Kodi 18.4 Version | Installation Steps and More (2025)

🕒 Time Needed: 16 minutes

Want to install an older version of Kodi? This guide shows you how to install Kodi 18.4 Leia on your device. Kodi 18.4 is compatible with various devices, including Windows and Android.

What is Kodi 18.4 and Why I Still Use It?

Kodi 18.4 is an older version of Kodi from the Leia series. It was released in January 2019. The latest version is Kodi 21.2, released in 2025.

While most Kodi addons are available only for the latest version, some work only with the older ones. Exodus Redux is one such example.

I also have some old devices that do not work very well with the latest version. I use older versions, such as Kodi 18 and 17, on them.

Here are some reasons why I prefer Kodi 18.4:

Some of my preferred Kodi addons and builds work better on Kodi 18.4.
Kodi 18.4 is perfect for my older devices because it utilizes fewer resources and storage than the newer versions.
Kodi 18.4 has some of my favorite skins, fanart, and display widgets.
It’s the last Kodi version to support Python 2. Some of my favorite addons, like Exodus, are still based on Python 2.

Attention Kodi Users!

Governments and ISPs across the world monitor your online activities. If you use third-party Kodi addons, you should always use a good Kodi VPN and hide your identity so your streaming experience doesn’t take a bad turn. 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. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don't like their service, you can always ask for a refund. ExpressVPN also has a special deal where you can get 4 months free and save 61% on the 2-year plan.

Here is why you must use a VPN all the time.

Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for Kodi

Is Kodi 18.4 Safe and Legal

You won’t find Kodi 18.4 on the official Kodi website. Instead, it’s hosted on another website, Kodi Mirrors. Additionally, Team Kodi stops maintaining older versions once they upgrade to a new update. This raises safety and legality concerns.

I scanned the Kodi 18.4 APK file on VirusTotal to check for viruses and other malware. As shown in the screenshot below, one of 61 security vendors flagged the APK file as malicious.

I haven’t encountered any issues with it, but it’s best to be careful when using Kodi 18.4.

Kodi is 100% legal. However, the app allows the installation of unverified addons, raising legal concerns.

FireSticktricks.com doesn’t condone illegal streaming and piracy. Use Kodi responsibly to avoid legal trouble. Stick to official addons, and if you must use third-party ones, only stream content in the public domain.

Also, consider using a VPN with Kodi to stream content securely. I use and recommend ExpressVPN.

How to Install Older Version Kodi 18.4

I’ll show you how to install Kodi 18.4 on a Windows PC and an Android mobile device. I tried to install the Kodi version on FireStick but it didn’t work.

How to Install Kodi 18.4 on Windows

Follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser (I’m using Chrome) and go to https://mirrors.kodi.tv. Click Releases.

2. Select windows/.

3. Choose win32/.

4. You’ll see the various older versions of Kodi. Scroll to Kodi 18.4 Leia. Select Kodi-18.4-Leia-x86.exe.

5. The file will begin downloading. You should see a notification on your screen once the download is complete.

6. Go to your Downloads folder and locate the downloaded exe file.

7. Run the file and give the necessary permissions for it to make changes to your computer. The Kodi installation wizard will appear. Click Next.

8. Select I agree on the next window.

9. Click Next until you get to the final installation step. Choose Install.

10. Wait as the app installs. You should see the installation progress on the screen.

11. Check the Run Kodi box and click Finish.

12. The app will run automatically. This is what the Kodi 18.4 home screen looks like.

13. Navigate to Settings>System Information to confirm the Kodi version. The Version Info should be Kodi 18.4.

That’s how I installed Kodi 18.4 on Windows.

Before you start streaming with Kodi Addons or 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, live TV, and Sports) might get you into legal trouble.

Thankfully, there is a foolproof way to keep all your streaming activities hidden from your ISP and the Government. All you need is a good VPN for Kodi. A VPN will mask your original IP which is and will help you bypass Online Surveillance, ISP throttling, and content geo-restrictions.

I personally use and recommend ExpressVPN, which is the fastest and most secure VPN. It is compatible with all kinds of streaming apps and devices.

NOTE: We do not encourage the violation of 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. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Meaning, you can use it free for the first 30-days and if you are not satisfied with the performance (which is highly unlikely), you can ask for a full refund.

Step 2: Click HERE to download and install the ExpressVPN app on your streaming device. If you are using a FireStick, I have given the exact steps starting with Step 4 below.

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

The following are the steps to install Kodi VPN on your Fire TV devices. If you have other streaming devices, follow Step 1-3 above.

Step 4: Subscribe to ExpressVPN HERE (if not subscribed already).

Step 5: Go to Fire TV Stick home screen. Click Find followed by Search option (see image below).

Step 6: Type Expressvpn in the search bar and select when it shows up.

