In this step-by-step guide, I will show you how to install Kodi on FireStick in 2 minutes. The same guide will also work for FireStick 4K, Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Fire TV, FireStick Lite, FireStick HD, and Fire TV Cube.
What is Kodi?
Kodi is a free, open-source media player compatible with various devices and operating systems. Originally known as the Xbox Media Center (XBMC), it was initially designed for the Xbox gaming console.
Over time, it was rebranded as Kodi and expanded to support multiple platforms, including computers, smart TVs, mobile devices, and streaming gadgets.
It now serves multiple purposes, from organizing and playing local files such as photos, music, and videos to streaming content from the Internet.
Kodi is popular for its versatility. It is compatible with all major platforms and supports multiple content formats. The app works seamlessly with Android, Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, webOS, Raspberry Pi, and tvOS. It also supports various audio formats, including MP3 and WAV, and video formats such as MP4, MPEG, and AVI.
One of Kodi’s standout features is its intuitive interface and straightforward layout, which make navigation easy for users.
Kodi also allows you to customize the themes and widgets, commonly called Kodi skins. You can install Kodi builds to personalize your Kodi application. These builds are pre-packaged plugins developed by third parties to give your Kodi player a custom look, theme, and skin.
Furthermore, the media player allows you to get addons from official and unofficial sources. These addons let you access live TV, watch on-demand content, integrate various services, and more.
Is Kodi Safe & Legal?
Kodi is a safe and legal application available on official app stores, including Google Play and the Microsoft Store. While this is assuring, Kodi still raises safety and legal issues among users. The reason is that it allows the installation of add-ons from third-party sources. The safety and legality of these sources are questionable.
We can determine Kodi’s safety by scanning the APK file on VirusTotal, a popular security tool. I checked Kodi APK on VirusTotal, and none of the 65 security vendors flagged the APK file as malicious. See the screenshot below:
Regarding legality, there is no doubt that Kodi is 100% legal. That is why it is hosted on official app stores. The application also offers official addons that only stream legal content.
However, legal issues arise when you use unofficial addons. Most third-party add-ons let you stream unlicensed content, such as movies, TV shows, live TV, and music.
Piracy is illegal in many countries and may result in legal trouble. FireStickTricks.com does not encourage the breach of copyright protection laws.
Why Kodi for FireStick?
The Amazon Fire Stick is affordable, compact, and versatile, making it an excellent option for those seeking a cost-effective and convenient way to stream live TV, movies, TV shows, and on-demand content. Kodi enhances its affordability and versatility by offering comprehensive entertainment in one place, eliminating the need for costly subscription services.
Streaming platforms like YouTube TV, ESPN+, Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hotstar also allow you to access online content on FireStick. However, this comes with costly subscriptions, which is a significant drawback. They also don’t offer all entertainment in one place. You will require separate subscriptions for movies and TV shows, live TV, and sports. Buying multiple subscriptions for various forms of entertainment is a lot for most streamers.
That’s where Kodi and third-party FireStick apps come in. They provide a one-stop hub for all entertainment needs, without the inconvenience of exorbitant subscription fees.
Note: If you are already using Kodi on your Fire TV or Fire Stick and looking for a simple update to 21.2 Omega, please read our guide on how to update Kodi on your FireStick.
How to Install Kodi on FireStick
While Kodi is a legal and official app available in the Google Play Store and Microsoft Store, it is still unavailable in the Amazon App Store.
The only way to get Kodi on FireStick is by sideloading it from the official website using an app like Downloader. This process involves jailbreaking, which consists of changing FireStick settings to allow the installation of apps from unknown sources.
In brief, installing Kodi on FireStick involves two steps. These are:
- Part 1: Preparing FireStick To Sideload Kodi
- Part 2: Installing Kodi on FireStick using the Downloader app
Let’s discuss the process below.
Part 1: Prepare FireStick For Sideloading Kodi
Sideloading allows you to install third-party apps on a FireStick. However, by default, the Amazon FireStick restricts the installation of apps that aren’t available on the Amazon App Store. To sideload apps, you need to change this setting under Developer Options.
