In this guide, I’ll show you how to update Kodi on any device without losing data, including installed addons and settings. Kodi 21.2 Omega is the latest version. I’ve included the steps to update Kodi on FireStick and other Fire TV devices, Android TV boxes and smart TVs, Windows PC, and Android smartphones.
Why Update Kodi?
Kodi developers frequently release new updates to enhance performance, introduce new features, and address existing issues. While downloading Kodi updates on Windows and Android devices is simple, it isn’t as straightforward for Fire TV devices.
Since the Kodi app is not available on the Amazon App Store, new updates don’t install automatically on FireOS devices. You must update Kodi manually.
Here are some reasons why you should update Kodi on FireStick regularly:
- Fixing Bugs
- Minimal Lags
- New Features
- Security Updates
- App Stability
- Compatibility with new or updated Kodi addons
- It may help reduce buffering issues.
For FireStick Users
ISPs, hackers, and other third-party entities worldwide may monitor your online activities. For security, privacy, and smooth streaming, it is recommended to use a reliable VPN for FireStick. Your IP address is visible to sites you visit.
I recommend ExpressVPN, a fast and secure VPN in the industry. It is very easy to install on any device, including an Amazon Fire TV Stick. 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.
Read: How to Install and Use the Best VPN for FireStick
How to Update Kodi Without Losing Data Tips
Before updating Kodi, keep these tips in mind to ensure your addons, builds, and settings remain intact:
- Do not uninstall Kodi: Always install the new version over the existing one. Uninstalling wipes all your data.
- Back up your data: Use the Kodi Backup add-on or manually copy the userdata folder so you can restore your setup if needed.
- Watch out for major version updates: Moving from an older release (e.g., Kodi 19 to Kodi 21) may cause some addons, builds, or skins to break if they’re not compatible.
- Check compatibility: Confirm that your favorite addons or builds support the version you’re updating to.
- Use official sources: Download updates only from the official Kodi website or trusted app stores to avoid corrupted installs.
How to Update to the latest Kodi 21.2 Omega on FireStick
Below are the complete step-by-step instructions on how 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. From the FireStick home screen, click Find>Search. Type Downloader in the search bar and select the relevant result in the suggested results. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Downloader app on your device.
2. Go to Fire Stick Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options. You should see Install Unknown Apps. 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.
Note: On some Fire TV devices, you will see the option Apps From Unknown Sources instead of Install Unknown Apps. Navigate to this option and turn ON the toggle.
Updating Kodi on Fire TV Stick
The latest update available as of this writing is Kodi 21.2 Omega. Follow the steps below to update Kodi on FireStick:
1. Navigate to All Apps on the FireStick home screen.
2. Launch the Downloader app from Your Apps & Channels window.
3. Click the input box.
4. A pop-up keypad box will open. For the latest version of Kodi 21.2 Omega, visit https://kodi.tv/download/android. Then, click ARMV7A (32BIT).
Note: FireStickTricks.com does not own any APKs. This URL points to an external location.
5. The FireStick will automatically start downloading the APK file. Once the download is complete, you’ll be prompted to install the Kodi application. Click Install.
6. Wait for the Kodi APK to install.
7. The App Installed message means Kodi has been updated on FireStick. Click Done.
8. The Kodi app on Fire TV Stick has been updated to the latest version. Launch Kodi and go to Settings > System Information to verify the new update. The version information is displayed at the bottom.
How to Use Kodi on FireStick Safely
Everything you stream on Kodi is visible to your ISP and other third-party entities.
So, before you stream any content on FireStick with Kodi, let’s find out 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 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 the login credentials you created when buying the ExpressVPN subscription. Then 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.
Kodi Update Failed on FireStick?
If you are unable to update Kodi using the methods mentioned above, you can try uninstalling the application and reinstalling it. This will update Kodi; however, uninstalling the app will result in the loss of your data. Try it as a last resort after trying everything else.
Follow the steps below to uninstall Kodi:
Step 1: Uninstall Kodi from the Fire TV Stick
First, we need to uninstall the current version of Kodi from your Fire TV Stick. Follow the steps below.
