Blog Post

How to Download and Install Kodi on Firestick — The Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

f j October 17, 2025 0 Comments

Everything you need to know to get Kodi running on Amazon Fire TV / Firestick — safely, legally, and with troubleshooting tips.

Quick summary (what you’ll learn)

This guide walks you through:

What Kodi is and what it can do.
Legal and safety considerations for Fire TV usage.
Two reliable ways to install Kodi on your Firestick (Downloader app method and ADB sideload).
How to configure Kodi for first use.
How to update or uninstall Kodi.
Troubleshooting common problems.
Useful tips (performance, storage, remote control compatibility).
Frequently asked questions.

Key references used: official Kodi downloads page and recent Fire TV guides for 2025 to confirm the current APK choices and Fire TV settings. (Kodi)

What is Kodi (brief)

Kodi is a free, open-source media player application that organizes and plays media (videos, music, photos) and supports a large ecosystem of community add-ons and skins. It runs on many platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, iOS) and can be installed on Amazon Fire TV devices by sideloading the Android APK. The official place to download Kodi is kodi.tv. (Kodi)

Kodi itself is a neutral media player — many legal add-ons provide weather, music, and legally-distributed video content. However, some third-party add-ons distribute pirated material; using those can have legal, security, and privacy consequences. I cover safety and legal notes below.

Is installing Kodi on a Firestick legal and safe?

Legality: Installing Kodi on a Firestick is legal. Kodi is open source software offered for free. The legality problem usually comes from using third-party add-ons that provide copyrighted material without authorization. Use only legal add-ons and content you have rights to.
Safety: Sideloading apps exposes your device to APKs not vetted by the Amazon Appstore. Always download Kodi from the official site (kodi.tv) or trustworthy sources, verify you’re getting current stable releases, and avoid unknown APKs or unofficial “full-loaded” bundles that often include malware or pirated content. Amazon has increased restrictions on third-party apps recently, so be aware your Fire TV may block some apps deemed unsafe. (Kodi)

Before you start — prerequisites & checklist

Make sure you have:

An Amazon Fire TV Stick or Fire TV device (any modern Fire TV Stick — older models may have limitations).
A Wi-Fi internet connection.
A Fire TV remote or compatible mouse/remote app for navigation.
About 150–400 MB free space (Kodi APK size and temporary install files; more if you plan to install add-ons). If space is tight, you may need to clear apps or use an external microSD/USB (on supported models).
The Downloader app from the Amazon Appstore (recommended) or a computer with ADB tools for sideloading.

Important settings to know:

You will need to enable installing apps from unknown sources for the app you use to sideload (Downloader or ADB). On recent Fire TV OS versions this setting is under Settings > My Fire TV > Developer options > Install unknown apps (toggle the specific app to ON). On older versions it might be Apps from Unknown Sources. If Developer Options is hidden, tap About and press your device name repeatedly to reveal it. (Forums Amazon)

Recommended approach (short)

Best for most users: Use the Downloader app on the Firestick to fetch the official Kodi APK from kodi.tv and install it. This is the easiest and most direct method. If you prefer using a computer, ADB sideloading is an alternative.

Detailed steps for both methods follow.

Method A — Install Kodi using the Downloader app (recommended)

Step 1 — Install the Downloader app

From the Firestick home screen, use the Search (magnifying glass) icon and type Downloader.
Select the Downloader app (offered by AFTVnews / developer associated with Amazon app exposure) and install it from the Amazon Appstore.

Downloader is a small utility that downloads APK files from URLs and launches the installer. Many Fire TV tutorials and official guides for sideloading recommend it as the simplest method. (Fire Stick Tricks)

Step 2 — Enable install from unknown sources for Downloader

Go to Settings on your Fire TV.
Choose My Fire TV (or Device & Software depending on your OS version).
Open Developer options (or About if Developer options are not visible — press your device name ~7 times to enable it).
Select Install unknown apps (or Apps from Unknown Sources on older Fire OS versions).
Find Downloader in the list and toggle it to ON.
This permits the Downloader app to run installers on your device. (Forums Amazon)

Note: Amazon sometimes tightens controls on sideloaded apps; if your Fire TV flags or disables an app as “potentially harmful” you may need to follow the on-screen guidance or remove the app. Keep your Fire OS updated and avoid suspicious APKs. (Cinco Días)

Step 3 — Use Downloader to get the Kodi APK

Launch Downloader.
On the main screen, select the URL field.
Enter the official Kodi Android download page URL: https://kodi.tv/download or directly to the Android section https://kodi.tv/download/android. (Tip: some guides use kodi.tv/download/android to go directly to the Android downloads.) (Kodi)
Press Go. The official Kodi page will load inside Downloader’s in-app browser.

Important: When the Kodi website opens, scroll to the Android options. For Fire TV devices you should choose the correct architecture:

For many Firestick models, the recommended APK is the ARMV7A (32-bit) Android installer — but newer devices with 64-bit processors might support ARMV8A (64-bit). If in doubt, select the ARMV7A (32-bit) version — it’s compatible with most Fire TV devices. The Downloader or site will present the APK link; tap to download the recommended stable release (e.g., Kodi 21.x Omega as of late 2025). (Kodi)

Step 4 — Install Kodi

After the APK finishes downloading, Downloader will automatically offer to Install.
Click Install and wait for the process to complete.
When it finishes, you can choose Open to run Kodi immediately, or Done to return to Downloader. Kodi will also appear under your Apps list.

Step 5 — Move Kodi to home screen (optional)

From Your Apps & Channels, open See All.
Use the menu button on the remote to Move Kodi to your preferred spot on the home screen for quick access.

