Update Kodi directly from the app's settings menu

The easiest 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 message on the home screen.

To install the update, go back to Settings > System > Updates and select Check for updates. If one is found, Kodi will prompt you to read and install it. The process takes a few minutes, and your Firestick will restart when it's done. You don't need to uninstall the old version first—the update replaces it automatically.

This method works for most Kodi versions, but occasionally the in-app update feature doesn't detect a new release right away. If you've waited a few days and still see no notification, try the Amazon Appstore method instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Kodi, go to Settings > System > Updates, and select Check for updates to install the newest version directly in the app.
  • You can also update Kodi through the Amazon Appstore by searching for Kodi, opening it, and tapping the Update button if one is available.
  • Kodi updates usually take a few minutes and restart your Firestick automatically when complete.
  • If the in-app update feature doesn't show a new version, wait a few days or try the Appstore method, as updates roll out gradually.
  • Always back up your Kodi settings and add-ons before updating, especially if you use custom builds or many third-party sources.

Update Kodi through the Amazon Appstore

If the in-app update method doesn't work or you prefer to update from the Appstore, this is a reliable second option. On your Firestick home screen, open the Appstore and search for "Kodi." When you find it, open the app listing and look for an Update button. If one appears, tap it to read and install the latest version.

The Appstore method is especially useful if Kodi's internal update system is slow to detect a new release. Amazon sometimes pushes updates through the Appstore before Kodi's own notification system catches up. The update will install in the background, and you'll be notified when it's complete.

Back up your Kodi settings before updating

Before you update, it's worth saving your Kodi configuration so you don't lose your add-ons, watched history, or custom settings if something goes wrong. In Kodi, go to Settings > System > System info and note your profile folder location (usually something like /storage/.kodi). You can use a file manager app on your Firestick to copy this folder to a USB drive or cloud storage.

If you use a popular Kodi build or have installed many add-ons, backing up takes only a few minutes and can save you hours of reconfiguration. Most updates won't cause problems, but having a backup means you can restore your setup quickly if needed.

Restart your Firestick after updating

After Kodi finishes updating, your Firestick will restart automatically. However, if you notice Kodi is running slowly or behaving oddly after the update, a manual restart often fixes it. Unplug your Firestick for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears the device's memory and gives Kodi a fresh start.

If Kodi still has problems after a restart, check that you're running the latest version by going back to Settings > System > System info. If the version number matches the latest release (you can check Kodi's official website to confirm), the issue is likely unrelated to the update itself.

What to do if the update fails

Occasionally an update won't complete, especially if your Firestick loses internet connection during the read. If this happens, Kodi will usually revert to the previous version automatically. Try the update again, making sure your Firestick has a stable connection. If it fails a second time, uninstall Kodi completely, restart your Firestick, and reinstall it fresh from the Appstore.

To uninstall, go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, find Kodi, and select Uninstall. After your Firestick restarts, open the Appstore, search for Kodi, and install the latest version. This clean install usually resolves persistent update problems.

Check your internet connection and storage space

Kodi updates require a stable internet connection and enough free storage on your Firestick. If your connection is slow or drops frequently, the update may stall. Move your Firestick closer to your router or switch to a wired connection using an Ethernet adapter if possible.

Storage is rarely an issue with Kodi itself, but if your Firestick is nearly full (you can check this in Settings > System > About), delete unused apps or clear the cache to free up space. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select an app you don't use, and choose Clear Cache.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Kodi release updates?

Kodi releases major updates (new version numbers like 19.0, 20.0) roughly once a year. Minor updates and bug fixes come out more frequently, sometimes several times a month. You don't need to update when ready—waiting a week or two after a major release lets other users catch any bugs first.

Will updating Kodi delete my add-ons?

No. Updates preserve your add-ons, watched history, and settings. However, if an add-on was built for an older version of Kodi, it may stop working after you update. Most popular add-ons are updated quickly by their developers, but some abandoned ones may become incompatible.

Can I downgrade Kodi if I don't like the new version?

Yes, but it's not straightforward. You'll need to uninstall the current version and manually install an older one by downloading the APK file from Kodi's website and sideloading it onto your Firestick. Most users find it easier to stick with the new version and wait for bug fixes, which usually come within a few weeks.

Why is Kodi running slowly after I updated?

New versions sometimes use more system resources. Restart your Firestick by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If it's still slow, clear the Kodi cache by going to Settings > System > Maintenance > Empty cache. If the problem persists, check that you have at least 500 MB of free storage space on your device.

Do I need to update Kodi regularly?

Updates aren't mandatory, but they include security fixes and bug corrections. If Kodi is working well for you, you can wait a few weeks after a release before updating. However, if you use Kodi to stream from the internet, staying current helps protect your device from security vulnerabilities.