How to Install Kodi on Apple TV

Yes, you can install Kodi on Apple TV, but the method depends on your model

Kodi is a free, open-source media player that runs on Apple TV, but installation is not straightforward like downloading from the App Store. Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and later) and Apple TV HD can run Kodi, but you will need to use a Mac computer and the Xcode development tool to sideload the app—meaning you install it directly rather than through Apple's official store. Older Apple TV models (3rd generation and earlier) cannot run Kodi at all because they use a different operating system.

The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour if you have never done it before, and you will need a Mac with Xcode installed, a USB-C cable, and your Apple TV connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. Once installed, Kodi works like any other app on your Apple TV and will stay there until you remove it.

Key Takeaways

Kodi can be installed on Apple TV 4K (2nd gen and later) and Apple TV HD using Xcode on a Mac, but not through the App Store.
You will need a Mac computer with Xcode, a USB-C cable, and your Apple TV's pairing code to complete the installation.
The sideloading process takes 30 minutes to an hour and must be repeated if you factory reset your Apple TV.
Older Apple TV models (3rd generation and earlier) do not support Kodi because they run a different operating system.

Check your Apple TV model and tvOS version first

Before you start, confirm that your Apple TV can run Kodi. Go to Settings > About on your Apple TV and write down the model name and tvOS version. Kodi requires tvOS 11.0 or later, and your Apple TV must be a 4K model (2nd generation, released in 2021, or newer) or an Apple TV HD (released in 2015). If you have a 3rd-generation Apple TV or older, Kodi will not work on that device.

You also need a Mac running macOS 10.13 or later. If you do not have a Mac, you cannot sideload Kodi onto Apple TV using the standard method. Some users have found workarounds using Windows or Linux, but those are not officially supported and carry higher risk of errors.

Install Xcode on your Mac and enable Developer Mode on Apple TV

Open the App Store on your Mac and search for Xcode. Click Get, then Install. Xcode is Apple's development tool and is free, but the read is large (about 12 GB) and may take 20 to 40 minutes depending on your internet speed. Once installation finishes, open Xcode and let it install additional components—this may prompt you to enter your Mac password.

While Xcode installs, turn on Developer Mode on your Apple TV. Go to Settings > Apps > Developer and toggle Developer Mode on. Your Apple TV will ask you to confirm and may restart. Write down the pairing code that appears on your screen—you will need it in the next step.

read Kodi source code and prepare the project

Open a web browser on your Mac and go to the official Kodi GitHub repository at github.com/xbmc/xbmc. Click the green Code button and select read ZIP. Save the file to your Downloads folder. Once the read finishes, double-click the ZIP file to unzip it—this creates a folder called xbmc-master.

Open Finder, navigate to the xbmc-master folder, then go to tools > darwin > packaging > ios. Inside that folder, find the file named mkdmg.sh and double-click it. This script prepares the Kodi project for Apple TV. The process may take 5 to 10 minutes. When it finishes, you will see a new folder called build in the same directory.

Open the Kodi project in Xcode and connect your Apple TV

Go back to the xbmc-master folder and look for a file named Kodi.xcworkspace. Double-click it to open the project in Xcode. Xcode will load the project, which may take a few minutes on first launch.

Connect your Apple TV to your Mac using a USB-C cable. Xcode should detect your Apple TV automatically. If it does not appear, go to Xcode > Preferences > Accounts, click the plus button, and add your Apple ID. Then go to Xcode > Preferences > Locations and set the Derived Data location to a folder on your Mac (the default location works fine). Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable, and your Apple TV should appear in Xcode's device list.

Build and install Kodi on your Apple TV

In Xcode, click the scheme dropdown (it shows a device name) and select your Apple TV. Then click the play button (or press Command+R) to build and install Kodi. Xcode will compile the code and send it to your Apple TV—this step takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on your Mac's speed. You will see a progress bar in Xcode showing the build status.

When the build finishes, Kodi will launch automatically on your Apple TV. The first launch may take a minute or two as Kodi initializes. Once it opens, you can unplug the USB cable and use Kodi like any other app. Kodi will remain on your Apple TV until you remove it manually or factory reset the device.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common error is forgetting to enable Developer Mode on your Apple TV before connecting it to Xcode. If Xcode does not recognize your Apple TV, disconnect the cable, enable Developer Mode, and try again. Another frequent issue is using an outdated version of Xcode—make sure you have the latest version by going to App Store > Updates on your Mac.

If the build fails with a code-signing error, go to Xcode > Preferences > Accounts and make sure your Apple ID is listed. Then select the Kodi project in Xcode, click the Build Settings tab, search for "Team", and set the Team to your Apple ID. Restart the build after making this change.

Do not unplug the USB cable during the build process—wait until Xcode shows a green checkmark and Kodi appears on your Apple TV. If you disconnect early, the installation may fail and you will need to start over.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I factory reset my Apple TV after installing Kodi?

Factory resetting your Apple TV will remove Kodi and all other sideloaded apps. You will need to repeat the entire installation process to get Kodi back. Developer Mode will also be turned off, so you will need to enable it again before connecting to Xcode.

Can I install Kodi on Apple TV without a Mac?

The official method requires a Mac with Xcode. Some users have reported success using Windows or Linux with alternative tools, but these methods are not officially supported by Kodi and carry a higher risk of errors or security issues. Your safest option is to use a Mac or borrow one from a friend.

Will Kodi updates install automatically on Apple TV?

No. Sideloaded apps do not receive automatic updates through the App Store. To update Kodi, you will need to repeat the build and installation process using the latest Kodi source code from GitHub. Check the Kodi website periodically to see when new versions are released.

Does Kodi work with Siri or the Apple TV remote?

Kodi works with the Apple TV remote, though some features may require manual navigation using the trackpad. Siri voice commands do not work with Kodi because it is a sideloaded app, not an official App Store app. You can still use the remote to control playback and navigate menus.

Is it safe to sideload Kodi onto Apple TV?

Sideloading Kodi from the official GitHub repository is safe. Always read from the official Kodi website or GitHub account, never from third-party sources. Kodi itself is a legitimate media player, but be aware that some add-ons available within Kodi may stream copyrighted content illegally—using those add-ons is your responsibility.

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