If you frequently use Kodi, you know that it needs to be updated regularly to function correctly. However, if it was installed on you, or you don't remember how it was done, updating might seem like a daunting task.
Since we don't want that to happen, we're going to give you all the steps to update Kodi on all the usual devices where it's installed. Want to know how to do it on yours? Then let's get started.
How to update Kodi on Android
We'll start with Android, which could be your phone or tablet. This is the easiest method and shouldn't cause you any problems.
To do this, the first thing you will have to do on your mobile or tablet is go to the Google Play Store. Here you have two possibilities:
- On the one hand, you can click on the round icon where the image of your email appears and click on Manage apps and device. Once you give it, you will see that it gives you a summary and, on that same screen, you have a section that says Updates. If you leave it for a few seconds it will tell you if there is something to update. And that something can be Kodi. If it does not appear, there are no updates.
- On the other hand, what you can do is open the Play Store and in the search box at the top write Kodi. You will get several results, you just have to find the one you already have installed. Clicking on it will bring you a button that says Open, but if there are updates, it is most likely that, instead of that word, it will put "Update".
This can also be done through a television that has Android and works in the same way.
But what if we can't do it that way? Then you'll have to go to the official Kodi website and download the file from there. Specifically, you'll need to follow these steps:
- Go to settings / security.
- Check the Unknown sources option.
- Visit the official Kodi site and download the latest file (in this case you have to click on the Android icon and select the download you want).
Once you have it, you will need to click on the file to open it and simultaneously update Kodi with the new version.
Update Kodi on iOS
In the case of iOS, you can do it using the same method we explained for Android. However, you should know that this involves jailbreaking , which means your Apple device may lose its warranty and technical support. We don't recommend it, but it's your decision.
Following the previous steps you can install it by downloading the corresponding file.
How to update Kodi on macOS
Continuing with Apple, the other possibility of having Kodi is that you have it on a macOS. If so, and you need to update it, or at least know that it is, you will have to follow these steps:
- Go to the official Kodi site and download the file for macOS. Hit Installer 64-bit and wait for it to finish downloading to your computer.
- Finally, run it to start the installer, detect that you already have it installed and proceed with the update.
- Once I'm done you can drag the Kodi icon to the applications so that it is replaced and thus it is completely updated.
Update Kodi on Windows
In the case of Windows, the process you'll need to follow is much simpler, provided you installed it from the official Kodi store . If you didn't install it from the store and downloaded it from the website, you'll need to follow the steps above: go to the official website, download the Windows version, run it, and wait for the program to update.
But if you downloaded it from the store, they will notify you when there is an update and you only have to confirm that you want it to install it to get it up and running.
On Linux
Installing the new version of Linux is not difficult. In fact, it's quite easy since you just have to open the terminal (you know, MS-Dos) and put the following:
- sudo apt-get update. Hit Enter and wait until you can type again.
- When you can, put the following: “sudo apt-get upgrade”. All you have to do is wait for it to finish and you will have it updated. It goes without saying that the program must already be installed on your computer.
Now, sometimes you have to install additional packages, so we recommend you also use this command in the terminal: “sudo apt-get dist-upgrade”.
On Raspberry Pi
Finally, if you are one of those who use Raspberri Pi, it is important that you know if it is OpenELEC or LibreELEC.
In any case, the process begins as follows:
- Go to Kodi settings.
- From there to System / Updates.
- Now, go to Update channel / Main version / Available versions.
- Select the latest version that comes out and click to confirm.
You should know that, in the case of LibreELEC, you can have automatic updates. To do this, you have to go to Settings / LibreELEC / System / Updates. There it will appear if you have to update it.
In the case of OpenELEC, if you want to use an SSH client, the steps are as follows:
- Find the Kodi IP address and copy it.
- Install the SSH client. If you don't have one go to bitvise.com/ssh-client-download and download it.
- Go to OpenELEC.tv/downloads and search for "Raspberri Pi Builds" to download the latest version.
- Lastly, start SSH and enter the IP address and password (this is usually openlec). You will see a directory so go to the Updates folder.
- Now, copy the .tar file that you will have downloaded and paste it in the Updates folder.
You will only have to restart the system and it will be.
Why upgrade Kodi
Sometimes, after an update, especially a major one, an application or program stops working. This can be due to many reasons, but most are related to the device where it's installed (which may no longer meet the program's requirements), or to the program itself, which might not have been installed correctly or contain errors that need to be fixed.
In any case, updating Kodi is essential, even if it's working fine. It ensures you're using the latest version, which will be the most up-to-date. This will improve stability and prevent add-ons from becoming unusable (or disappearing altogether, leading you to believe the problem is yours when it may simply be due to changes).
Still, there are some issues that make upgrading inappropriate. Some of them can be hardware conflicts or losing customizations due to working with other systems that would make you have to start from scratch.
Now that you know how to update Kodi, do you have any more questions?