Kodi is a brilliant media center for every home and it’s free which makes it even more desirable. Those not well-versed in technology might have a hard time understanding how to setup Kodi. It’s not particularly difficult. Just be aware of what hardware and OS you own. Don’t fall for the tricks of people willing to arrange Kodi setup for a charge. It’s not rocket science and you can do it yourself.

First, you must learn the meanings of important terms associated with Kodi. Add-ons are like apps for smartphone and they only work if they are compatible with the hardware you chose. Most users only need a few preferred add-ons for optimum performance. This brings us to Builds. It is a pre-setup installed with selected add-ons. Beware, they may slow down installation. That being said, Builds produced specifically for your device may seem appealing. Anyone can create and share them with other users.

Also Read: Watch FIFA World Cup 2022 on Kodi

Before you stream any video or music via Kodi, secure your system by signing up for a reliable VPN. They produce a safe channel through which your data may come or leave. A VPN can also hide your IP address preventing your true location from being discovered. They come in handy if you wish to access geo-restricted content.

Now, let’s learn about the complete Kodi setup on various OS.

Kodi for Amazon Fire TV stick

Unfortunately, Kodi is not available at Amazon App Store, so you have to install it indirectly through other apps like Downloader or File Commander. Remember that this simple hardware may have limitations so it’s not the best for Kodi.

Go to Settings > Device > Developer options

Make sure “ABD debugging” and “Apps from Unknown Sources” is “On”

Navigate to the search option on your home screen and type “Downloader” and click on the app when it shows up

Select “Get” for the Downloader app followed by downloading and installing it

Once installed, click “Open” and then “OK” when the “Update notes for Downloader” dialog box pops up

Enter the URL (http://kodi.tv/download) in the address bar section of the Downloader app and click “Go”

Click “OK” in the “JAVASCRIPT DISABLED” dialog box to acknowledge it

The official Kodi download page will appear so you should click on Android icon there

“Kodi for Android” dialog box comes up where you must select ARMV7A (32BIT)

Once the download is finished, click the “Install” button

After it has been installed, click “Open” to launch Kodi

You may install Kodi add-ons from the options presented in the Kodi menu among “Video add-ons”, “Music add-ons”, “Program add-ons” and “Picture add-ons”

You may also install Kodi on Amazon TV Fire stick using a computer via File Commander app instead of Downloader app but the method above works perfectly.

Kodi for Android

Smartphone or tablet

There is a dedicated Kodi app at Google Play Store so the installation is just like any other app you may have gotten from there. It’s the simplest OS for Kodi. Android 5.0 Lollipop is the minimum requirement to install Kodi on any Android smartphone or tablet.

Go to Google Play Store > Kodi Android app > Install > Open

You obviously require add-ons to watch movies or listen to music on Kodi. There is an option you must tick in Kodi app for that to happen. You have to be in “Expert Mode” to accomplish this task.

Also Read: Best Android VPN

Go to Settings > System Settings > Add-ons

Toggle on “Unknown sources” in add-ons options

Click “Yes” when the “Warning!” dialog box appears so you may continue

You may now get any add-ons you like on your Android Kodi app.

Android TV box

The OS is still the same although Android has several versions. So, the process for Android TV box Kodi install is nearly identical to that of smartphone/ tablet. The requirements are similar too but there are a few things to keep in mind. You may update from Jarvis but any older and you’ll have to update to Jarvis first. You may wish to re-install Kodi but your settings will be lost in that case.

There is no Kodi support for Android versions below Lollipop. It’s also best to buy the latest hardware to reduce the risk of complications. If your system can only deal with the 32bit or 64bit file you will have to pick another ARM file. Like we did before for other OS, “Unknown sources” has to be “On”. You may access it by going to Settings > Security. Make sure your “Developer options” have been enabled. Visit the About Page and click “Build Number” for this.

1. Google Play Store Route

You may accomplish a complete Kodi setup through the Kodi official download page but the Google Play Store route is the most direct one.

Go to Google Play Store > Kodi Android App > Install/ Update

Now, you’ll just have to choose great add-ons and enjoy!

2. Kodi website route

This is the manual method of Kodi setup on Android TV box

Go to official URL (https://kodi.tv/download/) and select the Android icon

Click “ARMV7A (32BIT)” or “ARMV8A (64BIT)” in the Kodi for Android dialog box. The former versions function well on most Android TV boxes,

Go to Apps > File Browser > Download

You’ll find the Kodi file there, so begin installation

You’re done! Now, you may browse add-ons that suit your preferences.

Windows, Mac & Linux

How to setup Kodi for Windows, Mac or Linux? It’s the easiest thing ever. Although these OS have been created differently, they treat Kodi the same. This is perfect if you own multiple devices with varying OS or you suddenly need to arrange Kodi setup on a different OS among these three.

Go to URL (https://kodi.tv/download/) and select your specific OS icon

The dialog box for your particular OS will pop up. Click “Download”

Find the relevant Kodi file in your “Downloads” folder once it has finished downloading

Run the installer and follow the instructions carefully

You’ll be notified once installation is complete

Open up Kodi and explore add-ons you wish to own

Kodi for Raspberry Pi 3

While the performance of Kodi on Raspberry Pi 3 has not been perfectly optimized, it is still a good upgrade for Raspberry Pi 2. This single-board portable computer fits in the palm of your hand. You need input and output devices just like a regular PC system. Just install Linux Distribution on the inserted micro SD card and you’re good to go!

For Kodi, you require a compatible micro SD Card (8GB or more) and HDMI cable besides the usual Raspberry Pi 3 setup. If your computer does not have USB to micro SD card writer, you need to purchase one.

There are two main ways to install Kodi on Raspberry Pi 3. You may either choose to accomplish it through OSMC or OpenELEC. Here, the focus will be on the OSMC method.

First, you have to download and install OSMC.

Go to URL (https://osmc.tv/download/) and choose your OS icon

Place the micro SD card in your PC

Start the OSMC installation

Pick your language and “Raspberry Pi 3” in the drop-down box for “what would you like to install OSMC on?”

The next step is choosing the Build version. The latest one is preferable.

Then it asks you, “Where would you like to install OSMC”, select “on an SD card”

Select whether you have a “wireless connection” or “wired connection” to the internet

Confirm if OSMC installation will occur on the correct drive

Tick the box to accept the license agreement

The progress bar will indicate downloading percentage until it is complete

Automatic installation of OSMC to your micro SD card will take place

A congratulatory dialog box will appear. Click “quit” to exit

Now, on to the installation within the Raspberry Pi 3

Place your micro SD card in the dedicated slot in your Raspberry Pi 3

Arrange your Raspberry Pi 3 setup. Connect it to a display device like a monitor or TV. You may use Wi-Fi or plug in Ethernet cable. You must attach a keyboard or mouse for command input. Lastly, plug in the power cable. It should boot automatically.

Since it has detected OSMC, it will install it.

Select language and choose the skin for OSMC otherwise, the Kodi default will be used

Install add-ons to enjoy your Kodi experience

The Open ELEC route is similar, but it requires image writing software. You may download image writing software for free and then proceed with Kodi setup.

Multiple ways on How to setup Kodi the easiest way were explained for various OSs. The installation of add-ons on Kodi is fairly simple for each add-on across different devices. Consult add-ons reviews or choose a suitable Build.