In this step-by-step guide, I will show you how to install Kodi 20.1 Nexus and Kodi 19.5 Matrix on FireStick within 2 minutes. The same guide will also work for FireStick 4K, 4K Max, Fire TV, FireStick Lite, and Fire TV Cube. However, before we start the installation steps, let’s begin with a brief introduction.
What’s Kodi?
Kodi is an open-source media player that is entirely free and generally safe for users. It was initially created for Xbox in the early 2000s. However, the media player was later renamed from XBMC (Xbox Media Center) to Kodi.
With this player, you can organize and watch your digital media, such as TV shows, movies, series, etc. Kodi is compatible with various audio and video formats, making it a versatile and all-in-one platform.
Kodi is available on all major hardware platforms, including FireStick, Android, Linux, iOS, Windows, Mac, etc.
The best feature of Kodi is its user-friendly design and easy-to-use layout. The media player allows you to get addons from official and unofficial sources. These add-ons further enhance the functionality of the media player and let you access live TV, watch tons of content, enjoy integrating various services, and more.
Why Kodi for FireStick?
Amazon Fire TV / Stick is one of the most widely used streaming devices. It supports various popular entertainment services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and many others.
But just about everything comes at a price. You must pay steep subscription charges to watch your favorite content. That’s where Kodi comes into the picture. With Kodi, you can access tons of content without burning a hole in your pocket.
Therefore, you would like to install Kodi on FireStick to stream anything you want.
Kodi is one of the best Amazon FireStick apps, which will open a new world of free multimedia content that might not even be available in your region or comes with an exorbitant price tag.
Note: If you are already using Kodi on your Fire TV or Fire Stick and looking for a simple update to 20.1 Nexus, you should read how to update Kodi on your FireStick.
Attention, FireStick Users!
Governments and ISPs constantly monitor your online activity, and accessing copyrighted content on your Fire TV Stick could lead to serious trouble. Currently, your IP is visible to everyone. I strongly recommend getting the best FireStick VPN to mask your IP address and securely stream your favorites.
I personally use ExpressVPN, the fastest and most secure VPN available. Not only is it easy to install on any device, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, if you're not 100% satisfied, you can always get a refund. ExpressVPN is currently also offering a whopping 3 extra months free on their annual plan!
Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick
Is Kodi Safe & Legal?
You will be happy to know Kodi itself is 100% safe. It is also officially available on many major app stores like the Google Play Store, Microsoft Store, etc. Here is what VirusTotal shows regarding Kodi’s safety status.
Again, talking about the legal aspect, Kodi itself is legal, but it also depends on how you use it. Addons from the Official Kodi Repository are generally legal and safe. On the other hand, most unofficial addons breach copyright laws and host pirated versions of movies, TV shows, etc.
Kodi’s open-source design makes downloading stuff from third-party sources easy, but you must be cautious while getting addons/repositories that seem fishy. So, always use a high-quality VPN like ExpressVPN while surfing through third-party addons to prevent legal consequences.
How to Install Kodi on FireStick
Kodi for Fire Stick offers lots of streaming opportunities. The multimedia content offered by Kodi is indeed staggering.
If you’ve decided to jailbreak Amazon FireStick, you are just at the right place. You’re about to learn how to install Kodi on FireStick in as many ways as possible.
Legal Disclaimer: This tutorial is purely educational. FireStickTricks.com doesn’t own, host, operate, resell, or distribute any streaming apps, addons, websites, IPTV or services. The page contains some unverified services, and we are not certain whether they hold legal licenses to distribute the content. FireStickTricks.com does not verify the legality of each app/service in all regions. Do your due diligence if you use any of the unverified apps/services, and stream only content that is available in the public domain. The end-user shall be solely responsible for the media accessed.
STEP 1: Get the Downloader app
This is the most popular, easiest, and fastest method for installing Kodi on Fire TV Stick.
If you follow all the steps carefully, it won’t take more than 2 minutes.
Downloader is a fantastic app and is available free of cost on the Amazon App Store. In addition, it makes the Kodi installation process very smooth and convenient.
1. Select the FIND option in the middle bar on the FireStick home screen. Then click Search.
2. Now, search and click the Downloader app in the search results.
3. Click Download.
Once you have downloaded and installed the Downloader app on your Fire TV or Fire Stick, we are just a few steps away from installing Kodi.
STEP 2: Prepare Your FireStick for Kodi Installation
If you have just purchased your Fire TV or FireStick and haven’t set it up, here’s how to set up Fire Stick for the first time.
Once you set up your Stick successfully, prepare it for the Kodi installation.
You’ll make four tweaks. Enable ADB debugging, enable Downloader to install third-party apps, Turn OFF Device Usage Data, and Turn OFF Collect App Usage Data. You can easily do all of this by following these steps:
1. navigate to Settings on your Fire TV Stick in the middle bar on the far right of the home screen.
