How to Install Kodi on Firestick

How to Install Kodi on Firestick - And Why You Need a VPN to Do It

Maria Perinic Written by Marija Perinic
Last updated on May 5, 2021

Dreaming of a night at home in front of the television watching all your favorite movies and shows on Kodi? There aren’t many programs that offer you the ability to organize your media in the way that Kodi can, and while it’s simple to install on your computer, getting it on your Amazon Firestick is not as easy.

Luckily, by following our simple-to-use guide, you will have Kodi running in no time. Turn your Amazon Firestick from an ordinary device into something magical by unlocking a world of content with Kodi.

If you haven’t yet gotten your hands on a VPN, you will want to do so, especially when you want to install Kodi on Firestick. Why? Kodi can be vulnerable to a cryptocurrency mining malware by the name of ADB and other threats so it is vital to make sure you have maximum security options guarding your goods. Don’t want malicious add-ons that steal your data or constantly advertise? The solution lies in a VPN.

You can install Kodi on a Fire TV in the same way as you would a Firestick. Both of them use the same Android-based Fire TV operating system (as long as your Firestick is 2nd gen or newer). If you notice that Fire TV is running faster than on your Firestick this is because it has more powerful hardware and an SD card which can be expanded.

How To Install Kodi On Firestick Using Downloader

Follow these steps:

  1. Turn on your Fire TV
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Then go to Device
  4. Select Developer Options
  5. Turn on apps from unknown sources (Allow Apps From Unknown Sources)
  6. Turn on ADB Debugging
  7. Go back to Settings
  8. Then go to Preferences
  9. Go to Advertising ID
  10. Then turn off Interest-Based Ads
  11. Go to the Main Menu
  12. Go to Search menu (the magnifying glass)
  13. Type in “Downloader“
  14. Select Downloader from the list and download it
  15. Now allow Downloader app to access media and files
  16. Hit OK on the next screen (Quick Start Guide)
  17. Once you’ve opened the Downloader, type in “http://tinyurl.com/kodi18rc2” in the URL bar to start downloading Kodi for Firestick
  18. Wait for Kodi to download
  19. Now install Kodi

As soon as you have finished installing Kodi, go back to your home screen and take a look through Your Apps & Games section. You should find Kodi on the list there. Give it a click using the icon and you will be able to launch Kodi.

Use ES File Explorer to Install Kodi on Firestick

Another option is to install Kodi on Firestick with the help of ES Explorer. This can be somewhat simpler if you are already familiar with the program.

  1. Turn on your Fire TV and using the search bar, find the ES File Explorer app. Make sure you are in the Apps and Games category
  2. Select the app with your remote and hit the Download button
  3. The app will automatically download and install
  4. Click the Open button once it’s finished to launch ES File Explorer
  5. Navigate to the Tools > Download Manager in the left sidebar of ES Explorer
  6. Select the + New tab at the bottom of the screen
  7. Input the direct download URL for Kodi into ES File Explorer

http://mirrors.kodi.tv/releases/android/arm/kodi-17.1-Krypton-armeabi-v7a.apk

  1. Double-check the URL is correct. Name the file “Kodi”, and click the Download Now button
  2. Once downloaded, you’ll see a prompt with two open possibilities. Choose Open file and then Install on the next prompt
  3. Kodi will download and you’ll be prompted with an app installation menu. Select Install
  4. Kodi is now installed. Select Done
  5. Launch Kodi from the Apps section of the main Fire TV menu. Make sure to turn on your VPN first!

Updating Kodi for the latest version will require you to do a fresh installation. All you have to do is change the download URL and use the latest version which is found on the official Kodi website.

It is important to note, however, that if you have a skin different to the original one it is recommended that you switch back to the original. This is because not all of them are compatible between Kodi’s different versions and could cause your screen to go black. The original skin that you will want to revert to is called “Confluence”.

Also, if you are upgrading from one major version to a newer major version, like Krypton to Jarvis, you should completely uninstall your existing Kodi before getting the newer major version.

Kodi Builds for Amazon Firestick

If you want to avoid all the work of installing the add-ons needed to stream the content you’re after it might be a good idea to look at a Kodi build that will have all of your add-ons installed already.

Although it makes life a whole lot easier, Kodi builds do come with some blacklisted add-ons as well and, unfortunately, you cannot choose which ones you want and which ones you don’t. If you do want to try a new build and have already installed Kodi for Firestick, make sure to do a fresh installation first.

Because Firesticks aren’t terribly powerful you want to look at installing a build that will not hinder performance. Have a look at the following and make the choice that’s right for your needs.

Fire TV Guru

This build was specifically created with Firestick users in mind. It comes with a number of popular pre-installed add-ons including categories for on-demand movies, television shows, children’s shows, and sports. You can also make adult content available in the setup. Creators of the build have said that Fire TV Guru should work without a lot of lag.

