Upgrading Kodi on Firestick: The Basic Steps

Kodi updates on Firestick happen automatically if you installed it from the Amazon Appstore, but you can also force an update manually. Open Kodi, go to Settings (the gear icon), select System, then System Information, and look for an update notification at the top of the screen. If one appears, select it and choose Install. The update downloads and installs while Kodi remains open—this usually takes 2 to 5 minutes depending on your internet speed and the update size.

If you sideloaded Kodi (installed it from outside the Amazon Appstore), the process is different. Sideloaded versions do not update automatically and do not notify you when updates are available. You will need to uninstall the old version and install the new one manually using the same method you used originally—usually through a file manager app or a third-party installer. Check the official Kodi website to confirm the latest version number before you start, so you know what you are looking for.

Key Takeaways

  • Kodi from the Amazon Appstore updates automatically, but you can manually check for updates by opening Settings, selecting System, then System Information.
  • Sideloaded Kodi does not update automatically and requires you to uninstall the old version and install the new one by hand.
  • Updates typically take 2 to 5 minutes to read and install, depending on your internet connection speed.
  • Before updating a sideloaded version, visit the official Kodi website to confirm the latest version number so you read the correct file.

Checking Your Current Kodi Version

Before you update, you should know which version you are running. Open Kodi and navigate to Settings (gear icon in the top left), then System, then System Information. The version number appears near the top of the screen, usually labeled as "Kodi" followed by a number like 20.2 or 21.0. Write this down or take a screenshot so you can compare it to the latest version.

You can find the latest Kodi version on the official Kodi website under the Downloads section. The site lists the current stable release and any newer beta versions. Stable releases are tested and recommended for everyday use; beta versions are newer but may contain bugs. Stick with stable releases unless you have a specific reason to test a beta.

Updating Kodi from the Amazon Appstore

If you installed Kodi through the Amazon Appstore, your Firestick can update it automatically in the background. To check whether an update is waiting, open Kodi and go to Settings > System > System Information. If an update is available, a notification banner appears at the top of the System Information screen. Tap it and select Install.

The update runs while Kodi stays open. You will see a progress bar or spinning icon. Do not close Kodi or unplug your Firestick during this time. Once the update finishes, Kodi restarts automatically. If you want to force the Amazon Appstore to check for updates without opening Kodi, go to your Firestick's Settings > Apps & Channels > Manage Installed Applications, find Kodi in the list, and select it. If an update is available, an Update button appears.

Updating Sideloaded Kodi Manually

Sideloaded Kodi does not check for updates on its own. You must read the new version and install it yourself. First, go to the official Kodi website and read the Android version to your computer—not directly to your Firestick. Save the file (it will be named something like kodi-20.2-arm64-v8a.apk) to a folder you can find easily.

Next, transfer the file to your Firestick using a file manager app like Downloader or ES File Explorer. Open the file manager on your Firestick, navigate to the folder where you saved the APK file, and select it. The system will ask whether you want to install it. Choose Install. The new version installs over the old one, keeping your settings and library intact. This process takes 3 to 10 minutes depending on file size and your internet speed.

If the installation fails or Kodi does not launch after updating, uninstall the old version completely before installing the new one. Go to your Firestick's Settings > Apps & Channels > Manage Installed Applications, select Kodi, and choose Uninstall. Wait 30 seconds, then install the new version using the same file manager method.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If Kodi freezes during an update, wait at least 10 minutes before doing anything. Many updates appear stuck but are actually processing in the background. If it is still frozen after 10 minutes, force-close Kodi by going to your Firestick's Settings > Apps & Channels > Manage Installed Applications, selecting Kodi, and choosing Force Stop. Then open Kodi again. It should resume where it left off or restart the update.

If you see an error message like "Installation Failed" or "Insufficient Storage", your Firestick may not have enough free space. Go to Settings > Storage and check how much space is available. If you have less than 500 MB free, delete unused apps or clear the cache of apps you do use. Then try the update again. To clear an app's cache, go to Settings > Apps & Channels > Manage Installed Applications, select the app, and choose Clear Cache.

If Kodi launches but looks different or behaves strangely after an update, your settings may have reset. This is rare but can happen if the update was interrupted. Restart your Firestick completely by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If the problem persists, uninstall Kodi, restart your Firestick, and reinstall the latest version.

Backing Up Your Kodi Settings Before Updating

Before you update, especially if you sideloaded Kodi, back up your settings and library. Open Kodi and go to Settings > System > System Settings > File Manager. Select Add Source and choose a location where you can save a backup—usually your home network or a USB drive connected to your Firestick. Then go to Settings > Profiles and look for an export or backup option. Not all Kodi versions have this feature in the same place, so check the official Kodi documentation if you cannot find it.

A simpler approach is to take screenshots of your add-ons, playlists, and any custom settings you have made. That way, if something goes wrong during the update, you know exactly what to reinstall and reconfigure. Most updates preserve your settings automatically, but this backup gives you peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to uninstall Kodi before updating it?

No. Updates from the Amazon Appstore install over the old version automatically, and sideloaded updates also install over the existing version. You only need to uninstall first if an update fails or if Kodi will not launch after updating.

Will updating Kodi delete my add-ons and playlists?

No. Updates preserve your add-ons, playlists, and settings. However, if you uninstall Kodi completely and then reinstall it, everything is deleted. If you are worried, take screenshots of your add-ons and playlists before updating.

How often does Kodi release updates?

Kodi releases major versions (like 20.0 or 21.0) roughly once a year, and minor updates (like 20.2 or 20.3) several times per year. Check the official Kodi website or your Kodi app periodically to see if a new version is available.

Can I downgrade Kodi to an older version?

Yes, but it is not recommended. Downgrading can cause compatibility issues with add-ons and may delete recent settings. If a new version is causing problems, uninstall it and reinstall the previous version using the same method you used to install the new one. read the older version from the Kodi website's archive section.

What should I do if Kodi will not start after updating?

Force-stop Kodi by going to Settings > Apps & Channels > Manage Installed Applications, selecting Kodi, and choosing Force Stop. Wait 30 seconds and open Kodi again. If it still will not start, uninstall it completely, restart your Firestick, and reinstall the latest version.