2. Then select My Fire TV.
3. Click Developer Options.
Now, select Fire TV Stick and click it 7 times to enable Developer Options. If you’re still not sure how to do it, here’s a step-by-step guide to enable developer options.
4. Click ADB debugging (optional) and turn it ON.
5. You will see one of these two options on this window:
- Install unknown apps
- Apps from unknown sources
If it’s the first option, click it and go to the next step (step 6). If it is the second option, click and enable it, skip step 6, and jump to step 7.
6. Turn it ON for the Downloader app.
7. Now, navigate to Settings and open Preferences > Privacy Settings. Turn OFF the Device Usage Data and Collect App Usage Data.
Note: This step is optional but highly recommended if you are concerned about privacy.
Your Amazon Fire TV Stick is now all set. So now we are a step closer to the Kodi installation.
STEP 3: Install Kodi on FireStick
In this step, we will learn to download and install Kodi on your Amazon Fire TV Stick. For those who are not aware, Kodi 20.1 Nexus is the latest stable version as of date.
1. Launch the Downloader app you just installed and click the URL box.
2. To install the latest Kodi Nexus 20.1, enter firesticktricks.com/kapk and click GO.
A few users still prefer using Kodi 19.5 Matrix. If that is the case, you can get 19.5 by following this URL: firesticktricks.com/old. However, I highly recommend getting the latest version for the best results.
3. This will begin the downloading process.
5. Once the download is finished, click Install.
6. Wait for the download to complete.
7. You see the App Installed message once Kodi is installed. Click OPEN to start the Kodi application. If you want to open it later, click DONE.
You won’t find the Kodi app on your home screen. But you can easily create the Kodi home screen shortcut.
Alternatively, press the Home key/button on your remote for 5 seconds and click Apps on the pop-up screen to access Kodi.
How to Use Kodi on FireStick
Now that you have installed Kodi, it is time that you know how to use it on Fire Stick for safe and sound entertainment. With Kodi, you will have access to the vast world of free content ranging from movies to TV shows and a lot more.
But, before you start using Kodi on your Fire TV / Stick, I want to warn you that whatever you stream on Kodi is visible to your ISP and Government. If caught watching copyrighted content (free movies, TV shows, Sports), you might end up in some serious legal trouble.
Thankfully, there is a way to continue enjoying your favorite content through Kodi without worrying about who might be looking.
Use a trusted VPN service to mask all your internet activities from web snoops. A VPN helps bypass Internet Throttling, online surveillance, and content geo-restrictions.
I use and recommend ExpressVPN. It is the fastest VPN, the most important thing for a smooth streaming experience.
We never promote or encourage copyright infringements. But we don’t want you to end up in the legal hassles either. Furthermore, we believe in the right to privacy and are its strong proponent.
So, before using Kodi on Fire TV / Stick, let’s see how to use ExpressVPN to keep your streaming activities hidden from prying eyes.
Step 1: Click HERE to subscribe to the ExpressVPN service. There is a 30-day, full, no-questions-asked money-back guarantee; if you are unsatisfied with it (see no reason why), you can request a full refund within the first 30 days.
Step 2: Power ON your Fire TV / Stick and select Find followed by Search.
Start typing “Expressvpn” (without quotes) in the search bar and select ExpressVPN when it appears in the search results.
Step 3: Click “Get” to download and install the ExpressVPN application on your Fire TV / Stick.
Step 4: Launch the ExpressVPN app and log in with the Email ID/password you created while buying the ExpressVPN subscription.
Step 5: Now click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server (see the image below). You can also change your preferred location by clicking “Choose Location,” as shown in the image below. That’s all. Your connection is now secure with the fastest and best VPN for FireStick.
You can read more about using ExpressVPN with FireStick.
Now that your online activities are private, it is time to learn what to do next with Kodi on Fire TV Stick.
As I mentioned earlier, Kodi is just a media player. It does not host or provide any content.
You will need Kodi Addons / Builds to stream movies, TV shows, or Sports. If you are new to Kodi, here’s my step-by-step beginner’s guide to using Kodi.
Are you wondering how to get the best Kodi Addons or Builds on your Fire TV / Stick? Check out the links below, which will help you install popular Addons and builds that work fine and pull quality streams.
- How to Install the Crew Addon
- How to Install the Asgard Addon
- How to Install Misfit Mods Lite Kodi Build
- How to Install Doomzday Kodi Builds
Video Guide For Installing Kodi on Amazon FireStick
You have successfully installed Kodi on Fire Stick. If this method doesn’t work, you can try the following methods.
How to Get Kodi on FireStick Using Alternate Methods
You may skip this section if you have already installed Kodi on FireStick using the Downloader method (as provided above).
Downloader is a reliable app, and you should typically face no difficulty installing Kodi on FireStick through it. But, if you have a premium subscription to the popular file manager app ES File Explorer, you might want to use that instead.
ES File Explorer does not support free sideloading of third-party apps any longer. Instead, you need a premium monthly subscription that costs $9.99. On the other hand, Downloader is one hundred percent free.
