Update Kodi directly from the app's settings menu

The fastest way to update Kodi on your Firestick is through the app itself. Open Kodi, go to Settings (the gear icon), then select System > System info. At the top of that screen, you'll see your current Kodi version. If an update is available, Kodi will usually notify you with a banner or prompt when you open the app.

To install the update, go back to Settings > System > Updates. If an update is waiting, you'll see an option to install it. Select it, and Kodi will read and install the new version. The process typically takes 2 to 5 minutes depending on your internet speed. Your Firestick may restart during this time—that's normal.

If you don't see an update option in the System menu, your version of Kodi is already current. Kodi checks for updates automatically, so you don't need to manually search for them.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Kodi, go to Settings > System > System info to see your current version and check if an update is available.
  • Install updates through Settings > System > Updates if a new version is waiting.
  • The update process takes 2 to 5 minutes and may restart your Firestick, which is expected behavior.
  • If no update option appears, your Kodi installation is already on the latest version available for your Firestick model.
  • Kodi checks for updates automatically, so you don't need to manually trigger the search.

Reinstall Kodi if the update option doesn't appear

Sometimes the update option won't show up in the Settings menu, even though a newer version exists. This happens when Kodi's update mechanism gets stuck or when you're using an older build that no longer receives updates through the normal channel.

The solution is to uninstall Kodi completely and reinstall it fresh. On your Firestick, go to Settings > Apps & Channels > Manage Installed Applications. Find Kodi in the list, select it, and choose Uninstall. Confirm the removal.

After uninstalling, go to the Amazon Appstore, search for "Kodi," and install the latest version. This gives you the most current build available for Firestick. The reinstall takes 3 to 10 minutes depending on file size and your connection speed. When you open Kodi again, your add-ons and settings may be preserved if you had them backed up, but a fresh install often runs more smoothly than an in-place update.

Check your Firestick's available storage before updating

Kodi updates require free space on your Firestick to read and install. If your device is running low on storage, the update may fail or stall partway through. Check how much space you have by going to Settings > Device & Accessories > Storage.

You should have at least 500 MB of free space available before starting an update. If you're below that, delete unused apps or clear the cache from apps you do use. To clear cache, go to Settings > Apps & Channels > Manage Installed Applications, select an app, and choose Clear Cache. This frees up space without removing the app itself.

Restart your Firestick if the update stalls

If Kodi gets stuck during an update—the progress bar stops moving for more than 10 minutes—restart your Firestick. Unplug the device from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Let it boot fully before opening Kodi again.

After the restart, open Kodi and check the version number again. If the update didn't complete, try the reinstall method described above. A stuck update usually means the read was interrupted, and a fresh install from the Appstore is more reliable than retrying the partial update.

Understand which Kodi versions work on Firestick

Not all Kodi versions run on every Firestick model. Older Firestick devices (first and second generation) may not support the latest Kodi releases. If you're on an older Firestick and the Appstore shows an older version of Kodi than what you see online, that's because Amazon has tested that specific build for your hardware.

The Appstore version is the one you should install—it's may provide to work on your device. Trying to sideload a newer version onto an older Firestick often results in crashes or features that don't function. If you want the latest Kodi features, upgrading your Firestick hardware is the only reliable path.

Turn off automatic updates if you prefer manual control

By default, Kodi checks for updates automatically and may prompt you to install them. If you'd rather control when updates happen, you can disable this behavior. Open Kodi, go to Settings > System > Updates, and look for an option labeled Automatic Updates or Check for Updates. Toggle it off.

With automatic checks disabled, you can still update manually by visiting the same Settings > System > Updates menu whenever you choose. This is useful if you want to avoid updates during times when you're actively using Kodi, or if you prefer to wait a few days after a release to let any bugs surface before updating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating Kodi erase my add-ons and settings?

No. Updates preserve your add-ons, watched history, and custom settings. However, if you completely uninstall and reinstall Kodi (rather than updating), some settings may reset depending on whether you had them backed up. A standard update through the Settings menu keeps everything intact.

How long does a Kodi update usually take?

Most updates read and install in 2 to 5 minutes on a standard internet connection. Larger updates or slower connections may take up to 10 minutes. Your Firestick may restart once or twice during the process, which is normal.

What should I do if Kodi crashes after updating?

Restart your Firestick by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. If crashes continue, uninstall Kodi and reinstall it fresh from the Appstore. A clean reinstall usually resolves crashes caused by corrupted update files.

Can I update Kodi on a Firestick without an internet connection?

No. Updates must be downloaded from the internet. You need a working WiFi or ethernet connection to your Firestick to read and install any Kodi update.

Why does the Appstore show an older Kodi version than what I see online?

Amazon tests Kodi builds on each Firestick model before making them available in the Appstore. The version shown is the latest one confirmed to work on your specific device. Installing a newer version from outside the Appstore can cause compatibility problems.