Install Kodi on Android TV: Full Guide

Yes, you can install Kodi on Android TV, and it takes about five minutes using the Google Play Store or a direct APK install. This guide covers both methods, how to set up Kodi for the TV remote, and how to fix the most common problems.

What Kodi Is and Why It Runs on Android TV

Kodi is a free, open-source media player that organizes local videos, music, and photos, and also plays streaming content through add-ons. Android TV is a version of Android designed for televisions and set-top boxes, so it can run Kodi natively without a phone or computer. Because Kodi is a normal Android app, any device with the Google Play Store or the ability to sideload APKs can run it.

Method 1: Install from the Google Play Store

Turn on your Android TV and go to the home screen.
Open the Google Play Store app (the shopping bag icon).
Use the search bar to type Kodi and press Enter.
Select the official Kodi entry (developer: Kodi Foundation) and press Install.
Wait for the download to finish, then press Open.

If you cannot find Kodi in the Play Store, your device may be too old or the store may be restricted. In that case, use Method 2.

Method 2: Sideload the APK (When Play Store Fails)

If your Android TV does not have the Play Store, or you want a specific Kodi version, you can install the APK manually.

On your Android TV, go to Settings > Device Preferences > About and find the Build number. Press it seven times to enable Developer options.
In Developer options, turn on Install unknown apps or Unknown sources (the exact wording varies by device).
On a computer or phone, download the official Kodi APK from kodi.tv/download. Choose the Android ARM64 or ARM32 version depending on your device. If you are not sure, try ARM64 first.
Transfer the APK to a USB drive, or use a file manager app like X-plore or Send Files to TV to move it wirelessly.
Open the APK file on your Android TV and press Install.
After installation, launch Kodi from your apps row.

How to Use Kodi with the TV Remote

Kodi is designed for a remote control, not a touchscreen. The default skin (Estuary) works well with the directional pad and OK button. You can navigate menus with the arrow keys, select items with OK, and go back with the Back button. If you want to use a mouse or air mouse, you can enable it in Settings > System > Input. For easier text entry, install the official Kodi Remote app on your phone, which lets you type with your phone’s keyboard.

Common Problems and Fixes

Kodi won’t install from Play Store – Clear the Play Store’s cache in Settings > Apps, then try again. If that fails, sideload the APK.
Kodi opens but is very slow – Close other apps, and make sure your device has at least 2 GB of RAM. You can also disable unused add-ons in Kodi’s Add-on settings.
No sound on some videos – Go to Settings > System > Audio and change the output configuration to “AudioTrack” or “DirectSound” depending on your TV. Also check that the audio passthrough is off for standard TV speakers.
Kodi crashes on startup – Clear Kodi’s data in Settings > Apps > Kodi > Clear data. Warning: this removes your libraries and settings.
Remote control buttons do nothing – In Kodi, go to Settings > System > Input and enable “Enable mouse and touch input” if you have an air mouse. For the standard remote, make sure you are using the correct skin (Estuary is the safest).

Safety and Legal Considerations

Kodi itself is completely legal. However, many third-party add-ons stream copyrighted content without permission, which may be illegal in your country. Installing such add-ons can also expose you to malware or phishing attempts. To stay safe, only install add-ons from the official Kodi repository, and avoid “builds” that promise free movies or live TV. If you use unofficial add-ons, use a VPN, but note that VPNs do not make piracy legal.

Alternatives to Kodi on Android TV

If Kodi feels too complicated or you only need streaming, consider these built-in alternatives:

Plex – Organizes your media library and streams to any device. The server runs on a PC or NAS, and the Android TV app is a client.
Jellyfin – A free, open-source Plex alternative that works similarly.
VLC for Android TV – A simple video player that can play local files and network streams without a library.
Stremio – A modern streaming app that aggregates content from various sources, with a cleaner interface than Kodi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kodi free on Android TV? Yes, Kodi is completely free and open-source. There is no paid version, and you do not need a subscription to use it.

Do I need a VPN to use Kodi? Only if you use unofficial add-ons that stream copyrighted content. For legal use, like playing your own media, a VPN is not necessary.

Can I install Kodi on any Android TV? Most Android TVs and set-top boxes (like Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, and Google TV) can run Kodi. Very old or low-end devices may be slow, but they should still install it.

Why is Kodi not in the Play Store on my TV? Some manufacturers remove Kodi from the Play Store on their devices, or the store may be a modified version. Sideloading the APK is the solution.

How do I uninstall Kodi? Go to Settings > Apps > Kodi > Uninstall. To remove all leftover data, also clear data before uninstalling.

Does Kodi work with a mouse? Yes, you can use a USB mouse or an air mouse. Enable mouse support in Settings > System > Input.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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