Kodi has long been one of the most popular open-source media centers for cord-cutters and home theater enthusiasts. Known for its flexibility, customizable interface, and ability to manage local and network-based content, Kodi transforms devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube into powerful entertainment hubs.
If you’ve installed Kodi on your Fire TV device, it’s important to keep it updated to access the latest features, security improvements, and performance enhancements. Regular updates also ensure compatibility with new add-ons, skins, and streaming tools.
In this detailed 2025 guide, we’ll explain why updating Kodi is essential, how to check your current version, and the safest, most effective methods to update Kodi on any Fire TV device. Best of all, everything covered here uses legal and official tools, ensuring your Fire TV remains secure and functional.
What Is Kodi?
Before diving into the update process, let’s quickly recap what Kodi is for those who may be new to the platform.
Kodi is a free, open-source media center application developed by the non-profit XBMC Foundation. It allows users to organize and play media from local storage, external drives, and network sources. Kodi can also stream online content through legitimate services and third-party add-ons.
On Fire TV devices, Kodi is installed via sideloading since it isn’t available directly from the Amazon Appstore. Once installed, it offers a customizable and flexible interface for streaming movies, TV shows, music, and live TV.
Why Should You Update Kodi on Fire TV?
Keeping Kodi up to date ensures you get:
1. New Features
Every new Kodi release includes improvements to the user interface, performance, media playback capabilities, and compatibility with modern devices.
2. Security Enhancements
Updates often patch vulnerabilities or bugs that could compromise your privacy or system stability.
3. Add-On Compatibility
Older versions of Kodi may not support newer add-ons or skins. Updating keeps your favorite tools working smoothly.
4. Performance Boost
Latest updates typically enhance speed, reduce buffering, and improve playback quality.
5. Bug Fixes
Frequent updates resolve glitches, crashes, and other technical issues that affect user experience.
How to Check Your Current Kodi Version on Fire TV
Before updating, it’s a good idea to see which version you’re currently using.
Steps:
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Open the Kodi app on your Fire TV.
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From the home screen, click the Settings (gear icon).
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Select System Information.
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Look at the bottom-right corner — your current version number will be displayed there.
In 2025, the latest official version is Kodi 21.2 Omega (or newer). If your version is older, you should update.
Best Ways to Update Kodi on Fire TV (2025)
Since Kodi isn’t available directly through Amazon’s Appstore, you’ll need to sideload the latest APK file manually. Thankfully, it’s straightforward using safe and legitimate methods.
Here are the best ways to update Kodi on your Fire TV Stick or Cube:
Method 1: Update Kodi Using the Downloader App
The Downloader app is the most popular and reliable tool for installing and updating apps not found on the Amazon Appstore. It’s free and available directly from Amazon’s official app store.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Install the Downloader App:
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Go to your Fire TV home screen.
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Select Find > Search.
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Type Downloader and select the app.
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Click Download and then Open the app once installed.
2. Allow App Installations from Unknown Sources:
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Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options.
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Turn on Apps from Unknown Sources for Downloader.
3. Download the Latest Kodi APK:
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Open Downloader.
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In the URL field, type the official Kodi website address (you can search for it via a browser first).
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Navigate to Downloads and select the latest Android ARMV7A (32-bit) APK, which is compatible with Fire TV devices.
4. Install the Update:
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Once the download finishes, the installation window will appear.
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Click Install.
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Wait for it to finish, then select Done.
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You can delete the APK file afterward to save space.
5. Verify Installation:
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Open Kodi and check System Information to confirm the version has been updated.
Method 2: Update Kodi Using a File Manager (Like ES File Explorer)
If you prefer using a file manager, ES File Explorer is another user-friendly option for sideloading apps.
Steps:
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Download ES File Explorer from the Amazon Appstore.
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Open the app and go to Tools > Download Manager.
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Click + New and enter the official Kodi download URL.
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Name the file (e.g., “KodiUpdate”) and click Download Now.
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After downloading, click Open File, then Install.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
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Verify your new version in Kodi’s System Information.
Note: You may need to enable Apps from Unknown Sources for ES File Explorer in Fire TV settings.
Method 3: Update Kodi Using a USB Drive (For Fire TV Cube and Fire TV 4K Max)
If you have a Fire TV Cube or a FireStick model that supports external storage via an OTG cable, you can update Kodi using a USB flash drive.
Steps:
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Download the latest Kodi APK on your computer.
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Transfer the APK file to a USB drive.
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Plug the USB into your Fire TV device using an OTG cable.
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Use a file manager app (like X-plore File Manager) to locate and install the APK.
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Complete the installation process.
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Confirm the version inside Kodi.
Should You Uninstall the Old Kodi Version Before Updating?
No. When updating Kodi on Fire TV, you do not need to uninstall the previous version. The new version installs over the existing app, preserving your:
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Add-ons
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Settings
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Media library
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Skins and customizations
Important:
If you accidentally uninstall Kodi before updating, you’ll lose your settings and add-ons unless you’ve backed them up.
How to Backup Kodi Before Updating (Optional but Recommended)
To safeguard your configurations and add-ons, you might want to back up your Kodi setup.
Steps:
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Open Kodi and install a backup add-on like Backup from the official Kodi add-on repository.
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Use the tool to create a backup of your system settings, add-ons, and user data.
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Save the backup file to a USB drive, cloud storage, or your FireStick’s internal storage.
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Restore the backup if needed after updating.
Troubleshooting Common Update Issues
If you encounter problems while updating Kodi on Fire TV, here’s how to resolve them:
1. Installation Blocked:
Ensure Apps from Unknown Sources is enabled in Developer Options.
2. App Not Opening After Update:
Clear the app’s cache:
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Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > Kodi > Clear Cache.
3. Add-ons Not Working:
Some older add-ons may be incompatible with new Kodi versions. Check for add-on updates or look for alternatives.
4. Storage Full:
Delete unused apps or old APK files to free up space.
How Often Should You Update Kodi?
Kodi doesn’t auto-update on Fire TV. New versions are typically released several times a year, including minor updates for bug fixes and major releases for feature improvements.
Recommendation:
Check for a new Kodi version every 3-6 months to stay current. Visit the official Kodi website to monitor release notes and version announcements.
Is It Safe and Legal to Use Kodi?
Kodi itself is 100% legal as an open-source media center. Its legality depends on how you use it:
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Safe Uses: Playing your local media, streaming from legal services, using add-ons from the official Kodi repository.
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Unsafe Uses: Using unauthorized third-party add-ons that offer unlicensed content.
To keep your device secure:
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Only install add-ons from trusted sources.
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Use a reputable VPN if privacy is a concern, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Keep Kodi Updated on Fire TV
Updating Kodi on your FireStick or Fire TV Cube ensures you’re benefiting from the latest features, bug fixes, and security improvements. Whether you stream local content, legal video services, or use Kodi for home theater management, a current version keeps your experience smooth and reliable.
Key takeaways:
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Use Downloader or a File Manager app for safe sideloading.
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Don’t uninstall Kodi before updating — your settings will remain intact.
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Consider backing up your Kodi setup before big updates.
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Check for updates every few months to maintain optimal performance.