Aqua

Aqua comes with a glorious underwater theme and the wizard will allow you to install without clearing the build before it. Additionally, you can set the wizard to regularly clean Kodi in keeping it as lightweight as possible. If you are a motorsports fan, this is the build for you as it has a specific section just for fans of racing.

Horus

This extremely quick build comes in at just 100MB which means that it is perfect for less powerful devices. The main menu also has a bar on top which shows you how much of your system resources you’re using at any one time. With a minimalist design, menus that are extremely organized and with up to date links, you also have special advanced settings to get things just the way you like them.

Wookie Lite

Looking much like the official Krypton version of Kodi, you have Wookie Lite. Taking up just 204MB, you can build nets including on-demand movies, TV shows, sports, and children’s programs. The best thing about this build is that it comes with an add-on installer so you don’t need a keyboard to install more of your preferred add-ons.

Using a VPN With Kodi

VPN is short for virtual private network and it encrypts your internet traffic, essentially routing it through a server in a location of your choice. This makes sure that you get a new IP address and all your internet activity is hidden from your ISP or any other third parties.

This service will also give you access to geo-restricted media on Kodi. Netflix USA or BBC, media platforms usually reserved to those residing in the US or UK, will now be easily attainable via their add-ons. All you have to do to install Kodi on Firestick is connect to a VPN server located either in the US or UK.

Using a VPN with Kodi will keep your connection safe and secure, protecting your privacy and identity. When choosing the best VPN for Kodi, you will want to make sure that the VPN service offers lightning-fast speeds to ensure no buffering and military-grade protection to keep you safe.

The Best VPNs for Kodi

#1 ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of few VPNs that have no problem getting around Netflix’s geo-blocked content. Where other VPNs struggle, ExpressVPN will give you unlimited access to streaming outlets such as BBC, Hulu, ESPN, iPlayer and, of course, Netflix.

You will have no issues in terms of security either as ExpressVPN is located in the British Virgin Islands, not connected with the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. The security functions on offer from ExpressVPN include a strict no logs policy, DNS and IP leak protection and a kill switch.

As for their coverage, you can find ExpressVPN has one of the largest server networks in almost 100 countries, covering almost 150 cities. It is because of this that ExpressVPN maintains such high standards and exceptional performance in their field.

Here are the top reasons you will want ExpressVPN for Kodi:

  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Ultra-fast streaming speeds
  • Compatible with Android TV (Box) and Fire TV
  • Apps available for every device
  • Hides your streaming activity
  • No connection logs
  • No activity logs
  • Unrestricted access to all Kodi add-ons and IPTV

ExpressVPN also offers a special deal, get 3 months free and 49% savings with their annual subscription plan.

Want to know more? Check out the full review here.

#2 Surfshark

One of the newest and cheapest VPN services around, Surfshark is really making a statement in the world of VPNs. Also having their headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark will be able to keep all of your personal information away from prying eyes.

They are also a warrant canary which means that they have a way of informing their users if a secret government subpoena has been issued. Although they claim not to collect any specific logs, they do collect an email address to manage your account, any crash reports, and billing information.

Another thing that Surfshark boasts is the ability to allow its users to stream Netflix, which is not something all VPNs can deliver.

Here are the top reasons you will want Surfshark for Kodi:

  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Kill switch
  • Router compatibility
  • TOR compatible
  • AdBlocker
  • Whitelister

Want to know more? Check out the full review here.

#3 CyberGhost

This Romanian-based VPN service provider will also do well in protecting your security when you install Kodi on Firestick. Romania has rendered the European Data Retention Directive as unconstitutional so you need not worry about your anonymity being compromised.

With a strict no logs policy, CyberGhost also practices transparency, putting up reports on their website for all their users to see.

In addition to the usual features like OpenVPN, PPTP, and P2P (the strongest encryption available) you also have ad and tracking blockers. With over 3,000 servers in 60 countries, you should be able to get through geo-blocked websites everywhere.

If you do run into any trouble along the way, CyberGhost pride themselves on their extensive customer service reach. You have a number of options including FAQ, live chat, email and round-the-clock support for any technical difficulties that might arise.

Here are the top reasons you will want CyberGhost for Kodi:

  • Choose from over 3,000 servers
  • Live chat customer support
  • Stream Netflix from anywhere around the world
  • Optimized servers for torrenting
  • Simple set-up
  • Apps on platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux

Want to know more? Check out the full review here.

The Bottom Line

When you install Kodi on a Firestick, it really makes the world of difference to an otherwise ordinary device. Due to various bugs, malware and pesky ads, as well as geo-blocking content, we advise that you invest in a great VPN service such as ExpressVPN.

Having a trustworthy VPN will mean that you can browse the internet freely without giving any thought as to your privacy being invaded, or your security breached.

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