Moreover, you need a downloader app because the Fire OS doesn’t permit direct downloads from external sources. The Downloader app by AFTVnews is a reliable way to sideload FireStick apps, and you can get it from the Amazon Store. It lets you install apps via APK files. All you need is the correct Downloader code or link.
If you already have the Downloader app installed and the Developer Options settings adjusted, skip to the installation part (part 2).
Otherwise, follow the steps below to prepare your FireStick for sideloading.
1. From the FireStick home screen, click Find>Search. Search the Downloader app and follow the onscreen instructions to install it on your device.
2. Return to the FireStick home screen. Navigate to Settings>My Fire TV> Developer Options.
Your Amazon Fire TV Stick is all set; you can install Kodi now. For a detailed guide on sideloading, check out our tutorial on sideloading apps on FireStick using Downloader.
Part 2: Install Kodi on FireStick
Follow the following steps to install Kodi 21.2 Omega on FireStick:
1. Launch the Downloader app and click the URL box.
2. Enter the following link in the URL field: firesticktricks.com/kapk, and click Go.
Note: FireStickTricks.com does not host any APKs or URLs. The URL above redirects to an external source.
3. The download process begins, and you can track its progress on the screen.
4. Once the APK file has been downloaded, the Downloader app will prompt you to install Kodi. Choose Install.
5. The app installation will begin. Wait for the download to complete. When it’s done, you’ll see two options: Open and Done. Select Done.
Note: Choosing Done allows you to remove the APK file in the following steps. You no longer need this file, and deleting it will free up space on your device’s storage for other apps.
6. Click Delete to remove the Kodi APK file.
7. Click Delete again to confirm.
You’ve successfully installed Kodi 21.2 Omega on your FireStick. You can now access the app from the app library.
How to Use Kodi on FireStick
As I mentioned earlier, Kodi is an open-source media player that lets you manage your local files and stream content from the internet. It doesn’t host any content. Therefore, to fully experience the power of Kodi, you need to install Kodi addons or builds to stream movies, TV shows, IPTV, sports, kids’ content, and more.
I will not delve further into using Kodi in this post, as we already have a detailed guide on how to use Kodi. Please read it if you are a beginner with Kodi. Additionally, learn how to use Real-Debrid to utilize streaming links and avoid Kodi buffering issues. If you face any errors in the future, you can reset Kodi on FireStick.
Are you wondering how to get the best Kodi addons or builds on your Fire TV / Stick? The links below will help you install popular add-ons and builds that work well 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
How to Get Kodi on FireStick Using Alternate Methods
You can skip this section if you have installed Kodi on FireStick using the Downloader method (as provided above).
The Downloader app by AFTVNews is the most popular app for sideloading apps on FireStick and Android TVs. It is free and easy to use.
However, it is not the only downloader app. Other apps are available, such as ES File Explorer and AppStarter.
ES File Explorer no longer supports free sideloading of third-party apps. Instead, a premium monthly subscription, which costs $9.99, is required. On the other hand, Downloader is completely free.
Note: You can download the unofficial version of ES File Explorer. The unofficial version unlocks all the features of the premium version for 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 and Use ES File Explorer on FireStick. Here are the steps to install Kodi on the 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 FireStick homepage and click the “Search” icon at 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 will see several icons. Select and click the Downloader icon.
- Click +New at the bottom.
- A pop-up will appear. In the Path section, enter firesticktricks.com/kapk 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 find it challenging to install Kodi using the Downloader app or ES File Explorer, try using AppStarter instead.
AppStarter works similarly to Downloader, allowing the installation of unregistered apps or apps from unknown sources.
The installation process is similar to installing third-party apps on your FireStick, and disabling the “Collect App Usage Data” feature. The steps to make these adjustments are the same as those for the Downloader app.
