This tutorial will show you different ways to install Kodi on Android devices. You’ll also learn how to install Kodi add-ons in the Android app and from third-party repositories.
Kodi App Requirements
Kodi will work on Android-powered devices. However, your device must meet specific software and hardware requirements for the best experience on the Kodi app.
1. Screen Size
The latest version of Kodi uses the “Estuary” skin. It’s an intuitive and user-friendly interface that works best on devices with at least a 5-inch display. Kodi will work on smaller screens, but the app provides the best experience on devices with the recommended screen size.
2. Operating System Requirement
To install the Kodi app, you need an Android device running at least Android v5.0 Lollipop. Head to Settings > About phone and check the Android version row to see what Android OS version is running on your smartphone. If your phone doesn’t meet the requirement, or you’re having issues downloading Kodi, update your phone and try again. Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update and tap Check for updates to install the latest Android version available for your smartphone.
Install Kodi from the Google Play Store
Installing Kodi from your device’s app store is the easiest and safest method to get the app on your Android device.
Sideload Kodi from Third-Party Websites
If your device won’t install apps from the app store, download Kodi’s package file and install the app manually. There are plenty of websites where you can download Kodi’s APK file, but not all of them are trustworthy. Make sure you download Kodi’s package file from safe APK websites—APK4Fun, APKMirror, APKPure, etc. Otherwise, your device may encounter issues parsing or installing the APK file. To sideload Kodi, you also need to ensure your Android device supports installing apps from unknown/unofficial sources. Alternatively, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special app access.
Install Kodi on Huawei Android Devices
Although Huawei smartphones still run the Android operating system, they no longer support Google services. You can sideload Kodi’s APK file on Huawei Android phones, but you cannot install the app from the Play Store. So, the best (and safest) option is to install Kodi from Huawei’s AppGallery. Open the AppGallery app on your Huawei smartphone, search for Kodi, and tap Install next to the Kodi. If you’re reading this post on your Huawei smartphone, this link will redirect you to the Kodi page on AppGallery. Then, tap Install to install the app on your device. Alternatively, visit the download page on Kodi’s website (http://kodi.tv/download/android) in your browser and tap Huawei App Gallery. That’ll also redirect you to Kodi’s page in the AppGallery app.
Install Kodi Add-Ons
Add-ons help you get the best out of Kodi, at least if you want to stream content from the internet. There are two different ways to install add-ons on the Kodi Android client. You can install add-ons directly from Kodi’s in-app repository or third-party sources—i.e., downloading the add-on from the internet.
Install Add-on from Kodi Repositories
Some add-ons require an extra add-on to work correctly. So, make sure you approve the installation of the additional or helper add-ons.
Install Kodi Add-ons from Third-Party Repositories
Before installing an add-on downloaded outside Kodi’s in-app repository, configure the media player to allow add-ons from third-party sources. Download the add-on from the third-party repo (in ZIP format) and follow the steps below to install it. Note: Add-ons from third-party repos may damage your device and cause the Kodi app to malfunction. Therefore, ensure you download add-ons from reputable and safe repositories only. [26-install-kodi-addon-zip-file-third-party-repository]
Install Kodi on Android TV Boxes
Since Android TV devices run the Android operating system, installing Kodi on Android TV is easy. You can install Kodi directly from the Play Store or manually sideload its setup file. We recommend doing the former, as it’s the safest and most straightforward option. Open the Google Play Store on your Android TV home screen, search for Kodi, and install the app.
Stream Content On-the-Go
The safest and fastest way to install Kodi is via your device’s app store. We recommend installing the official version of Kodi. You may encounter difficulties using and upgrading Kodi if you sideload an unofficial app version. Additionally, installing Kodi outside your device’s app store comes with security risks. The app package file could contain malware that will harm your files.
