If you’ve just downloaded Kodi but you’re not sure where to start, this quick guide is for you. Kodi is an open-source platform for streaming all sorts of content. This means that you have the freedom and flexibility to do whatever you want.
There’s a caveat though; it’s worth noting that, while Kodi itself isn’t illegal, it can be exploited as a platform for illegal activity.
We are currently running Leia v. 18.8, the last version in the Leia series. Be on the lookout for the next series titled “Matrix 19” which should be coming soon. This article is going to give you an overview to get you started with Kodi. From installing add-ons to accessing your favorite content we’ll cover it below.
Please note that many addons contain content that isn’t officially licensed and accessing such content could be illegal. In short, if the content is free, but looks too good to be true, then it probably is.
How to Download Kodi
Downloading Kodi is simple on most devices. Visit your device’s app store and search up “Kodi.” Take note of Kodi’s official icon as some developers have created copycat versions of the program.
Unfortunately, iPhone users will have to hold off or find a workaround for this part. Apparently, someone at Apple caught wind of what many users were doing with Kodi, so they removed the ability to download it on the app store.
To download Kodi on an iPhone you must first start with something like Tweakbox that can download the Kodi software without jailbreaking your phone. Everyone else can visit their app store or go directly to the website to get the newest version of Kodi on their non-iPhone device.
Once you’ve downloaded Kodi you’ll have to put a bit of work into getting it set up. But, don’t worry, that’s what this article is for.
The app is pretty bare-bones when first installed but that’s because it is fully customizable. Think about Kodi as a suitcase for all of your media in one place.
After installation, you’ll need “Add-ons.” Let’s review how to get ready for those before proceeding.
Getting Ready for Add-Ons
Now it is time to customize Kodi and add the content you’re interested in. Whether you want music, videos, weather, etc Kodi will keep it all in one place for you. To get started continue reading the process for Add-Ons.
Allow ‘Unknown Sources’
For many of the add-ons available, you will have to allow Kodi to access ‘unknown sources.’ This basically means that some of the content you’ll come across was not developed by a trusted developer and you may download something that causes damage to your device.
Anyway, to allow this type of content:
Click on the ‘Settings’ cog and click ‘System.’
Scroll down and click ‘Add-Ons’
Toggle ‘Unknown Sources’ on then click ‘Yes’
How to Install Your Add-Ons
Now that we’ve allowed Kodi to download content from unknown sources it’s time to select the streaming service you’d like to add to the platform. For this tutorial, we’ll use Pluto.TV. It’s a free and completely legal live TV streaming source with On Demand features.
Click ‘Add-Ons’ in the right-hand menu
Click the ‘Enter add-on browser’ once you’ve reached this page
Scroll through the list and choose the add-on
Click “Install”
Select an accompanying add-on and click “Ok”
Pluto.TV is now installed on your streaming device. If the download fails try another accompanying add-on from the list. After you’ve successfully downloaded your Add-On you will see it on the home screen of Kodi.
How to Stream Video on Kodi
After you’ve installed your add-on click it from the ‘Add-ons’ tab within Kodi. Follow any additional set up steps that your chosen installation may have.
Tap ‘Add Ons’ and select your streaming service
Follow the On-Screen Instructions
Enjoy
Keep in mind, some of these add-ons are from unknown developers so you can’t be entirely sure you’re downloading something trustworthy or that it’s going to work.
How to Listen to Music on Kodi
Using Kodi for music works in a similar way to the video function. You must first install the add-on and accompanying add-ons to access your music using Kodi.
Launch Kodi and click Add-Ons
Click on the Add-On
You can also add any music that’s already stored on your device by clicking the “Files” option.
How to Remove an Add-On
If you’ve downloaded something from a troublesome source, or if you’re trying to clean up a bit, you can remove any add-ons that you’ve installed.
Visit the ‘Add-on’s tab again, then do this:
Click ‘My Add-Ons’ then click ‘All’
Choose the Add-On and click “Uninstall”
Follow the prompts to remove the software from Kodi. If you receive a pop-up that the add-on cannot be removed it is because you’re trying to remove an accompanying add-on while it’s still supporting another service. Remove that service first then proceed to remove the questionable one.
An Ounce of Prevention
Trusting an unknown source is one of the greatest risks to your security in the online world. Aside from that, humans are another. Using Kodi can be tricky so it’s best to eliminate security threats when possible.
When choosing Add-Ons it’s important to only download content from trusted developers. GitHub, for example, is a trusted source for downloads. It’s reputable and has been around for several years.
If you’re entirely new to Kodi and the open-source world a simple Google search of the add-on that appeals to you should suffice.
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