If you are using an older Kodi version (the latest as of date is 20.2 Nexus) on your Fire TV / Stick, this guide is for you. I will show you how to update Kodi on FireStick or Fire TV. The instructions apply to any device running on Fire OS, including FireStick 3rd Gen, 4K & 4K Max, FireStick Lite, Fire TV Cube, New FireStick 4K, New FireStick 4K Max and TVs with preloaded Fire OS.
Why Update Kodi?
Kodi developers roll out new updates occasionally to keep the media player up and running perfectly. Although downloading Kodi updates on Windows and Android devices is pretty easy, Fire TV devices aren’t as straightforward.
Unfortunately, the Kodi app is not available on the Amazon App Store. Therefore, new updates don’t install automatically on FireOS devices. So, you must update Kodi manually.
Here are some reasons why you must update Kodi on FireStick regularly.
- Fixing Bugs: If Kodi faces various software bugs or glitches, a new update will most likely fix the system issue that causes them.
- Minimal Lags: Kodi users complain about lags and buffering issues while streaming or using the app. Installing the Kodi update is the best way to enjoy lag-free streaming.
- New Features: New updates come with new and improved features. It may include customizations, streaming options, and more.
- Security Updates: Most importantly, updating Kodi may also fix system vulnerabilities and risks.
Note: If you are facing buffering problems on your Kodi, there are chances that it will be fixed with the new update. However, you can also check out our guide on Kodi buffering issues.
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
How to Update to the latest Kodi 20.2 Nexus on FireStick
Below are the complete step-by-step instructions to update Kodi on FireStick.
Step 1: Prepare FireStick for Kodi Update
Here are the quick steps to set up FireStick to update Kodi (you may also follow our step-by-step instructions to prepare FireStick):
1. Go to the FireStick home screen and navigate to Magnifying Glass > Search. Please search for the Downloader app and follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your device.
2. Go to Fire Stick Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options. There, you should see Install Unknown Apps. Please open it and select Downloader to turn it ON.
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.
Updating Kodi on Fire TV Stick
The latest update available on the date is Kodi 20.2 Nexus.
1. Press and hold the Home key on your remote and click Apps on this popup.
2. Open the Downloader app on the Your Apps & Channels window.
3. Click the input box.
4. A popup keypad box will open. For the latest Kodi 20.2 Nexus, enter firesticktricks.com/kapk. Then, click GO.
Note: If the latest version, Kodi 20.2 Nexus, does not work great, you may uninstall and reinstall the Kodi 19.5 Matrix from the URL firesticktricks.com/old.
5. Once the update file is downloaded, FireStick will automatically stage it. Click Install.
6. Wait for Kodi APK to install.
7. When the App Installed message is displayed, Kodi has been updated on FireStick.
Congratulations! The Kodi app on Fire TV Stick has been updated to the latest version. Launch Kodi and go to Settings > System to verify the new update. You will find the version info at the bottom.
How to Use Kodi on Fire Stick Safely
Everything you stream on Kodi is visible to your ISP and Government. Streaming free movies, TV shows, and Sports might get you into legal trouble. I always connect ExpressVPN on my FireStick, which is the fastest VPN for streaming. I suggest you do the same. A VPN for Fire Stick helps you bypass Online Surveillance, ISP throttling, and content geo-restrictions.
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 distinguish between a legitimate and illegal source.
So, before you stream any content on FireStick with Kodi, let’s see how to use ExpressVPN to keep your streaming activities hidden from prying eyes.
Step 1: Get ExpressVPN HERE. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 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 a full refund.
Step 2: On your Fire TV / Stick, go to the Find > Search option. Type “Expressvpn” (without quotes) in the search bar and select ExpressVPN when it appears in the search results.
Step 3: Click the “Download” button to install the ExpressVPN Fire TV / Stick app.
Step 4: Open the app and enter your login credentials, which you created while buying the ExpressVPN subscription. Click “Sign in”.
Step 5: 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 FireStick.
