The fastest way to update Kodi on Firestick

Open Kodi on your Firestick, go to Settings (the gear icon), then select System > System Update. If an update is available, you will see a button to read and install it. Kodi will restart automatically when the update finishes. This method works if you installed Kodi from the Amazon Appstore or sideloaded it using a standard installation method.

If Kodi does not show an update option in Settings, or if the update button is grayed out, your version may already be current. You can check your installed version by going to Settings > System > About and looking at the version number listed there. Compare it to the latest version on the official Kodi website to confirm whether an update exists.

Key Takeaways

  • The Settings menu inside Kodi is the simplest place to check for and install updates without removing the app.
  • Kodi updates automatically restart the app, so close any videos or streams before you begin the update process.
  • If the update button does not appear, your Firestick may not have internet access or Kodi may already be on the latest version.
  • Sideloaded versions of Kodi sometimes require manual read and reinstallation instead of in-app updates.

Checking your current Kodi version before updating

Before you start an update, know which version you have installed. Open Kodi, go to Settings > System > About, and write down the version number you see. The version appears as a number like 19.5 or 20.1.

Visit the official Kodi website (kodi.tv) and look at the read page to see what the current stable release is. If your version number is lower than the latest stable release, an update is available. If your numbers match, you are already on the current version and do not need to update.

What to do if the update button does not appear

If you go to Settings > System > System Update and see no button or a grayed-out button, check your internet connection first. Go to the Firestick home screen, open Settings, select Network, and confirm you are connected to Wi-Fi. If the connection is active, restart your Firestick by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

After the restart, open Kodi again and return to the System Update screen. If the button still does not appear, your version may already be the latest one available through the Appstore. Some Firestick models or regions receive updates on a delayed schedule, so the newest Kodi version may not be available to you yet even if a newer version exists elsewhere.

Updating a sideloaded version of Kodi

If you installed Kodi by sideloading (using a file manager or installation tool rather than the Amazon Appstore), the in-app update method may not work. Instead, you will need to uninstall the old version and install the new one manually.

Go to your Firestick Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, find Kodi in the list, and select Uninstall. Then use the same method you used to sideload originally—whether that is a file manager, ADB (Android Debug Bridge), or a sideloading app—to read and install the latest Kodi version. Your Kodi settings and library data are usually stored separately, so uninstalling and reinstalling does not erase your configuration.

Backing up your Kodi settings before updating

Updates rarely cause problems, but backing up your Kodi configuration takes only a few minutes and protects your library, watched status, and custom settings. Inside Kodi, go to Settings > System > System Settings > File Manager. Select Add Source and choose a location where you can save files—usually a USB drive connected to your Firestick or a network location.

Then go to Settings > System > System Settings > Backup and select Full Backup. Choose the location you just added, and Kodi will create a compressed file containing all your settings. If something goes wrong during the update, you can restore from this backup by going to the same Backup menu and selecting Restore.

Restarting Kodi after the update completes

When an update finishes, Kodi closes and restarts automatically. Wait for the app to fully load before you use it—this usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. You may see a brief loading screen or a black screen during startup; this is normal.

Once Kodi opens, check that your library and settings are intact by navigating to a section you use regularly. If you notice any unusual behavior—missing content, changed settings, or error messages—try closing Kodi completely (press the back button until you exit the app) and opening it again. A second restart often resolves minor glitches that happen when ready after an update.

Why updating Kodi matters

Updates include security fixes that protect your Firestick from vulnerabilities, bug fixes that improve stability, and new features that enhance how Kodi works. Older versions of Kodi may have compatibility issues with newer Firestick models or may not work correctly with certain add-ons.

You do not need to update when ready when a new version appears, but updating within a few weeks of release is a good practice. If you use Kodi regularly, set a reminder to check for updates once a month by visiting the System Update screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating Kodi erase my library or watched history?

No. Updates installed through the Settings menu preserve your library, watched status, and custom settings. Only a manual uninstall and reinstall (as with sideloaded versions) might affect your data, and even then, your settings are usually stored separately and survive the reinstall.

How long does a Kodi update take?

Most updates read and install in 2 to 5 minutes on a Firestick with a stable internet connection. The app will restart automatically when finished. If the read takes longer than 10 minutes, check your Wi-Fi signal strength and restart your Firestick.

Can I use Kodi while an update is downloading?

You can continue using Kodi while the update downloads in the background, but the app will close and restart when installation begins. Close any active streams or videos before the restart to avoid interruption.

What if the update fails or gets stuck?

If an update fails, restart your Firestick by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Then open Kodi and try the update again. If it fails a second time, check your internet connection and make sure you have at least 500 MB of free storage on your Firestick by going to Settings > Device > Storage.

Is it safe to update Kodi on Firestick?

Yes. Updates from the Amazon Appstore are reviewed and safe to install. Sideloaded versions carry slightly more risk because you are downloading from a third-party source, so only read from the official Kodi website (kodi.tv) or a trusted source you recognize.