Ever wondered what Real Debrid is and why it keeps coming up in FireStick and Kodi discussions? Real Debrid is one of those services that confuses a lot of people, including me.
Let me put together everything I have gathered about this service from various sources.
Important disclaimer: This article is purely educational. We don’t endorse copyright infringement or illegal streaming practices.
What is Real Debrid?
Real Debrid isn’t a streaming app like Netflix or Hulu. Instead, it is a “multi-hoster” service – essentially a premium link generator that converts free, slow file-hosting links into faster, more reliable premium downloads and streams.
In simple words, it is a streaming facilitator.
Suppose you are trying to download a large file from a site like RapidShare or MediaFire, but you keep hitting speed limits and waiting times. Real Debrid acts as a middleman that bypasses these restrictions by using their own premium accounts with these hosting services.
The service has been around since 2009 and operates from France. They offer legitimate uses like faster downloads from file-hosting services, but they’ve become popular in the streaming world for reasons that venture into gray legal territory.
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 73% on the 2-year plan.
Read: How to Install and Use the Best VPN for FireStick
How It Connects to FireStick and Kodi
Real Debrid gained popularity in the streaming community because certain Kodi add-ons and streaming apps can integrate with it. When you install Kodi on your FireStick, some add-ons can use Real Debrid to find higher-quality streaming links.
Here’s how the integration typically works: instead of relying on free, often-unreliable streaming sources, certain Kodi add-ons can tap into Real Debrid’s network to find premium hosting links. These links usually offer better quality and more reliable streaming than free alternatives.
The catch? Many of these links may point to copyrighted content that’s been uploaded to file-hosting services without permission. This creates a legal gray area that users should understand before proceeding.
The Legal Complexity
Real Debrid is a legal file-hosting acceleration service. They don’t host pirated content directly, and their terms of service prohibit illegal use. However, the service can be used to access copyrighted material that others have uploaded to various hosting platforms.
This is what lawyers often call a “dual-use” situation, which means the service has legitimate purposes but can also facilitate copyright infringement. Real Debrid’s legal position is somewhat similar to VPN services or torrent clients: the technology itself isn’t illegal, but how people use it can be.
Different countries handle this differently. Some jurisdictions focus on the intent and actual use, while others look more at the technology’s potential for misuse. Users should understand their local laws and the potential risks involved.
Setting Up the Technical Side
If someone were to use Real Debrid with streaming applications, the setup process involves several technical steps. First, you’d need to modify your FireStick to allow unofficial apps since most apps that integrate with Real Debrid aren’t available through official channels.
The process typically involves sideloading applications onto your FireStick, which requires disabling certain security features. This alone introduces potential security risks that users should consider.
Once the apps are installed, users would need to configure them with their Real Debrid account credentials. This integration allows the apps to query Real Debrid’s database for premium links instead of relying solely on free sources.
The Real Debrid Performance and User Experience
The streamers using Real Debrid with streaming services often experience improved performance compared to free streaming sources. They get reliable links that load faster and offer better video quality than typical free streams.
However, this improved performance comes with trade-offs. Real Debrid isn’t free and costs around $18 for six months. Users also need to maintain compatible apps and deal with occasional service interruptions when hosting providers change their APIs.
The average user may get overwhelmed by the technical complexity. Setting up Real Debrid integrations and maintaining it requires more technical knowledge than using standard streaming services.
The Content Question
Here’s where things get complicated from an ethical standpoint. While Real Debrid doesn’t host content itself, it can provide access to copyrighted material that’s been uploaded to various file-hosting services without permission.
The thing is, it doesn’t matter what technology is used; if you are watching unauthorized content, it will result in loss of revenue for content creators, studios, and distributors. Not only major studios but also independent creators are affected, who rely on legal sales and licensing for revenue.
When you understand this broader impact, you will realize that using services like Real Debrid has not only legal implications but also ethical ones.
Legitimate Alternatives That Work Better
Try these simple and legal options before you consider complex setups like Real Debrid.
Official Streaming Services
The best official FireStick apps provide extensive content libraries. The streams are reliable, and the customer support really exists; besides, you will have no worries about legal implications. Services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video offer vast catalogs at reasonable prices.
Comprehensive Legal Options
Our guide to top-rated FireStick applications covers both free and paid services that operate legally. The services provide consistent performance and do not have a technically complex setup process.
Combining 2-3 legitimate services costs about the same as a Real Debrid subscription, and also requires less time and effort for setup and maintenance.
The Security Considerations
Using Real Debrid with streaming apps involves several security considerations. The setup process requires disabling FireStick security features and installing unofficial applications that may not undergo the same security review as official apps.
File-hosting services accessed by Real Debrid can expose users to harmful content or unwanted advertisements. Although Real Debrid offers some filtering, users continue to access content from various unverified sources.
Additionally, the apps that integrate with Real Debrid often require extensive permissions that could potentially access personal information on your device.
User Experience Reality Check
Real Debrid only improves the performance of the streams; it cannot solve the problems associated with unofficial streaming setups. Issues such as broken links, content disappearing without warning, and apps that stop working due to updates or takedown will persist.
The service also requires regular maintenance. You have to keep track of your subscription, regularly update apps, and constantly resolve the integration issues. This looks like too much effort when compared to the “set it and forget it” experience of legitimate streaming services.
Making an Informed Decision
If you’re considering Real Debrid, weigh these factors carefully:
- Legal uncertainties: It depends on how you use the service.
- Technical complexity: The service requires regular maintenance.
- Security risks: This arises from using modified FireStick setups and unofficial apps.
- Ethical concerns: Accessing potentially unauthorized content results in loss of revenue for content creators.