You can also read more about using ExpressVPN with Fire TV / Stick.
How to Update Kodi Using the ES File Explorer App (Alternate method)
You may also sideload and update Kodi on FireStick using the ES File Explorer App. This is an alternate method. If you have already used the Downloader app for this purpose, there is no need to follow this method.
Note: ES File Explorer is no longer accessible. To sideload apps, you must pay $9.99 per month (or use the unofficial version of ES File Explorer). That is why I recommend using the Downloader app. Install the ES File Explorer app and follow these quick steps below:
- Launch the ES File Explorer app.
- On the right, select and then click the Downloader icon.
- Click +New at the bottom.
- Enter this URL https://www.firesticktricks.com/kapk in the Path field and any name in the Name field.
- Click Download Now.
- Wait for the Kodi APK file to download.
- Click Open File.
- Click Install.
- Wait for a few seconds while Kodi installs on your device.
- Click Open.
That’s all. You have the latest Kodi update on your Fire Stick / Fire TV.
Kodi Update Failed on FireStick?
If the above method to update your Kodi app isn’t working, follow the steps below. We will go for a clean install in this method, and your existing data will be lost.
Step 1: Uninstall Kodi from the Fire TV Stick
First of all, we need to uninstall the current version of Kodi from your Fire TV Stick. Follow the steps below.
1. Go to Fire Stick Settings and open Applications. Then, select Manage Installed Applications.
2. Navigate to Kodi and click it.
3. Click Force Stop to ensure Kodi is not running in the background.
4. Now click Uninstall.
Step 2: Reinstall the Kodi App on the Fire TV Stick
Now that you have removed Kodi from your Fire TV/Stick. We will reinstall Kodi 20.2 Nexus, which is the latest stable release as of date. The steps are similar to the update method, as shown above.
FAQs
The following section discusses some common FAQs regarding updating Kodi on FireStick.
How do you update Kodi on Amazon FireStick?
Users must manually update Kodi on FireStick as the app is unavailable on the Amazon Store. Therefore, you can use the Downloader application to install the Kodi updates on your streaming device. The above article describes the elaborate steps for updating Kodi. Please refer to it. Moreover, the above instructions are valid for all Fire TV devices.
What’s the latest version of Kodi?
The latest version of Kodi is 20.2 Nexus. The new version was released to the public on March 20, 2023.
Is Kodi Safe & Legal?
Kodi is entirely safe and legal as it’s a free media player. The app is officially available on many App Stores like Google Play and Microsoft Store. Therefore, we can’t question the app’s safety and legal status.
However, Kodi depends on various official and unofficial addons to stream content. Some of these add-ons may contain malware or pirated stuff. So, if you’re streaming copyrighted content via add-ons, then it’s illegal and unsafe.
What you can watch on Kodi?
Kodi is often termed an entertainment hub. The open-source media player lets you stream everything, including movies, TV shows, live TV, sports, kids’ content, adult stuff, news, anime, and more. Download a relevant addon from the official repository to enjoy hours of uninterrupted media streaming.
Wrapping Up
The above guide described how to update Kodi on FireStick. You can use Downloader or the ES File Explorer app to update Kodi on your streaming stick. Both methods are straightforward and will quickly update Kodi software across all FireOS devices. However, as the ES File Explorer app is a paid service, I recommend you use the Downloader application and install the relevant updates for free.
Disclosure - FireStickTricks.com is reader-supported blog. When you buy a product through links on our site, we may earn commission. Learn More
great help to those that want to cut the cord
thanks keep it up
Thank you Mike! Glad to be of service.
Installed Kodi today, appears to be v19.2 when I’ve checked in settings but can’t find any of the recommended downloads that you recommend amongst the lust…..am I looking in the wrong place?
Hi Tony, simply installing Kodi on your device won’t do the trick. To utilize Kodi to the fullest and reap its full benefits, you’ll need Kodi Addons. These addons complement Kodi by helping users access tons of streaming services, TV channels, music and radio stations, and more. The guides to help you download the addons are found underneath each addon description.
