FIX: Failed to Install Addon from Zip File on Kodi

In this guide, you will find the instructions to fix the error Failed to Install Addon from Zip File during the installation of certain Kodi builds and addons.

If you are using Kodi 18.4, Kodi 18.3 or Kodi 18.2, there is a fair chance you must have run into this error while installing certain addons from a zip file. I have faced this issue mostly when trying to install some Wizards. I needed the Wizards to install certain Kodi builds.

So, it is safe to say that you are more likely to experience this issue when trying to install Kodi builds.

Streamline build and No Limits Build are the two builds that usually generate this error. However, I have bumped into this issue with some other builds as well.

I have also noticed that this issue is more common on FireStick devices. I could easily install these builds on my Windows and Mac, but get stuck on FireStick.

Thankfully, I have a fix for you and it doesn’t matter which device you encounter the error on.

All you need to do is uninstall Kodi 18.4/18.3/18.2 and install Kodi 18.1

This seems like a downgrade. However, honestly, you are not losing anything significant. Kodi 18.1 works just as fine as its successors. You can continue using 18.1 until there is a version release that takes care of the problem.

How to Fix Failed to Install Addon from Zip File

This fix is going to be a three-part process as follows:

Part 1: Enable Apps from Unknown Sources
Part 2: Uninstall the existing version of Kodi 18.4 – Kodi 18.2
Part 3: Install Kodi 18.1 Leia

Part 1: Enable Apps from Unknown Sources

Apps from Unknown Sources is a security option and it must be turned ON to allow installation of Kodi 18.1 or any third-party applications not available on Amazon Store.

Since you have an existing version of Kodi, I am assuming Apps from Unknown Sources must already be ON. However, just in case it is not, let’s quickly go through these steps:

1. Go to FireStick Settings from the home window

2. Click My Fire TV

3. Open Developer Options

4. Click Apps from Unknown Sources only if it is OFF

5. Click Turn On

Part 2: Uninstall Kodi 18.4, Kodi 18.3, or Kodi 18.2 Leia

Kodi does not allow you to keep two instances of itself on FireStick or any other device. Therefore, you must first uninstall the existing version 18.4, 18.3, or 18.2 you may have.

Here are the steps:

1. Go to the FireStick home window and select the row Your Apps & Channels

It is the second row from the top (after Recent)

After selecting this row, go to the far left and click See All

Note: You will also find the See All option in the far right of the same row

Alternately, you may hold down the Home key on your FireStick remote for a few seconds. When a popup window appears, click Apps

2. Select the Kodi  application using the navigation keys on your remote
Note: DO NOT click Kodi. Just select it

3. Press the Menu key on your FireStick remote (it is the key with three horizontal lines on the left)
A popup menu appears in the bottom-right of your TV display

Click Uninstall

4. Confirm your intent to uninstall Kodi by clicking OK

You have successfully uninstalled the existing Kodi version from your FireStick device.

Alternate Method to Uninstall Kodi: From the home window of FireStick, navigate to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > Kodi > Uninstall

Part 3: Install Kodi 18.1 Leia on FireStick

Now, simply follow these steps to install Kodi 18.1 on FireStick:

1. We are going to use the ES File Explorer to download 18.1

From the home window of FireStick, select the lens icon in the upper-left corner and open Search
Type in ES File Explorer
Click ES File Explorer in the results of the search below

Follow the on-screen instructions to get the app

2. Run ES File Explorer

Note: If the app asks for any permissions, click Allow

3. You will see a menu on the left and some icons on the right

In the left section, you may click Tools > Download Manager

OR, in the right section, you may click Downloader icon

4. On the next screen, go to the bottom strip in the right section and click +New

5. Enter the following web address in the Path section for Kodi 18.1: https://www.firesticktricks.com/k181

You could leave the Name section blank. Or, you may choose any desired name

Click Download Now

6. Kodi 18.1 will now download. Wait!

7. Click Open File next

8. Click Install when this window is displayed

9. Go ahead and click Install

10. Wait for Kodi 18.1 to install
This will be all!

You now have Kodi 18.1 on your FireStick. You will not experience any problems installing certain add-ons from the zip files.

Here are the recommended reads:

Best Kodi Builds
Best Kodi Addons

Before you start streaming with Kodi Addons / Builds, I would like to warn you that everything you stream on Kodi is visible to your ISP and Government. This means, streaming copyrighted content (free movies, TV shows, Sports) might get you into legal trouble.

Kodi users are strongly advised to connect a VPN while streaming. A VPN for Kodi will bypass ISP throttling, Government Surveillance, and geo-restriction on popular Add-ons. I always connect ExpressVPN on all my streaming devices and I suggest you do the same.

ExpressVPN is the fastest and most secure VPN. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Meaning, you can use it freely for the first 30-days and if you are not satisfied with the performance (which is highly unlikely), you can ask for the full refund.

NOTE: We do not encourage the violation of the copyright laws. But, what if you end up streaming content from an illegitimate source unintentionally? It is not always easy to tell the difference between a legit and illegal source.

So, before you start streaming on Kodi, here's how to get VPN protection in 3 simple steps.

Step 1: Get the ExpressVPN subscription HERE.

Step 2: Click HERE to download and install the ExpressVPN app on your device.

Step 3: Click the Power icon to connect a VPN server. That's all. Your connection is now secure with the fastest and best VPN for Kodi.

Wrapping Up

So, this is how you fix the issue Failed to install from zip file. This fix has worked without fail for me. I have tried it multiple times. However, should it not work for you, please feel free to let me know through the comments section below. Please do not forget to mention the exact error message when you comment.

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