After completing all the required changes, proceed with installing Kodi via AppStarter using the steps below:
1. Go to your Fire TV home page and click the Apps icon on the right side of the icon bar.
2. Select the Downloader tile from the list of apps.
3. Click the URL box highlighted in the image below.
4. A new window will now appear. Enter firesticktricks.com/appstarter and click GO.
5. Once the AppStarter is downloaded, click Install.
6. After installing AppStarter, launch it. To install Kodi, go to Updates on the left-hand menu of AppStarter. Now, click “Install” on the right side, where Kodi is displayed.
That’s it! You’ve successfully jailbroken your Amazon Fire Stick and installed Kodi using AppStarter.
Winding Up
Kodi is an excellent FireStick app that allows you to organize and play local media files, including photos, videos, and music. Additionally, with Kodi addons, you can stream online content like movies, TV shows, anime, and live TV on any compatible device.
This comprehensive guide covers several methods for installing Kodi on a FireStick. Hopefully, you found it useful and successfully installed Kodi 21.2 Omega on your device. Give it a try and let us know in the comments which installation method worked best for you.
Related:
- Best VPN for Kodi
- How to Watch UFC 294 on Kodi
- How to Install & Use Real Debrid
- Install Insomnia Kodi Addon on FireStick
I am getting this message also. I have retyped it so many times and tried to do it all three ways and it says invalid url what am I doing wrong?
Hey Malinda, I just checked the link and it’s working fine. Please make sure you have typed the following URL correctly: https://www.firesticktricks.com/kapk
what is a good add on?
Hey Jackie, why don’t you take a look at our top Kodi addons list https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-addons.html. We have all types of addons here.
How did you get it off the screen, I have the same issue.
Hi Kevin, get what off the screen?
HI Patrick. Download was very simple – thank you! Before I start downloading add-ons and builds… any recommendations on what will give me the simplest interface? I’m not a young kid so I don’t need all the crazy graphics, etc. I just want the simplest to navigate platform! 🙂
Hi Kelly, here are some of my recommendations:
Durex Build: https://www.firesticktricks.com/durex-kodi-build.html
Kodi Collusion Build: https://www.firesticktricks.com/kodi-collusion-build.html
No Limits Magic Build: https://www.firesticktricks.com/kodi-no-limits-magic-build.html
You may explore more builds at: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-builds.html
Need help have been trying to set up and I’m just at start no 3 I go to settings open applications I scroll down I don’t have collect app usage I only have appstore prime photos game circle manage installed applications help
Hi Margaret, it should be there. You can also skip the Step 3 as it will still install the app without any issues. Step 3 is just an additional step and skipping it won’t make any issues.
I’m getting a URL invalid error when I enter the Path and Name and click download. It doesn’t proceed and gives me that error.
Hello Ace, make sure you type this URL exactly as it is – https://www.firesticktricks.com/kapk
It is working fine.
1st off thanks for these guides, appreciate it! However ive gone thru a bunch of guides here & all of them refer to downloading the ES File Manager, or FireDL or Download apps, and my firestick wont allow me to get ANY of them without a proper Amazon Billing account 1st. So i thought sideloading might work, but from what i can see in the guides, they ask for the same steps, such as downloading those apps i already mentioned i cant get. If anyone here can help shed light on how to get around that i’d greatly appreciate it. Thanks
Hey Max, don’t you have an Amazon account?
We get our library is empty too. Did you figure it out yet?
Hello Kim, it is empty because you just installed the Kodi on FireStick. Now you need to install Addons to start streaming content with Kodi.
I followed your steps and now my screen is flashing black every time I open Kodi. Been trying to look up this issue and everyone says to unplug my Firestick and plug it back in but that isn’t fixing the problem.
Hey, which version did you install? If it is 17.6, try resetting Kodi on FireStick following this guide – https://www.firesticktricks.com/reset-kodi-firestick.html
If you installed 18 Leia, please remove it and install 17.6 Krypton.
Thank you so much for teaching me how to Update Kodi on stick. So easy to follow.