Why the hell would you give a step by step tutorial on how to download the latest version of Kodi, only to suggest, at the end of said tutorial, to not use it and down an older version? Now I’m starting from scratch.
Hi CarRamrod, this is a guide on how to update Kodi to the latest version. As per your request, I have added the recommendation for 19.2 at the top of the post for future readers.
I was running 18.6 and downloaded 19.3 as above on to my Firestick 2 and installed. It ran the first time setup then closed. Each time to tried to run it again it would close immediately. I tried to then downgrade to 19.2 this downloaded but would not install with an error saying not installed. So my Kodi is now screwed and I will have to delete and reinstall from scratch losing everything I had set up previously.
Hi Tony, it is always recommended to backup your Kodi before downloading a new version. You will find how to back-up up your Kodi at the top of this guide.
Even though 19.3 is the latest version, most third-party add-ons do not support it yet. If you want to revert to 19.2, please try updating again using this URL – https://www.firesticktricks.com/k192.
I just want to reply concerning the people that doesn’t want to pay for anything. I know I’m more than happy to pay for a VPN and real- Debrid because it is still enormously cheaper than a cable are satellite bill… and this is a true Proverb, “ You get what ya pay for” so if I don’t pay for something I’ll end up with nothing… peace to all my coed cutters….
Hello Patrick. I’m Huston. I want to express my gratitude towards you for this site. It is very informative and easily understood. Plain laymen terms. I hope you continue with your contributions.. thanks brother…
Hi Hulon, thank you. Your words mean a lot!
I updated to Leia v. 18.9. I’m still getting “no stream available” on my add-ons. What do I do?
Hi Jan, you may want to take a look at this guide: https://www.firesticktricks.com/kodi-not-working.html
Simple, thorough and effective thanks ^____^
Well. Followed your directions. Very clear by the way. In order to download it’s telling me I need to upgrade to ESPremium. It’s offering a free trial but I don’t want to have to pay after that.
Hey, the first method I showed in the guide is using the Downloader app. It is free and works great. ES File Explorer method is an alternative for users who are unable to access the downloader app.
followed your video kept defaulting then I noticed you forgot the”s” in hppts;//
Hi, we are coming up with a new and updated video soon. In the meantime, please follow the instructions provided in the screenshot tutorial in this guide.
Hello.. I updated and I don’t see any videos. The skin is default. Any reason as to why nothing is coming up? I fully uninstalled the previous version I had just to make sure it was clean. Any tips to help figure this out?
Hi Ed, that’s because you did a clean install. No problem, you can still watch your favorite content. Here is the list of top Kodi addons you can choose from: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-addons.html
If you would like to get a new skin with preinstalled addons, try one of the builds: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-builds.html
Cannot pay bill for it
Hi Maria, what is it you can’t pay the bill for?
I’ve tried to download kodi 4 times now. it keeps telling me download fail I’m doing everything as said an its not working. suggestions?
Hi Jay, please make sure you type the URL correctly. It is https://www.firesticktricks.com/kapk
The last part of the URL (kapk) is case sensitive
First, I deleted Kodi 17.6. Then downloaded 18.3. Told it to install. Says it did. However no app shows. What did I do wrong?
Incidently, thanks for your site, it is extremely informative
Hi Dave, I am glad you like our site. You could go to ‘Your Apps & Channels’ section and access Kodi and other installed apps.
On the FireStick home-screen, select the second row called Your Apps & Channels. Now, go all the way to the left and click See All.
You could also long-press the Home key on your remote. When the popup is displayed, click Apps
Hi! Thanks for the information! I have now installed it and it looks great but there aren’t any videos on there! Do you have any suggestions for what add ons I need to get the films etc
Hi Marianne, here are the posts that would help:
https://www.firesticktricks.com/how-to-use-kodi.html
https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-addons.html
I wanted to know how to update kodi when you already have it and it says an update is available and wants to know if you want a fresh or standard install. Ive installed kodi plenty of times but the one time I tried to do this it messed up my kodi badly. How do I do this tupe of update?
