If you’re using an older version of Kodi on your Fire TV or FireStick (the latest version as of now is 21.1 Omega), this guide is here to help. I’ll show you how to update Kodi on FireStick or Fire TV. These instructions are applicable to any device running Fire OS, including the FireStick 3rd Gen, 4K & 4K Max, FireStick Lite, Fire TV Cube, the new FireStick 4K, the new FireStick 4K Max, and TVs with preloaded Fire OS.
Before we dive into the setup process, let’s start with a brief introduction to what KODI is and why it’s so valuable.
Why Update Kodi?
Kodi developers periodically release new updates to ensure the media player runs smoothly and efficiently. While updating Kodi on Windows and Android devices is usually a simple process, it’s a bit more complicated on Fire TV devices.
Since the Kodi app isn’t available on the Amazon App Store, updates don’t automatically install on FireOS devices. This means you need to update Kodi manually.
Here are some key reasons why it’s important to regularly update Kodi on your FireStick:
- Fixing Bugs: New updates often resolve software bugs or glitches that may be affecting Kodi’s performance, ensuring a smoother user experience.
- Reduced Lags: Users frequently report lags and buffering issues while streaming on Kodi. Installing the latest update can help minimize these problems, allowing for lag-free streaming.
- New Features: Updates often introduce new and improved features, including enhanced customizations, additional streaming options, and more.
- Security Enhancements: Perhaps most importantly, updating Kodi addresses system vulnerabilities and security risks, keeping your device safe.
Note: If you’re experiencing buffering issues on Kodi, the latest update might help. Additionally, you can check out our guide on resolving Kodi buffering problems.
How to Update to the latest Kodi 21.1 Omega on FireStick
Before updating Kodi, you’ll need to set up your FireStick. Here’s how to do it:
From the FireStick home screen, navigate to the Magnifying Glass > Search.
Type “Downloader” in the search bar. As you type, suggestions will appear. Select “Downloader” from the list.
When the Downloader app appears in the search results, select it.
On the Downloader app’s page, click “Download” or “Get” to start the installation process.
Go to Fire Stick Settings >
Then My Fire TV >
Click on Developer Options.
Note: If you don’t see Developer Options, go to Settings > My Fire TV > About. Select Fire TV Stick and click it 7 times to enable Developer Options. For detailed steps, refer to our guide on enabling developer options.
Look for Install Unknown Apps. Open it and select Downloader to turn it ON.
Here is Downloader is currently off turn it ON.
Press and hold the Home button on your remote and select Apps from the popup menu.
Open the Downloader app from the Your Apps & Channels window.
Click on the input box in Downloader.
A keypad will pop up. Enter the following URL: kodi.tv/download, then click GO.
Note: kodiexpert.com does not own any APKs. This URL points to an external source.
You’ll be redirected to the Kodi website. Scroll down and select the Android option, as FireStick runs on a modified Android OS.
Under “Release,” select the 32-bit version (ARMV7A) for the most compatible version with FireStick and the downloading will be start.
Once the update file is downloaded, FireStick will automatically prepare it for installation. Click Install.
When the App Installed message appears, Kodi has been successfully updated on your FireStick then click the Done button and delete the backup files.
Launch Kodi, go to Settings> System information,
And check the version information at the bottom to confirm the update.
How to Use Kodi on FireStick Safely
Everything you stream on Kodi is visible to your ISP and government authorities. Streaming free movies, TV shows, and sports can potentially lead to legal issues. To protect your privacy, I always connect to NordVPN on my FireStick, which is a fast and secure VPN ideal for streaming. I highly recommend you do the same. A VPN for FireStick helps you avoid online surveillance, bypass ISP throttling, and overcome content geo-restrictions.
We do not support violating copyright laws, but it’s easy to accidentally stream content from an illegitimate source. It can be challenging to distinguish between legitimate and illegal sources.
So, before you start streaming any content on FireStick with Kodi, let’s go over how to use NordVPN to keep your streaming activities private and secure.
For more detailed guides and information, visit kodiexpert.org.
Step 1: Get NordVPN here. It includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to use it risk-free for the first 30 days. If you’re not satisfied with the performance (which is unlikely), you can request a full refund.
Step 2: On your Fire TV / Stick, go to the Find > Search option. In the search bar, type “NordVPN” (without quotes) and select NordVPN when it appears in the search results.
Step 3: Click the Download button to install the NordVPN app on your Fire TV / Stick.
Step 4: Open the app and enter the login credentials you created when you subscribed to NordVPN. Click Sign in.
Step 5: Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. That’s it! Your connection is now secure with one of the fastest and most reliable VPNs for FireStick.
For more details on using NordVPN with Fire TV / Stick, visit kodiexpert.org.
Kodi Update Failed on FireStick?
If the above method to update your Kodi app isn’t working, you can follow the steps below for a clean installation. Please note that this method will erase your existing data, so proceed with caution.
Step 1: Uninstall Kodi from Your Fire TV Stick
To begin, you’ll need to uninstall the current version of Kodi from your Fire TV Stick. Follow these steps:
Navigate to your Fire Stick Settings
And open Applications.
Then, select Manage Installed Applications.
Scroll through the list and select Kodi.
Click on Uninstall to remove the Kodi from your FireStick.
Step 2: Reinstall the Kodi App on Your Fire TV Stick
Now that you’ve uninstalled Kodi from your Fire TV Stick, it’s time to reinstall the latest version,Kodi 21.1 Omega. The steps to reinstall are similar to those used for updating, as described earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Kodi is a versatile media player that allows users to stream content from various sources. To enhance your experience and maintain security, tools like Real-Debrid and NordVPN are often used. Below are some common questions and answers that can help you get the most out of Kodi on your FireStick or other devices.
Q: What is Kodi?
A: Kodi is an open-source media player that lets you stream movies, TV shows, music, and more from various sources, including local storage and online services.
Q: How do I update Kodi on FireStick?
A: You can update Kodi on FireStick by downloading the latest version using the Downloader app. Detailed step-by-step instructions are available in our guide.
Q: What is Real-Debrid, and why should I use it with Kodi?
A: Real-Debrid is a premium service that provides high-quality streaming links, reducing buffering and improving the overall streaming experience on Kodi.
Q: How can I keep my streaming activities private on Kodi?
A: To protect your privacy while streaming on Kodi, use a VPN like NordVPN. It masks your IP address and helps bypass geo-restrictions and ISP throttling.
Q: Can I use Kodi on devices other than FireStick?
A: Yes, Kodi is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, and more.
Q: Why should I regularly update Kodi?
A: Regular updates fix bugs, improve performance, introduce new features, and enhance security, ensuring a smooth streaming experience.
Q: How do I uninstall Kodi on FireStick?
A: To uninstall Kodi, go to Fire Stick Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select Kodi, and then choose Uninstall.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally stream content from an illegal source?
A: While it’s crucial to avoid illegal content, using a VPN like NordVPN can help protect your privacy if you inadvertently access such sources.
Q: How do I reinstall Kodi after uninstalling it?
A: After uninstalling Kodi, you can reinstall the latest version by downloading it through the Downloader app, following similar steps as for updating.
Q: Is using Kodi legal?
A: Kodi itself is legal, but the legality depends on the content you stream. Always ensure you’re accessing legal content.
Final Words
This guide has outlined the steps to update Kodi on your FireStick. You can use either the Downloader app or the ES File Explorer app to update Kodi on your streaming device. Both methods are simple and effective for updating Kodi across all FireOS devices. However, since ES File Explorer is a paid service, I recommend using the Downloader app to install updates for free.
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