How to Install Kodi on FireStick (v21.3) in Jan 2026

Last updated January 8, 2026 By Patrick

In this step-by-step guide, I will show you how to install Kodi on FireStick using the official APK and the Downloader app.

The steps below install the latest version of Kodi (21.3), and have been tested on FireStick HD, FireStick 4K Max, FireStick Lite, FireStick 4K+, and Fire TV Cube.

This guide is reviewed and updated whenever a new stable Kodi version is released or when Fire OS changes affect the installation steps.

Key Sections in This Guide (Click to Jump)

What is Kodi, and why install it on FireStick?
Is Kodi Safe & Legal?
How to Install Kodi on FireStick ⬇️
Tested & Verified On Fire TV Devices (Last tested Jan 01, 2026)
Help Us Improve This Guide
What’s Next? Getting Started With Kodi After Installation
Frequently Asked Questions
Winding Up

What is Kodi, and why install it on FireStick?

Kodi is a free and open-source media player that can both stream online content and play local media saved on your device.

While it supports local playback, it is more widely used for streaming movies, TV shows, live TV, anime, sports, and music.

Kodi itself does not host any content. Instead, it relies on addons and builds, which extend its functionality and determine what type of content you can access.

Addons are individual plugins, while builds bundle multiple addons together with a preconfigured interface.

Kodi is officially available on various platforms, such as Google Play Store, Microsoft Store, Google TV, and Android TV.

However, it is not available on the Amazon Appstore, which is why it must be installed on a FireStick using the sideloading method.

Kodi features on our list of best apps for FireStick. It is also common among users who like to jailbreak FireStick.

Is Kodi Safe & Legal?

Kodi is listed on Google Play and the Microsoft Store, indicating that it meets the security standards enforced by these platforms.

On FireStick, you install the app from the official website. I scanned the website using various online security tools. Here are the results:

I also scanned the latest Kodi APK (21.3) downloaded from the official website on VirusTotal. It has been marked safe by all security vendors.

Kodi itself is legal as it does not host or distribute any content. Legal concerns depend on how this app is used.

Kodi relies on addons to access content. Official addons stream licensed and legal content. On the other hand, third-party or unverified addons may stream unlicensed movies, shows, live TV, and other copyrighted material. Watching such content breaches copyright laws in many countries.

FireStickTricks.com does not encourage copyright infringement. Users are responsible for ensuring that any content accessed through Kodi complies with the laws and regulations.

🔒 Many users prefer to stream privately and anonymously with a VPN like ExpressVPN.

How to Install Kodi on FireStick ⬇️

Quick Carousel Guide

Prefer a visual walkthrough? Use the carousel below to preview the key installation steps. You can use the left ‹ or right › arrows to navigate, or scroll down for detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Step 1: Go to Find > Search

Step 2: Type and select Downloader

Step 3: Click Downloader tile

Step 4: Click Download/Get

Step 5: Select Settings

Step 6: Click My Fire TV

Step 7: Click Developer Options

Step 8: Click Install Unknown Apps

Step 9: Turn Downloader ON

Step 10: Click App icon

Step 11: Open Downloader

Step 12: Click the textbox

Step 13: Type Downloader code 35625

Step 14: Click the ARMV7A (32BIT) download button

Step 15: Wait for the APK to download

Step 16: Click Install

Step 17: Wait for installation

Step 18: Click DONE

Step 19: Click Delete

Step 20: Click Delete again

Step 21: Open Kodi from apps library

Step 22: Start using Kodi

Step-by-step Detailed Instructions

I will first briefly show you how to install and set up the Downloader app. The Downloader app is needed to sideload Kodi on FireStick. For detailed instructions, check our separate guide on sideloading on FireStick.

Skip to installation steps if you already have the Downloader app.

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.

If you do not see Developer Options, go to Settings > My Fire TV > About. Click your Fire TV Stick model 7 times, or read the step-by-step guide to enable developer options.

You will see one of the following options, depending on your Fire OS version:

Fire OS 7 and newer: Install Unknown Apps → select Downloader and enable it.
Fire OS 6 and older: Apps from Unknown Sources → turn it On.

3. Launch the Downloader app and click the URL box.

4. Enter the Downloader code: 35625

Attention Kodi Users!

Governments and ISPs worldwide monitor your online activities. If you use third-party Kodi addons, you should always use a reliable Kodi VPN to hide your identity and prevent issues with your streaming experience. Currently, your IP is visible to everyone.

I use ExpressVPN, the fastest and most secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device, including Amazon Fire TV Stick, PC, Mac, and Smartphones. It also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied with their service, you can request a refund. ExpressVPN is offering a special NEW YEAR deal: get 4 months free and save 78% on the 2-year plan.

🔒 Get the Deal

Install and Use Best Kodi VPN | Why you must use a VPN at all times

Note: FireStickTricks.com does not host any APKs or URLs. The URL above redirects to an external source.