- Monthly costs: Maintaining the service may cost you more than legal streaming alternatives.
The Bigger Picture
The world of streaming has evolved over the past few years. Legitimate services now offer affordable pricing, vast content libraries, and reliable performance. It often exceeds what complex unofficial setups can provide.
Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other services are investing heavily in creating new content. By supporting the creators and artists directly, these services are ensuring a constant stream of high-quality and legal entertainment.
Final Thoughts
Modern streaming technology is complex, and Real Debrid is its true representation. It is a legal service that can be used for questionable purposes. While the service itself is legal, its use depends on users; they can decide to use it legally or venture into copyright infringement territory.
Real Debrid setups often require time, effort, and risks that exceed what most users expect. Factor in the ongoing costs and technical maintenance, and legitimate streaming services frequently provide better value and peace of mind.
We recommend you invest your money and effort in legitimate streaming services that deliver reliable, legal entertainment without the complications of Real Debrid Integration.
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I have 3 fire sticks and I use pure vpn at router can I use real debrid on multiple devices at the same time if it’s only one IP address? I also have no limits build on kodi already installed do I need to uninstall first and add real debrid or can I go into the build and install it there ?
Hi Brandon, yes, you can use Real Debrid on multiple devices if they are connected to the internet through the same IP address.
You don’t need to uninstall the build to set up Real Debrid. From the main menu of the home-screen of the build, go to Tools > Resolver Settings to authorize Real Debrid
hi patrick
i got a warning and could not figure out why, is it possible when i clicked the show and in my case wasnt loading fast enough, i did not stop before trying to load the same show on a different link
Hi Chris, what exactly was the warning message you received? Please share the details so that I may help you better.
Also, close Kodi app and try to use Real Debrid again. It might work this time.
Thank you so much Patrick.
I’m amazed at how quick you get back when someone asks you a question.
what can I do to support you? I can’t afford much money but you answer my questions rather quickly and I feel that I need to make a little contribution.
Tell me how and where and I’ll see to it.
I haven’t had the opportunity to try what you just suggested but I will in a little while again.
I thank you for your Outreach.
Many BLESSINGS to you.
John
I did what you said Patric.
I went to resolve URL and off to the right everything is checked on.
how do I go back and re-authoriz as you say or is it already done when I hit OK
Hi John, simply click ResolveURL in step 6 and follow the steps 7 through 17 to authorize/reauthorize RD. Just clicking OK wouldn’t suffice.
Hi John, I am glad we could help and believe me that’s good enough for us. Of course, we would like it very much if you could share our website with your families and friends. Thanks!
Thank you Patrick for getting back to me so quickly .
I am using Exodus and Covenant.
on Covenant ,I believe, I went to open La La Land, I went to open IT, Dunkirk and nothing opened.
Lala land showed 32 RD… it went through all 32 and said no links available.
I typed it in on Exodus it showed seven I believe.
one of them opened and it didn’t look any different than a regular 720.
I guess I don’t really understand how real debrid is supposed to work. I thought it was supposed to be like 4K’s and 1080s.
Hi John, Real-Debrid adds higher resolution streaming links to videos, but it may not work for all the movies or shows (or all the addons).
Covenant is experiencing some difficulties playing the links. I checked Exodus today and it is working.
However, Exodus is now using ResolveURL instead of URL Resolver. You need to configure RD accordingly. I will update the guide shortly. In the meanwhile, in step 6 of this guide select ‘ResolveURL’ and follow the subsequent steps like before to authorize RD for this scraper.
Let me know if this helps.
I just purchased the 6 months real debrid and I’m trying to figure out how it works.
I have followed your tutorial but I open up movies and I do not see Rd beside any of them. how do I know if it’s a real debrid movie or not.
I really enjoyed your step by step and you have made it easy but somehow I must have missed something.
please advise.
John Cammer
Hi John, which addon are you trying to use RD with? Some apps do not support RD and some require you to enable RD in settings.
Usually, this is how you can enable RD: Open the addon and on the main-screen open tools. Now click Providers and check for any setting related to RD that is disabled.
Only the streams that say RD are the RD links. If you don’t see RD beside the stream, it is not RD.
You have a very good tutorial here, only issue is that the real debris doesn’t work on any add-on I have yes the new streams show up but not one will play
Hi Rip, which addon are you trying to use Real Debrid with? Yes, it is true that it may not be as effective with certain addons, but with many it works great.
I have a 90 day pkg of RD on one Firestick and would like another for a second Firestick in my home. Can this be done on the same account?
Karl
Hi Karl, as long as you are using Real Debrid on the same Wi-Fi network, you can use it on multiple devices.
If you are on the same Wi-Fi network, but both devices are using VPN, make sure that they do not use Real Debrid concurrently. If there is simultaneous streaming from two IP addresses, your Real Debrid account may get banned.
Hi Patrick, good and thorough tutorial. Just wanted to let you know that Real Debrid has discontinued its “happy hours” program.
Bummer
Phil
Thanks for the heads up, Phillip. I will update the guide.
I’ve been using RD for a while but lately it skips past all the RD links for some unknown reason..any advice please
Hey David, I am not sure why would it do such a thing. Please try contacting Real Debrid support at https://real-debrid.com/support
I love your tutorials it’s so easy to follow! Only problem I noticed watching movies-I have placenta and Uranus I keep having to re-authorize my account with real dubrid is that normal? After each movie? The RD is gone when trying to pull up movies. I did install RD on Kodi too… (managed dependency) and clicked ok
Hi Belinda, ideally you shouldn’t have to. But, I have heard many users are experiencing the same issue. For some reason, Real Debrid is deauthorizing its users requiring them to reauthorize repeatedly. I hope Real Debrid developers fix this soon.