Method B — Install Kodi using ADB (from a computer)

This method uses ADB over network or USB to install the APK from your PC. Use it if you prefer a computer or Downloader isn’t available.

Requirements

A computer on the same Wi-Fi network.
Android SDK Platform Tools (adb) installed on your computer.
Firestick’s Developer options enabled and ADB debugging turned ON. (Find this under Settings > My Fire TV > Developer options.) (Fire Stick Tricks)

Steps (high level)

Download the Kodi APK from kodi.tv to your computer. (Kodi)
On the Fire TV, enable ADB debugging.
Find the Fire TV’s IP address at Settings > My Fire TV > About > Network.
On your PC open a terminal and connect via ADB: adb connect <FIRE_TV_IP>
Install the APK: adb install path/to/kodi.apk
Once installed, launch Kodi on the Fire TV.

This method is slightly more technical, but is useful for batch installs or when Downloader isn’t working.

First launch: basic configuration & remote control tips

When you first open Kodi it will look empty — that’s normal. Head to Settings (gear icon) to configure language, screensaver, and playback settings.
Use the Fire TV remote to navigate; some remote buttons map differently. If navigation is clumsy, consider pairing a Bluetooth mouse or remote app (e.g., Amazon Fire TV app on your phone) for easier setup.
If you plan to use add-ons that serve remote-based UI, consider enabling Settings > Interface > Skin > Configure to tweak layout for TV use.

Add-ons: what’s safe and what to avoid

Safe: Official Kodi add-ons available from the Kodi repository and reputable providers (weather services, official streaming apps that have Kodi plugins, music services, etc.).
Avoid: Unofficial “builds” or add-ons that provide pirated content. These often bundle malware, trackers, or illegal streams and can result in security risks and legal trouble. I strongly recommend sticking to official repositories or trusted add-ons. If you choose to use a VPN for privacy, ensure it’s a legal, reputable VPN service — and understand that VPN laws vary by country. (Kodi)

How to update Kodi on Firestick

Periodically check kodi.tv for new stable releases. (Kodi)
You can update the same way you installed: download the latest APK and install over the existing version (Downloader or ADB). Many community tools (like AppStarter or update scripts) exist, but prefer manual updates from the official site when possible. (TROYPOINT)

Uninstalling Kodi

Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications.
Find Kodi, select it, then choose Uninstall.
This removes Kodi and its data from the device.

Troubleshooting (common issues & fixes)

1. Kodi won’t install / “App not installed”

You may have installed the wrong APK architecture (try ARMV7A).
Clear leftover partial APKs and try again.
Ensure Install unknown apps is enabled for Downloader or source app. (Forums Amazon)

2. Downloader can’t load kodi.tv or shows errors

Check network connection and DNS. Try using the direct APK link or download the APK to a computer and use ADB sideload. (Fire Stick Tricks)

3. Black screen / playback stutters

Close background apps, reboot the Firestick, and reduce video bitrate or enable hardware acceleration in Kodi settings.

4. Firestick blocks or flags the app as harmful

Amazon has been known to restrict certain third-party apps for security or policy reasons. If you see an alert about banned apps, follow Amazon’s recommendations and avoid installing untrusted APKs. (Cinco Días)

Performance & storage tips

Clear cache: In Settings > Applications, clear cache for heavy apps.
Move to external storage: Not all Fire TV models support external storage. If yours does, you can move media to external drives (USB OTG or microSD depending on model).
Avoid “full-loaded” builds: They bloat the install and often cause slowdowns.

Advanced: keyboard / mouse, skins, and remotes

Pair a Bluetooth keyboard for faster typing and navigation.
Try Kodi skins designed for TV use to make navigation more comfortable from a remote.
Some users prefer a dedicated Kodi remote control or an air mouse for point-and-click UI interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Kodi available in the Amazon Appstore?
A: As of 2025 Kodi is not listed as a native app in the Amazon Appstore for Fire TV (hence sideloading is required). Download from the official site and sideload via Downloader or ADB. Always confirm on kodi.tv. (Kodi)

Q: Which APK version should I pick (ARMV7A vs ARMV8A)?
A: For broad compatibility choose ARMV7A (32-bit) unless you know your Fire TV is a 64-bit model and want ARMV8A. Many guides recommend ARMV7A for most sticks. (Fire Stick Tricks)

Q: Are there risks to sideloading?
A: Yes — installing apps from unknown sources can expose you to malware. Only install the official Kodi APK or trusted packages and avoid third-party sites offering altered “full” versions. (Kodi)

Q: My Firestick says the app is “disabled” or “potentially harmful.” What now?
A: Amazon has added controls to block apps that it classifies as risky. If the system flags an app, follow the device prompts (dismiss or uninstall). Consider downloading from safer official channels and keep your Fire OS updated. (Cinco Días)

Closing thoughts & best practices

Kodi is a powerful, customizable media center that turns a Firestick into a versatile media hub. Installing it is straightforward when you use the Downloader app or ADB sideloading and follow the official download links. Above all, prioritize security (download from kodi.tv), legality (avoid pirated add-ons), and device health (don’t install bloated unofficial builds). If you hit a snag, try the troubleshooting steps above — most installation issues are resolved by choosing the correct APK, enabling unknown app installs, or clearing space on the device. (Kodi)

Extra resources & up-to-date links

Official Kodi downloads: kodi.tv/download. (Kodi)
Step-by-step Firestick Kodi tutorials (community guides) — examples include FirestickTricks and TroyPoint for up-to-date visuals and video walkthroughs. (Fire Stick Tricks)
Fire TV settings & developer options — Amazon community and support forums for Developer Option steps. (Forums Amazon)