5. Click the download link ARMV7A (32BIT).

6. Once the APK file has been downloaded, click Install.

7. When the installation is complete, 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 storage space on your device.

8. Click Delete to remove the Kodi APK file.

9. Click Delete again to confirm.

You’ve successfully installed Kodi on your FireStick. You can now access the app from the app library.

Tested & Verified On Fire TV Devices (Last tested Jan 01, 2026)

I have tested the steps in this guide on multiple devices to ensure accuracy and consistency.

I installed Kodi on FireStick Lite, FireStick 4K+, FireStick 4K Max, and Fire TV Cube from the official Kodi website. I also ensured that all devices were up to date with the latest FireOS versions.

I update the steps along with screenshots whenever Kodi releases a new version. I also check for any major changes to the FireStick interface that could cause confusion when following the steps.

Help Us Improve This Guide

We regularly update this guide based on user feedback. If you have a moment, let us know how easy this guide was to follow and whether you were able to find what you were looking for.

What’s Next? Getting Started With Kodi After Installation

Here’s what you do next to make Kodi useful.

Initial Setup

To use Kodi properly, you must complete a one-time initial setup, including enabling Unknown Sources in the settings. The steps below walk you through the process:

+ Click to expand and read more...

1. Go to the FireStick home screen and click the Apps icon (or press the similar button on your remote).

2. Open Kodi (you may also create a home screen shortcut for quick access).

3. You should see some prompts that appear only when you run Kodi for the first time. Click Continue.

4. Click Allow.

5. Click Allow again.

6. Click Settings in the top-right corner.

7. Click System.

8. Click Add-ons on the left.

9. Click Unknown Sources on the right.

10. Click Yes when prompted.

This allows you to sideload third-party Kodi addons and builds.

Kodi Addons

Addons are the most essential part of Kodi. You cannot watch online content without them.

Kodi doesn’t host any content. You can think of addons as the connection between Kodi and a pool of movies, shows, live TV, sports, anime, and more.

👉 Explore our list of the best Kodi addons.

Kodi Builds

A Kodi build is a package that features multiple preinstalled addons, custom settings, and typically a more dynamic interface. Builds give you almost everything ready-made, eliminating the need to install addons individually or configure Kodi manually.

Using a build is optional. However, many users prefer builds for convenience. To explore available options, please check our detailed guide on Kodi builds.

👉 Read: Best Kodi Builds

Kodi Skins

Just like Kodi builds, Kodi skins also change the appearance and layout of the Kodi interface. However, they do not include any preinstalled addons or content sources. Skins only affect how Kodi looks and feels, not how it functions.

👉 Read: Best Kodi Skins

Debrid Services

Debrid services are premium link providers that improve streaming performance by giving access to higher-quality, more reliable links. They are commonly used to reduce buffering and improve playback quality.

While many Kodi addons offer free links, a debrid service is often required for many addons to function as intended.

Most popular debrid service: Real Debrid
Other debrid services: All-Debrid and Premiumize

Subtitles

Kodi lets you watch movies and shows with subtitles in multiple languages. In addition to the built-in subtitle support, you can also install third-party subtitle addons.

👉 Read: How to Add Subtitles on Kodi

Trakt

Trakt allows you to track the movies and episodes you have watched by syncing your watch history across devices, apps, and addons. It tracks your watched videos, progress, and upcoming content. Trakt integration is optional.

👉 Read: How to Use Trakt on Kodi

Frequently Asked Questions

Kodi is safe and legal, but legality depends on the type of the content you watch. Please refer to our Safe & Legal section for more information.

Yes, you can install Kodi on Fire TV Cube as it has the same interface as any other Fire TV or FireStick device.

Yes, Kodi can be updated without reinstalling it by installing the newer version over the existing app. Your settings and add-ons usually remain intact. For detailed, step-by-step instructions, refer to our dedicated guide on updating Kodi.

Kodi is not listed in the Amazon App Store due to Amazon’s app store policies. This is why FireStick users need to install Kodi manually by sideloading it from the official Kodi website.

Winding Up

This guide showed you how to install Kodi on FireStick using the Downloader app. As mentioned, Kodi isn’t available on the Amazon Store, even though it is listed on other official stores such as Google Play and the Microsoft Store. Therefore, you must sideload it on FireStick. I have also briefly covered addons, builds, Kodi skins, subtitles, debrid, and Trakt, which improve your overall streaming experience.

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.

Comments

K j says

September 7, 2019 at 19:25

How to install own apps on kodi fire stick device

Reply
- Patrick says
  
  September 10, 2019 at 22:16
  
  Hi, do you mean you have your personal APKs? Here is our guide that might help: https://www.firesticktricks.com/sideload-apps-on-firestick.html
  
  Reply
Vicky. says

August 27, 2019 at 02:58

I have just downloaded kodi but not a private vpn thought it would be ok without? Won’t use it often. It won’t let me access anything though. Just keeps coming up with Indigo error in the top corner?

