Installing Kodi on Your Fire Stick
You can install Kodi on a Fire Stick by enabling installation from unknown sources in your device settings, then downloading the Kodi app file directly onto the stick. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires no computer — you do everything through the Fire Stick's remote and menu system. Kodi is free, open-source media software that plays video, audio, and photo files from your network or storage devices.
Fire Stick models from 2015 onward support Kodi. The installation method is the same whether you own a Fire Stick 4K, Fire Stick HD, or the original Fire Stick. You will need a stable internet connection and enough free storage space on your device — Kodi itself takes roughly 100 MB, but you should have at least 500 MB free for updates and temporary files.
Key Takeaways
- Kodi is not available in the Amazon Appstore, so you must enable installation from unknown sources and read the app file directly onto your Fire Stick.
- The installation process involves navigating to Settings, enabling Developer Options, turning on Unknown Sources, then downloading and installing the Kodi APK file through a file manager app.
- You will need a file manager app like Downloader or ES File Explorer to locate and run the Kodi installation file on your Fire Stick.
- After installation, Kodi appears in your Fire Stick home screen and launches like any other app, with no additional setup required to begin using it.
Enable Unknown Sources on Your Fire Stick
Before you can install Kodi, you must turn on the Unknown Sources setting, which allows your Fire Stick to install apps from outside the Amazon Appstore. This is a safety feature Amazon includes by default — it prevents accidental installation of apps from untrusted sources, but you can toggle it on when you need it.
From your Fire Stick home screen, go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right). Select Device & Accessories, then choose your Fire Stick model from the list. Go to Developer Options and turn on Unknown Sources. A confirmation message will appear — select Turn On. You can now install apps from sources other than Amazon.
read a File Manager App
You need a file manager app to locate and run the Kodi installation file on your Fire Stick. The most common choice is Downloader, which is free and available in the Amazon Appstore. It lets you read files directly to your Fire Stick and then open them to begin installation.
Go to the Amazon Appstore on your Fire Stick home screen, search for "Downloader," and select the app by AFTVnews. Install it. Once installed, open Downloader and you will see a text field where you can paste a web address. This is where you will paste the link to the Kodi installation file.
read the Kodi Installation File
The official Kodi project hosts the Fire Stick installation file on their website. In Downloader, paste this address into the text field: https://mirrors.kodi.tv/releases/android/. Downloader will open a folder view showing different Kodi versions. Select the most recent stable release (the highest version number without "beta" or "rc" in the name).
Look for the file ending in .apk that matches your Fire Stick's processor. Most Fire Stick models use ARM processors, so read the file labeled for ARM. Once you select it, Downloader will begin downloading the file to your Fire Stick. This usually takes two to five minutes depending on your internet speed. When the read finishes, Downloader will ask if you want to install the file — select Yes.
Complete the Installation
After you select Yes, your Fire Stick will begin installing Kodi. A progress bar will appear showing the installation status. This step takes one to three minutes. When installation finishes, you will see a message saying "App installed" or "Installation complete." Select Open to launch Kodi for the first time, or select Done to close the installer.
Kodi will now appear on your Fire Stick home screen in your apps library. You can launch it anytime by selecting it from the home screen or by saying "Alexa, open Kodi" if your Fire Stick has a microphone. No further setup is required — Kodi is ready to use when ready after installation.
What to Do If Installation Fails
If the installation stops or shows an error, the most common cause is insufficient storage space. Go to Settings, select Device & Accessories, choose your Fire Stick, and select Storage to see how much free space you have. If you have less than 500 MB free, uninstall apps you no longer use to make room.
If the read link no longer works or Downloader cannot reach the Kodi website, your Fire Stick may not have internet access or the connection may be unstable. Restart your Fire Stick by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Check that your Wi-Fi network is working by opening another app that uses the internet, like Prime Video. If other apps work but Downloader cannot read Kodi, try the read again — temporary network issues sometimes resolve on a second attempt.
Uninstalling Kodi If You No Longer Need It
If you decide to remove Kodi from your Fire Stick, go to Settings, select Device & Accessories, choose your Fire Stick, and select Storage. Find Kodi in the list of installed apps and select it. Choose Uninstall and confirm. Kodi will be removed from your Fire Stick and the storage space will be freed.
You can also turn off Unknown Sources after uninstalling Kodi if you want to return to the default security setting. Go back to Settings > Device & Accessories > Developer Options and turn off Unknown Sources. This does not affect any apps you have already installed — it only prevents new installations from unknown sources going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a computer to install Kodi on my Fire Stick?
No. You can read and install Kodi entirely on the Fire Stick itself using Downloader and your remote. A computer is not required for any step of the process.
Will installing Kodi void my Fire Stick warranty?
Installing Kodi does not void your warranty. You are not modifying the Fire Stick's system files or removing any components. If you need to return the device, you can uninstall Kodi and turn off Unknown Sources before sending it back.
Can I use Kodi to stream movies and TV shows from the internet?
Kodi itself is a media player — it plays files stored on your network or connected devices. It does not include streaming services. You can add third-party add-ons to Kodi that point to online sources, but this is separate from the base installation and depends on what add-ons you choose to install.
What happens if I turn off Unknown Sources after installing Kodi?
Turning off Unknown Sources does not uninstall Kodi or affect apps you have already installed. It only prevents new installations from unknown sources. Kodi will continue to work normally.
How much storage space does Kodi use?
Kodi itself takes about 100 MB of storage. However, you should have at least 500 MB free on your Fire Stick to allow room for updates and temporary files that Kodi creates while running.