How to Update Kodi: Fast and Easy 2 Minute Guide

Do you want to update Kodi to the latest version? You’ve come to the right place! In just a few minutes, you’ll have the latest Kodi version installed on whatever device you have.

If you are stuck on an old version and want to know how to update Kodi, the process is actually quite simple.

In our guide below, we’ll cover the current Kodi version, whether you actually need to update, how to update on every major platform, and what to do about your addons afterward.

What’s the Latest Version of Kodi?

The latest stable version of Kodi is v21.3 “Omega,” released on December 14, 2025. Kodi 22 “Piers” is currently in beta testing, but it isn’t a stable release yet, so we don’t recommend installing it unless you specifically want to test pre-release builds.

Kodi 21 Omega brought several changes over the older 20 “Nexus” and 19 “Matrix” lines, including:

• Native cache and buffering controls built directly into the Settings menu, so you no longer need a third-party addon to fix buffering
• Improved playback stability and library handling
• Continued improvements to Android TV support, DRM playback, and remote/controller compatibility

If you’re a few versions behind, it’s worth updating today. Here’s how, plus how to tell whether you actually need to.

Do You Actually Need to Update Kodi?

Before jumping into the steps below, check which version you’re currently running so you’re not updating something that’s already current.

1. Open Kodi and click the Settings gear icon.
2. Select System Information.
3. Look at Version Info: Build and compare it to the current release above.

If you’re already on 21.3, you’re up to date. Skip down to updating your addons and repositories instead.

Will Updating Kodi Delete My Addons and Settings?

Usually not, but it depends on how big a jump you’re making.

Minor Updates (Like 21.2 to 21.3)

Installing a newer point release over your existing copy of Kodi is an overwrite install, not a fresh one. The installer replaces Kodi’s core program files but leaves your data folder (addons, settings, and library) completely untouched. This is the type of update most people are doing, and your setup will look exactly the same afterward, just running the newer version.

Major Version Jumps (Like Kodi 19 to 21)

Skins and builds aren’t always backwards-compatible across major versions. If you’re jumping several versions at once, take these extra precautions first:

1. Switch your skin back to Estuary, Kodi’s default skin, by going to Settings > Interface > Skin. An incompatible custom skin can leave you staring at a black screen after the update, forcing a fresh install.
2. Don’t reuse a build made for your old version on the new one. Builds, like skins, aren’t backwards-compatible in most cases, so look for one made specifically for your new Kodi version.
3. Back up Kodi first, just in case something doesn’t carry over cleanly.

How to Update Kodi

Android TV

1. From your Android main menu, find the Google Play Store icon and open it.
2. Using the search bar, search for Kodi.
3. Tap on Kodi.
4. If you already have it installed and a newer version is available, tap Update.
5. If you don’t have Kodi installed yet, tap Install and wait for it to finish.
6. Launch Kodi as normal. The first time you launch a new major version, your database will convert in the background, so don’t interrupt it until it’s done.

Amazon Fire TV Stick

To update Kodi on the Firestick or Fire TV, follow these steps:

1. Download and install the Downloader app from the Amazon Fire Store, if you don’t already have it.
2. Launch Downloader.
3. Click the http:// address bar and enter http://kodi.tv/download, then click Go.
4. A Javascript-disabled warning may pop up. Just click OK.
5. Scroll down on the Kodi site and select Android, then choose ARMV7A (32BIT).

That last step trips people up: it’s tempting to grab the 64-bit ARMV8A build since current Fire TV Stick hardware is 64-bit capable, but Fire OS itself still runs a 32-bit userland even on newer sticks like the 4K Max. The 64-bit APK can fail to install with no useful error message, so stick with ARMV7A (32-bit) unless you have a specific reason not to, since it works reliably on every current Fire TV Stick model.

6. Wait for the download to finish, then click Install.
7. Once you see the app-installed confirmation, relaunch Kodi from your home screen.

Haven’t sideloaded anything on your Fire TV Stick before? Our full guide on how to jailbreak a Firestick walks through enabling Developer Options and Apps from Unknown Sources, which you’ll need before Downloader can install anything.

One important caveat: if you recently bought a budget Fire TV Stick, check which operating system it’s actually running first. Amazon’s newer Vega OS devices, including the Fire TV Stick 4K Select and the 2nd-gen Fire TV Stick HD, block sideloading entirely, which means Kodi can’t be installed or updated using the method above at all. See our Vega OS explainer for the full device-by-device breakdown of which Fire TV Sticks still support Kodi.

Windows

1. Head to the official Kodi website, kodi.tv, and click the blue Download button.
2. Select Windows, then choose the 32-bit or 64-bit installer to match your system.
3. Run the installer and install it over your existing copy. This won’t touch your addons or repositories.

If you originally installed Kodi through the Microsoft Store rather than the direct installer, you can instead open the Store, search for Kodi, and click Update if one’s available. It’s the simpler option if that’s how you installed it.

Mac

1. Visit the official Kodi website and click Download.
2. Select macOS and choose the Intel or Apple Silicon build, whichever matches your Mac.
3. Open the downloaded file and drag the Kodi application into your Applications folder.
4. Confirm when asked whether you want to replace the existing file. Your library and addons carry over automatically.

Linux

1. Open a Terminal window.
2. Run sudo apt-get update and press Enter.
3. Run sudo apt-get upgrade.
4. Run sudo apt-get dist-upgrade to pull in the latest stable Kodi build.

LibreELEC/OpenELEC

1. From Kodi’s main menu, go to System > LibreELEC/OpenELEC > System > Update Channel.
2. Select the latest version from the window. An “Available Versions” list will appear. Click the latest revision.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts once it finishes downloading.

Xbox

1. From the Xbox home screen, press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
2. Select My Games & Apps, then See All.
3. Select Manage on the left, then Update on the right if one’s available for Kodi.
4. Wait for the download and install to finish, then launch Kodi from your apps screen as usual.

This works the same way on Xbox One, Series S, and Series X.

How to Update Kodi Addons and Repositories

Updating Kodi itself doesn’t automatically update your addons and repositories. Those update independently. Rather than checking each one manually, turn on auto-update for the repositories you actually use:

1. From the Kodi home screen, go to Add-ons > Install from repository.
2. Long-press (or right-click, on desktop) the repository your addon came from and select Information.
3. Click Auto-update so it’s checked. From now on, that repository updates itself automatically whenever a new version comes out.

Related: Looking to add something new while you’re in there? Check our Best Kodi Addons guide. And if Kodi feels sluggish or starts buffering right after an update, our guide on how to stop buffering in Kodi covers the most common fixes.

Note that due to the wide variety of Kodi builds, we’re not responsible for any issues with your specific upgrade. Not all builds made for older versions are compatible with the newest release.

If you’re unsure, it’s best to switch back to Estuary or start fresh with a clean install.

Congratulations, you now know how to update Kodi to the latest version on just about any device.

Comment below or let us know on Twitter if we can help you out further!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Updating Kodi (FAQs)

Still running into problems? Our Kodi Not Working guide covers more general troubleshooting fixes beyond the update process itself.