Hi Cheryl, looks like you are trying to update a Kodi build and not Kodi itself. If you want to retain your existing build data, choose Standard install. If you don’t mind losing the existing data, any addons you installed separately, or any custom settings, you may choose Fresh Install instead
Download download failed.I tried three times.No luck.
Hi Rick, I just downloaded Kodi and it worked fine. Please try again as you may have run into a temporary server problem.
Love my leis 18.1. I can’t get date and time to coordinate with real time!
Hi Dooley, the date and time on Kodi is synced with the date and time of the device on which it is installed. Correct the device time and date and Kodi will get updated accordingly.
It’s not working in Es or downloads please help
Hi, working for me. What exactly is the error message you are getting?
Trying to download kodi18 using ES FILE EXPLORER. It failed because the link “https://www.firesticktricks.com/kapk” is not valid !! It also failed to find it when I used google chrome on my desktop!! The website link without the “kapk” does work. How long before you get this working??
Hi Lynn, I just checked and the link is working fine. You may have run into a temporary error. Please try again. Also, if you are experiencing difficulty with ES Explorer, you may try Downloader instead.
All the vids Ive watched have always used the Downloader. It works fine for me.
When I enter the http name and go through the steps to “download now” it says failed to download. suggestions?
Hi Riles, I just tried and it worked for me. It was probably a temporary server issue. Please try again and let me know. Make sure you are using “https”
Same thing for me too. Tryed download twice now
Hi Alexis, I tried and it worked for me. You may want to uninstall and reinstall Downloader app. You may also try using ES File Explorer.
When I go to download manager to install new Kodi version and hit download now it says download fail even though I typed in everything correctly
Hi, you might want to try again. Looks like you ran into a temporary trouble. It works fine for me and so should it for you.
Did the update to kodi18 & now I’m over here looking crazy….. No Exodus, no nothing. I already don’t know nothing about the fire stick itself. Now my only viewing pleasure I have is nothing
Hi, my experience with Kodi 18 hasn’t also been great so far. You can always revert to Kodi 17.6. First, uninstall Kodi 18.0 and then reinstall Kodi 17.6 using the link https://www.firesticktricks.com/old
Also, even though Kodi 18 is a bit erratic, I have tested addons like Exodus, Exodus Redux, Yoda, The Magic Dragon etc and they worked for me. You might want to try some addons from our Best Kodi addons list: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-addons.html
The kodi firestick has all kinds of apps that you can install just by choosing them. A lot of them like HBO and Starz cost $ per month but farrrrr cheaper than cable. The most popular is Netflix. Depending on the amount of tvs you want to watch it on at once, it cost about $13 per month. You get a great assortment of movies. Then you have Amazon Prime which you can get for $12 per month and also have prime membership with free shipping, ebooks at low cost etc.. My favorite free app for movies is Tubi and Idmb. Check them out. There is the internet app (turn your tv into a computer), oh and dont forget the Youtube app, though I think you have to get that through the internet but happy exploring! Hope this helped.
Kodi no longer works, period… bye Exodus. Bye Neptune. Unless you happen to be lucky enough to find that ONE stream that still works. Which is less than 0.5%. lol Ugh! SUCKS! I LOVED KODI!
Hi Hadley, there are still some addons that work great. Have you tried Exodus Redux? Here is our guide: https://www.firesticktricks.com/exodus-redux.html
Here is our list of best kodi addons: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-addons.html
Youre right it did stop working, no streams and I just installed it a few weeks ago. Dont know how to use the updates they keep offering on kodi, so I guess Ill have to reinstall the latest one.
I am using a spmc fork . i couldnt install in the google store and the mygica store had a parse error when installing . i also had to put in a zip with a usb to help it work . it is good but i have a error on a few addons that work on my pc but not on the mygica . now i am trying to work out the kodi log which i dont understand also the kodi viewer for kodi says error and the kodi logfile uploader dont work file to big i have installed a url resolver i cant find the manage dependencies or the addon in the settings/system menu it looks different to the one on the internet which was done in 2018 .