Install Kodi on FireStick Using ES File Explorer
You can learn more about the ES File Explorer app in our guide on How to Install & Use ES File Explorer on FireStick.
Here’re the steps to install Kodi on Amazon Fire TV Stick:
- Power on your Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Go to Settings > My Fire TV
- Open Developer Options
- Turn On Apps from Unknown Sources
- Go to the Fire Stick homepage and navigate to the “Search” icon on the top left of your screen.
- Type “ES File Explorer” and click it when it shows in the search results.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the ES File Explorer app on FireStick.
- Once the app is installed, launch it. Now, go to the right, where you see several icons. Select and click the Downloader icon.
- Click +New at the bottom.
- A pop-up will appear. Enter firesticktricks.com/kapk in the Path section and any name of your choice in the Name section.
- Click Download Now
- Wait while Kodi is downloaded on FireStick
- Click Open File
- Click Install when prompted
- Click Install again
- That’s all. Kodi is now installed on your FireStick / Fire TV.
How to Install Kodi on FireStick Using AppStarter
If you cannot install Kodi APK on your Amazon Fire TV Stick using the above methods, you should try this one.
AppStarter allows the installation of third-party apps, making the Kodi installation process quite simple and smooth.
As mentioned in the first method, you will again be required to turn ON Apps from unknown sources and switch Off Collect App Usage Data. Once you’ve done this, install the Downloader app as shown above in the first method.
After that, follow these steps to install Kodi on your Fire Stick using AppStarter easily:
1. click the Apps icon on the FireStick home screen to launch the Downloader app.
2. Click the Downloader icon.
3. Click the URL box highlighted in the image below.
4. Now, a new window will appear. Enter firesticktricks.com/as4.apk and click GO.
5. Once the AppStarter is downloaded, click “Install.”
6. After AppStarter is installed, launch it. To install Kodi, go to “Updates” in the left-side menu of AppStarter. Now click “Install” on the right side, where it displays Kodi.
Kudos, you’ve successfully jailbroken your Amazon Fire Stick and installed Kodi using AppStarter.
Install Kodi on Amazon Fire TV Stick With FileLinked
Note: The FileLinked application is no longer available. This method does not work.
FileLinked is an effective file-sharing tool that you can use to sideload FireStick apps. Here is how you can install Kodi on FireStick using the FileLinked app.
STEP 1: The first thing you want to do is install FileLinked on FireStick
STEP 2: Launch FileLinked
STEP 3: When you see the following screen, enter the code 54780130 and click Continue
Note: The FileLinked application is no longer available
STEP 4: Click the Download icon next to the Kodi version you wish to install
STEP 5: When the download is finished, click the Play button next to the version of the file you downloaded. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Kodi on FireStick
FAQs
Kodi is one hundred percent safe and legal in itself. You can download Kodi from the official app stores on various devices, such as Google Play Store for Android and Microsoft Store for Windows 10. These app stores would never host an unsafe and illegal app. However, remember that Kodi allows specific third-party addons that may stream copyrighted content. Streaming such content is not legal.
You can watch movies, shows, sports, live TV, documentaries, kids’ content, anime, and just about anything you can think of.
Remember that Kodi does not host any content of its own. Instead, you are required to source content through Kodi addons. There are hundreds of addons for all types of videos you like to stream. Kodi supports both official addons as well as third-party add-ons. You can also use Kodi builds for an enhanced experience.
Yes, you can install Kodi on Fire TV Cube. All Fire TV devices (FireStick 2nd Gen, Fire Stick 4K, 4K Max, and Fire TV Cube) have the same interface and navigation system. Therefore, the installation instructions for Kodi in this guide also apply to Fire TV Cube.
Kodi 20.1 Nexus is the latest version of Kodi. This version was released in March 2022 and offered minor bug fixes and cosmetic changes.
Conclusion
This is it. I hope you had a smooth experience with the instructions mentioned above. Now sit back and enjoy the plethora of fantastic multimedia content Kodi offers. However, we recommend you stay wary of accessing pirated or illegal content. If you are new to Kodi, here’s my beginner’s guide on how to use Kodi. Also, check out how to use real-debrid to get quality streaming links and avoid Kodi buffering issues. If you face any errors in the future, you can reset Kodi on FireStick, which will be as good as new.
All of these methods to install Kodi has been tried and tested by me and are working perfectly fine.
If you know of any other better way to install Kodi on FireStick or have any issues following these steps, please drop your queries in the comments below.
Legal Disclaimer - FireStickTricks.com does not verify the legality or security of any add-ons, apps or services mentioned on this site. Also, we do not promote, host or link to copyright-protected streams. We highly discourage piracy and strictly advise our readers to avoid it at all costs. Any mention of free streaming on our site is purely meant for copyright-free content that is available in the Public domain. Read our full disclaimer.Disclosure - FireStickTricks.com is reader-supported blog. When you buy a product through links on our site, we may earn commission. Learn More