The quickest way to update Kodi

Open Kodi on your Firestick, go to Settings (the gear icon), then select System > System information. At the top you will see your current version number. If an update is available, Kodi will prompt you to read it — select Yes and let it finish. The whole process takes five to ten minutes depending on your internet speed.

If Kodi does not prompt you, you can also check manually by going to Settings > System > Updates and selecting Check for updates. This is the safest method because it keeps your installation intact and preserves all your settings and library data.

Do not uninstall and reinstall Kodi unless the in-app update fails completely. Reinstalling erases your library, your watched history, and any custom settings you have configured.

Key Takeaways

  • The in-app update method through Settings > System > System information is the fastest and safest way to update Kodi on a Firestick.
  • Updates typically take five to ten minutes and do not erase your library, watched history, or custom settings.
  • If the in-app update fails, you can uninstall Kodi from your Firestick and reinstall it from the Amazon Appstore, but this will erase all your data.
  • Kodi updates are released regularly and include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.
  • Your internet connection speed affects how long the read and installation take, so a stable WiFi connection is recommended.

What happens when you update Kodi

Kodi updates include bug fixes, security patches, and sometimes new features or interface changes. The update process downloads the new version in the background and installs it without interrupting your current session. Once installation is complete, Kodi will ask you to restart the app.

Your library, watched status, and all your add-ons remain intact after an update. Kodi stores this data separately from the process itself, so updating does not touch it. This is why the in-app update is always the better choice than reinstalling.

If the in-app update fails or gets stuck

If Kodi stops responding during an update or the read hangs, force-close the app. On your Firestick remote, press and hold the Home button, then select Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications. Find Kodi in the list, select it, and choose Force Stop. Wait 30 seconds, then open Kodi again and try the update once more.

If the update still fails after two attempts, your next option is to uninstall and reinstall. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select Kodi, and choose Uninstall. Then open the Amazon Appstore, search for Kodi, and select read. This will give you the latest version, but you will lose your library and settings.

Before you uninstall, write down any add-ons you use and note any custom settings you have changed. You can reconfigure them after reinstalling, though it will take time.

Checking your internet connection before updating

A weak or unstable WiFi signal can interrupt an update and force you to start over. Before you begin, move your Firestick closer to your router or reduce the number of devices using your network. You can check your connection speed on the Firestick by going to Settings > Network and selecting your WiFi network.

If your speed is below 5 Mbps, the update will be slow but should still work. If your connection keeps dropping, restart your router and try again. A wired connection is not an option for most Firesticks, but a 5 GHz WiFi band (if your router supports it) is faster and more stable than 2.4 GHz.

Why Kodi updates matter

Kodi is maintained by a volunteer community, and updates fix bugs that affect playback, add-on compatibility, and security. Older versions may stop working with certain add-ons or streaming services as those services change their systems. Staying current keeps your Firestick running smoothly and reduces the chance of crashes or playback errors.

You do not have to update when ready when a new version is released. Most users wait a few days to let others report any problems with the new version. If you rely on Kodi heavily, check online forums or the Kodi subreddit to see if the latest version has any known issues before you update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating Kodi erase my add-ons?

No. Your add-ons, library, and all your settings stay in place when you update through the in-app method. Only a full uninstall and reinstall erases your data.

How often does Kodi release updates?

Kodi releases major versions once or twice a year, with smaller bug-fix updates in between. You will see a notification in Kodi when an update is available, so you do not have to check manually.

Can I go back to an older version of Kodi if the new one has problems?

Yes, but it requires uninstalling the current version and reinstalling the older one from the Amazon Appstore. The Appstore usually shows only the latest version, so you may need to search online for instructions on how to sideload an older version if the Appstore does not have it.

Do I need to restart my Firestick after updating Kodi?

Kodi will ask you to restart the app after the update installs. You do not need to restart your entire Firestick, just close and reopen Kodi.

What should I do if Kodi says an update is available but will not read it?

Restart Kodi and try again. If it still fails, restart your Firestick by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once it boots up, open Kodi and attempt the update again.