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 Kodi 21.2 Omega, enter firesticktricks.com/kapk. Then, click GO.
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 available on popular app stores like Google Play and Microsoft Store. This indicates the application is legal and safe because such stores vet all apps before hosting them. However, the free media player depends on addons to stream content. Some addons, especially third-party ones, may distribute pirated content, making them illegal. They may also contain malware, putting your device at risk. Always use official Kodi addons.
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 is the easiest because you can update it directly on 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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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.