. As years go by, Kodi developers try to update the software. You can see how to install it by referring to the above installation guide.
Is Kodi Legal?
Downloading and using this software along with the official addons of the app is legal. Just to be sure, it is a must to have a VPN while streaming through the app.
How to Install the 7 of 9 Addon?
We created a separate article for this one. You may read Install The 7 of 9 Kodi Addon to learn more.
Opinion
Many people find it hard to use this app at first. They tend to search for Kodi tv explained guides for beginners and dummies. This is why we create this article in order to help those who are trying to understand Kodi.
From 2017 to 2019 up until now, many individuals tried to give the best Kodi guide for beginners using different devices like android, and windows. We tried it more completely with this article.
Kodi is a very wide and flexible app. But when you tried it and become more familiar with it you will be mesmerized by its great features.
We cannot articulate more about the fact that it is free and you can stream more with it. And it is really one of the best technology to use for streaming.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this article helped you learn more about Kodi.
Note: ReviewVPN.com does not own or operate any app nor does it endorse any. The main purpose of this article is strictly for educational purposes only.
See Also:
Exodus Not Working – Issues Resolve
50 Best Free Movie Streaming Sites
The Best Live TV Apps for Amazon Fire TV
Best Kissanime.RU Alternatives
Install Swift Streamz on Firestick
The Best Adult Apps for Android
Install Live Lounge APK for Free Live TV, Sports, Adult Section, and Movies