Reply
- Patrick says
  
  August 28, 2019 at 21:58
  
  Hi Vicky, what exactly are you trying to do when the ‘Indigo’ error pops up? I need specifics to be able to help you better.
  
  Reply
james says

August 24, 2019 at 23:12

what does it cost to download Kodi ?

Reply
- Patrick says
  
  August 26, 2019 at 00:25
  
  Hi James, Kodi is a free application. It costs nothing to download Kodi. Here are some resources that might help:
  
  https://www.firesticktricks.com/how-to-use-kodi.html
  https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-addons.html
  https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-builds.html
  
  Reply
Leo says

August 7, 2019 at 02:31

Hi Patrick,

I have been using Kodi on FireStick very successfully for a couple of years.. Updates to 18.3 (and installed Express VPN at the same time) and now when I try and ‘launch application’ I just get a black screen before it returns to the ‘launch application’ page.. It did work once, but now has stopped. Please help!!! I miss Kodi!!

Reply
- Patrick says
  
  August 7, 2019 at 12:38
  
  Hi Leo, uninstall and reinstall Kodi again. Thee is a decent chance it will work.
  
  Reply
Tam says

August 5, 2019 at 04:14

Hello I have downloaded Kodi. I am at the main menu and it is telling me my library is empty either Enter files section or Remove this main menu item.

what do I do

Reply
- Patrick says
  
  August 8, 2019 at 19:46
  
  Hi Tam, looks like you are new to Kodi. Here, take a look. This guide will help you get started: https://www.firesticktricks.com/how-to-use-kodi.html
  
  Reply
Timmyg says

July 31, 2019 at 13:10

I have a Amazon FireStick 4K. I have downloaded the new Kodi build and it launches the Kodi app fine ane add ons. When I am finished and leave the app and then try and go back in the Kodi app will not launch. I have tried to delete and reload. Same cycle happens. I have tried 17.6, 18, 18.1 etc etc. any ideas ?

Reply
- Patrick says
  
  August 1, 2019 at 23:18
  
  Hi, which build are you using? I need it to install and test it to figure the issue out.
  
  In the meantime, you might want to look at some of the other awesome builds we have lined up here: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-builds.html
  
  Reply
Karen says

July 22, 2019 at 20:46

HELP! I had Kodi 17.6 and everything was great.. Mine did an update and really messed everything up. I had to take back to factory settings but now Titanium won’t load back.. GRRR – Any suggestions.. I have two and they are both worthless now – Thx Karen

Reply
- Patrick says
  
  July 23, 2019 at 22:44
  
  Hi Karen, the build is working fine for many including me. However, some users have reported streaming issues. Have you tried using it with a VPN?
  
  Also, you may want to try one of the other builds for Kodi 18 Leia. Here is our list: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-builds.html
  
  Reply
Marcel says

June 22, 2019 at 00:51

Can anyone help me? I keep getting to point of kodi installed but screen with Your library is currently empy keeps coming up on each installation try. Can anyone get me passed this?

Reply
- Patrick says
  
  June 24, 2019 at 21:37
  
  Hi Marcel, you might want to take a look at this guide after installing Kodi: https://www.firesticktricks.com/how-to-use-kodi.html
  
  Reply
- Stacy Papp says
  
  September 12, 2019 at 00:54
  
  Just updated to 18.4 and am having same issue – not new to Kodi – have used it for a couple years now – and get same empty library screen
  
  Reply
  - Patrick says
    
    September 14, 2019 at 04:08
    
    Hi Stacy, looks like I didn’t understand the issue the last time. I still don’t quite. Which device are you using Kodi on?
    
    Reply
Christophe says

June 13, 2019 at 17:15

I just discovered your site: great!! One question: I have already insalled the version 17.6 on my FireTv (not 4k), di I have to install the version 18? Thanks!

Reply
- Patrick says
  
  June 16, 2019 at 01:00
  
  Hi Christophe, you may continue using 17.6 without installing 18. However, you might miss out on some enhancements. Also, a lot of new builds and addons are now only compatible with the latest version.
  
  Here are two posts you would want to take a look at:
  https://www.firesticktricks.com/kodi-18-leia.html
  https://www.firesticktricks.com/kodi-update.html
  
  Reply
John says

June 10, 2019 at 00:59

Hi Jalene.When trying to install Kodi I get as far as clicking on ES File Explorer. Then it states “License Expired needs to be refreshed”. Also when I click on Downloader, the message is “The app cannot be found.” Thanks.

Reply
- Patrick says
  
  June 10, 2019 at 19:35
  
  Hi John, you must have run into a temporary problem with ES File Explorer. Try again.
  
  As for Downloader app, here is some information: https://www.firesticktricks.com/sideload-apps-on-firestick.html#Can8217t_Find_Downloader_App_on_FireStick_App_Store
  
  Reply