Step 7: Click Download.

Step 8: Open the ExpressVPN app and Sign in using the email ID and password that you created while buying the ExpressVPN subscription.

Step 9: Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. That’s all. Your FireStick is now secured with the fastest VPN.

How to Install Kodi 18.4 on Android

The Kodi version available in the Google Play Store is the newest stable release, Kodi 21.2 Omega. To install Kodi 18.4 on Android, sideload it from the Kodi Mirrors website.

I’m using the Chrome browser on my Android smartphone, but the same steps apply to any other browser, including Opera and Firefox.

Here’s how to install Kodi 18.4 on Android:

1. Launch your web browser and go to https://mirrors.kodi.tv. Select Releases/.

2. Choose Android/.

3. Select arm/.

4. You’ll see the various Kodi versions available for Android. Navigate to and select Kodi-18.4-Leia-armeabi-47a.apk.

5. The APK file will start downloading. You should see the progress on your screen. Once the download is complete, tap Open.

6. Tap Install to install Kodi.

7. Wait for the application to install.

8. Tap Open once the installation is complete.

9. Give the app the necessary permissions when prompted.

10. Wait for the app to launch.

11. This is what the Kodi 18.4 Leia home screen looks like.

12. Navigate to Settings>System Information to confirm the version information.

That’s how I installed the older version Kodi 18.4 on my Android device.

Kodi 18.4 Review

Kodi 18.4 is one of the most stable versions of Kodi. While Kodi 17 introduced the Estuary skin, Kodi 18 masters it. Kodi 18.4 feels like the most stable version of this look, from the main menu on the left to navigation and animation.

Kodi Addons are the foundation of the media center. Installing addons on Kodi 18.4 is easy. Most of my favorite look-and-feel addons are from the official Kodi repository. I also like a few official addons, especially TV and live sports video addons like CNN and DAZN. To install official addons on Kodi, open the Addons folder.

Select Install from repository.

I like customizing Kodi before exploring other features. To install a different skin, select Look and Feel, then select Skin.

Kodi has a couple of skins to choose from. I like the Confluence look, so I use it when I want a different look from Estuary.

To install a skin, select it to open a new window. Click Install.

Move on to other addons, including Music, Program, and Video addons, to install your favorite addons.

Third-party Kodi addons are controversial because they raise safety and legal concerns. However, they are reliable sources of free content like movies, TV shows, sports, and anime. By default, Kodi doesn’t allow installation of addons from unknown sources. To install unofficial addons, you need to change this setting.

To do so, navigate to Settings>System>Addons>Unknown Sources, and turn ON the toggle. Click Yes when a warning appears.

You can now install third-party addons on Kodi 18.4.

Navigate to File Manager.

Click Add Source.

Select None.

Enter the source URL of the repository hosting your favorite third-party addon. In my case, I wanted to install the The Crew repository. Click OK.

Enter a name for this source, e.g, The Crew.

Click OK. The Repository zip file will be added to your list.

Navigate to Addons>Install from zip file.

Select the source, e.g., The Crew.

Click on the zip file (repository.thecrew-0.3.8.zip).

The repository will be installed.

Click Install from repository.

Select the third-party repository you just installed.

Choose the type of addon, e.g., Video Addons.

Select your preferred addon.

Click Install.

That’s how you install a third-party addon on Kodi 18.4.

I faced issues with some addons on Kodi 18.4. For instance, some addons failed to install due to dependency issues. However, I had success with most of my favorite addons. For example, I encountered no problems installing or using WatchNixtoons 2.

As you can see in the screenshot below, the addon worked seamlessly.

I even tested a few titles, and playback started immediately.

Overall, Kodi 18.4 is a suitable choice if you’re looking for a stable, older version of Kodi.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: The most stable version of Kodi is Kodi 21.2. It is the updated version of Kodi 21 Omega, the latest Kodi release.

A: Kodi 18.4 Leia is still a good Kodi release. It offers great network and system features that are compatible with older devices like the Raspberry Pi 4, old Android TV boxes, desktops, and smart TVs. However, it's now considered an older version because newer releases like Kodi 19, 20, and 21 are available. These newer versions offer better performance and features.

A: Kodi 18.4 Leia is safe as long as you install the application from the official Kodi Mirrors website and use the official Kodi addons. Safety issues arise when you sideload the app from an unknown source or use illegitimate addons to stream content on Kodi.

Wrapping Up

Kodi 18.4 Leia is still a favorite Kodi release among Kodi users. It’s lighter than the newer updates and utilizes fewer system resources than its successors. This makes it an ideal choice for older devices. This post explained how to install Kodi 18.4 on your device.

Have you installed Kodi 18.4 on your device? Share your experience and concerns in the comments.

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.