Hi, I still recommend you to reset your Android device before trying the installation again. Resetting is likely to solve the problem.
did everything on this page and all i get is a parse error i have a mygica android 1800 E help please
Hi, you may need to reset your Android Box. Please do that and reinstall Kodi from Google Play Store if your device supports it. If not, try the method in this guide. Let me know if it worked.
Awesome. Thanks
I can’t seem to find any streams to watch movies anymore I can find them but can’t watch them. Says no streams available.
Hey, it all depends on the Addons / Builds you are using with Kodi. Many popular Addons shut down recently and if you are using one of them, you will likely get no stream available error. You can check my list of working Addons here – https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-addons.html
Exodus Redux is quite popular these days – https://www.firesticktricks.com/exodus-redux.html
I am getting the same pop up for ES and downloader app..”we could not complete your order bc you do not have valid payment billing address set up on your account”
Hi Diana, go to https://www.amazon.com/gp/css/account/address/view.html and update your billing address with Amazon for the account you are trying to use to sign in to your FireStick. Once that’s done, you will complete the FireStick set up and download the ES File Explorer and Downloader apps.
I updated to 17.6 and it still does not stream any movies
Hi Desi, did you install any addons? You will need addons to stream movies and shows. Here is our list of top addons: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-addons.html
When I get to the step where i enter the URL idoesnt give me the option to input the name. It says “type” and there is a drop-down menu that gives me the selections of “http(web), file(local), https(web),” or “samba(LAN) I’ve tried them all and I just get a blank white screen. Not sure what to do.
HI Brittany, before clicking +New, make sure you have click Tools on the left sidebar (it is one of the menu items). When Tools is expanded, click Download Manager. Once you have done that, click +New on the bottom right.
I have around 1400 movies on an external hard drive. I would like to know if there is a scraper(i think that’s what its called) that I can use to categorize my movies. I used to use XBMC on an apple TV. It quit working. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Perry
Hi Perry, first, connect your external hard drive to the computer on which you are using Kodi. Now, launch Kodi and follow the steps below:
– Highlight Videos on the left of Kodi home-screen
– Click Files under Categories on the top (on the right)
– Click Add videos
– Click Browse button on the left
– Navigate to the folder in which you have saved your 1400 movies on the external drive
– Click OK
– Enter any name you like in the Enter a name for this media source field
– Click OK
– A new window titles Set content will pop
– Click the option This directory contains
– Another popup window opens with the title This directory contains
– Click the type of content from one of the three available options – Movies, Music Video, TV Shows (Movies in your case)
– You should be back to the Set content window. Now click Choose information provider
– Select the scraper from the list you would like to use to categorize your movies (click Get more… button to install more scrapers)
– That will be all!
Our library is now gone. Updated to the 17.6 and can’t remember what was on our library. How do we get it back?
Hi Leah, unfortunately, if you did not back up Kodi before updating, there is no way to get the data back. If you have updated from one major version to another (say Kodi Jarvis to Kodi Krypton 17.6), again you will lose the data and sadly there is no way to restore it.
Thank you so much for telling me Kodi update guide.
I’ve just updated to 17.6 but it now says I have no library and there is nothing there to watch.
Hi Janet, which version did you update to 17.6 from? Some version updates require Kodi to be reset. You may need to reinstall addons and builds.
wont let me download es file explorer without a payment
Hey Shameka, ES File Explorer is a free app. It should not charge you anything. Alternatively, you can also use the Downloader App instead of ES Explorer.
How do I navigate to the + in ES? My FireStick controller will only let me scroll the left menu and the options at the top
Hey Kevin, it should take you to + when you click Navigation key on the right side. Is that not working?
It worked wonderfully. Really needed to update our app and this was super easy to follow.
worked GREAT except I need to adjust my screen size, any idea where to do that??
Thanks
Ray