1. Go to FireStick Settings> Applications>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
If you have removed Kodi from your Fire TV or Stick, you can reinstall Kodi 21.2 Omega, the latest stable release. The installation steps are similar to those discussed in the manual update method earlier.
How to Update Kodi on Android TV
You can update Kodi on Android TV boxes, Google TV, and other smart TVs without losing your installed addons and personalized settings. Follow the steps below:
- Go to the Google Play Store and click on the search bar.
- Type Downloader in the search.
- Select Downloader (by AFTVNews) from the suggested results.
- Click Install to install the Downloader app.
- Click Open once the installation is complete.
- Choose OK to allow Downloader to access your files.
- Launch Downloader and click on the URL field.
- Type the following URL: firesticktricks.com/kapk, and click Go.
- The latest Kodi APK will start downloading.
- Click Update when prompted.
- Wait as the app is installed.
- Click Open to launch the Kodi app.
You have successfully updated Kodi on Android TV.
How to Update Kodi on Windows PC
Kodi is available on the Microsoft Store. If you have downloaded it from the store, it will update automatically. However, if you downloaded Kodi from the Kodi website, here are the steps to update it without losing data:
1. Go to https://kodi.tv/download/windows.
2. Choose the appropriate installer for your Windows PC (64-bit or 32-bit). You can also use the Windows Store option.
3. The Kodi installer file will start downloading. Wait as the file downloads. Once the download is complete, locate the file in the Downloads folder and run it.
4. Click Next on the setup window.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions, like agreeing to the License Agreement, selecting the components to install, and selecting the installation location. Click Next.
6. Choose Yes when prompted to overwrite the existing installation.
7. Click OK on the next window.
8. Select Install to install the new Kodi version.
9. Wait a few moments as Kodi installs.
10. Click Finish to complete the installation and set up.
11. Run Kodi. Go to Settings>System Information to verify the Kodi version.
That’s how you update Kodi on Windows.
How to Update Kodi on Android Mobile
There are two ways to install Kodi on Android. First, you can install it directly from the Play Store. If an update is available, you’ll see an Update button. Secondly, you can install the latest Kodi APK for Android from the Kodi website to replace the older version.
Let’s discuss the two methods below.
Method #1: Update Kodi from the Google Play Store
Follow these steps:
1. Open the Google Play Store and type Kodi in the search bar.
2. Select Kodi in the suggested results. Click Update.
3. The latest version will be downloaded.
4. Tap Open to launch the app once the installation is done.
5. Tap Settings>System Information to see if the update was successful. The latest version is Kodi 21.2.
You have successfully updated Kodi without losing your data.
Method #2: Update Kodi By Installing the Latest APK File
Follow these steps:
1. Open your browser and go to kodi.tv/download/android.
2. Navigate to the download links. Select ARMV7A (32BIT).
3. Choose Download Anyway.
4. The APK file will begin downloading. Click Open once the file has been downloaded.
5. You’ll see a prompt to install an update to the existing application. Choose Install.
6. The latest Kodi version will be installed.
7. Tap Open once the app has been installed.
8. Navigate to Settings>System Information to verify the update (latest Kodi version is 21.2)
Frequently Asked Questions
Since Kodi is unavailable on the official Amazon store, the automatic update doesn't apply. Therefore, you need to update Kodi on FireStick manually. You can use the Downloader app to manually install Kodi's latest version.
As of now, the latest stable version of Kodi is 21.2 Omega, which was released in January 2025.
Kodi is an open-source media player that serves as a one-stop entertainment hub. It lets you watch a wide range of content, including movies, TV shows, live TV, sports, kids' shows and films, cartoons, anime, news, and adult stuff.
Wrapping Up
This guide explained how to update Kodi on any device without losing data. The easiest way involves sideloading the latest Kodi APK on your device. Upon running the app, it will autoupdate to the new stable version. This method works for Kodi on FireStick, Android TV boxes, smart TVs, and Windows. Updating Kodi on an Android mobile device is the easiest, as you can update it directly through the Google Play Store.
Have you updated Kodi on your device? Did you encounter any issues? Share your experience below in the comments.
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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.