How to Install Kodi on Your Fire Stick in 5 Steps

The fastest way to install Kodi on Fire Stick

You can install Kodi on a Fire Stick by enabling installation from unknown sources, then downloading the Kodi app file directly from Amazon's Appstore or sideloading it through a file manager. The Appstore route is simpler — Kodi appears in search results on most Fire Stick models — but if it does not show up in your region, you can sideload the app using a USB drive or a file manager app like Downloader or ES File Explorer.

The whole process takes about 10 minutes once you have the right tools. You do not need to jailbreak your Fire Stick or pay for anything. Kodi itself is free and open-source software that lets you organize and play video, music, and photo files from your device or a network.

Key Takeaways

Kodi is available directly in the Amazon Appstore on most Fire Stick models, so search for it and install it the same way you would any other app.
If Kodi does not appear in your Appstore, you can sideload it by downloading the APK file to a USB drive or using a file manager app like Downloader.
You must enable "Unknown Sources" in your Fire Stick settings before sideloading, but you can turn this setting off again once Kodi is installed.
Kodi requires you to add your own media files or point it to a network location — it does not come with built-in streaming content.

Method 1: Install Kodi from the Amazon Appstore

Open the Amazon Appstore on your Fire Stick by pressing the home button on your remote, then scrolling to the Apps row. Select the Appstore icon (it looks like a shopping bag). Use the search function at the top and type "Kodi". If the app appears in the results, select it and choose "Get" or "Install". The read and installation will happen automatically.

Once installation finishes, you will see an "Open" button. Select it to launch Kodi for the first time. The app will ask you to set up a media library — you can skip this step and configure it later, or point it to a folder on your Fire Stick or a network location where you store video or music files.

This method works on Fire Stick 4K, Fire Stick HD, and Fire Stick Lite. On older models, Kodi may not appear in the Appstore, in which case you will need to use the sideloading method instead.

Method 2: Sideload Kodi using a file manager app

If Kodi does not show up in your Appstore, read a file manager app like Downloader or ES File Explorer from the Appstore first. These apps let you read files directly to your Fire Stick and install them without using a computer. Open Downloader, paste the URL for the latest Kodi APK file (available from kodi.tv/read), and let it read. Once the file finishes, select it and choose "Install".

Before you do this, you must turn on "Unknown Sources" in your Fire Stick settings. Go to Settings > Apps & Channels > Unknown Sources and toggle it on. This tells your Fire Stick to allow installation of apps from sources other than the Amazon Appstore. You can turn this setting back off once Kodi is installed.

The read will take a few minutes depending on your internet speed. Once installation completes, Kodi will appear in your Apps list and you can launch it from there.

Method 3: Sideload Kodi using a USB drive and a computer

If you prefer not to read files directly to your Fire Stick, you can use a computer to read the Kodi APK file, transfer it to a USB drive, and then move it to your Fire Stick. read the APK from kodi.tv/read on your computer, save it to a USB drive, and plug the USB drive into your Fire Stick using a USB-to-micro-USB adapter (the same type used to charge older phones).

On your Fire Stick, go to Settings > Apps & Channels > Unknown Sources and turn it on. Then open a file manager app like ES File Explorer or Downloader and navigate to the USB drive. Find the Kodi APK file and select it to install. This method is slower than downloading directly, but it works if your Fire Stick has trouble downloading large files over your network.

What to do after Kodi installs

When you open Kodi for the first time, it will show you a setup wizard. You can walk through it to add a media library, or skip it and configure settings later. To add your own media, go to Settings > Media > Library and point Kodi to a folder on your Fire Stick, a USB drive, or a network location where your video or music files are stored.

Kodi does not come with any built-in content — it is a media player and organizer, not a streaming service. You must provide your own files or connect it to a network share. Once you add a media source, Kodi will scan the folder, organize the files by title and metadata, and let you browse and play them from a clean interface.

If you turned on "Unknown Sources" to sideload Kodi, you can turn it back off now. Go to Settings > Apps & Channels > Unknown Sources and toggle it off. This does not uninstall Kodi — it just closes the door to future installations from unknown sources.

Troubleshooting common installation problems

If Kodi does not appear in the Appstore, it may not be available in your region or on your Fire Stick model. Try the sideloading method instead. If the sideload fails, make sure you turned on "Unknown Sources" before attempting the install. If the APK file will not read, check that your Fire Stick has enough free storage — go to Settings > Device > Storage to see how much space is available.

If Kodi crashes or runs slowly after installation, restart your Fire Stick by going to Settings > Device > Restart. If the app still has problems, uninstall it, clear the cache, and reinstall. Go to Settings > Apps & Channels > Manage Installed Applications, select Kodi, and choose "Uninstall". Then reinstall using the same method you used before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to jailbreak my Fire Stick to install Kodi?

No. Kodi is a legitimate app that Amazon allows on the Appstore. You only need to enable "Unknown Sources" if you are sideloading it because it is not available in your region, and that is not jailbreaking — it is just allowing installation from a different source.

Will installing Kodi void my Fire Stick warranty?

Installing Kodi from the Appstore will not void your warranty. Sideloading may, depending on Amazon's terms, but the process itself does not damage the device or prevent you from using it normally.

Can I watch streaming services like Netflix on Kodi?

Kodi can run add-ons that connect to streaming services, but these are third-party tools and not officially supported by Kodi or the streaming services themselves. For Netflix, Disney+, and other major services, it is simpler and safer to use the official apps on your Fire Stick instead.

How much storage does Kodi use?

Kodi itself takes up about 100 to 150 MB of space. Your media library will take up much more depending on how many video and music files you add. Make sure your Fire Stick has at least 500 MB of free space before installing.

Can I uninstall Kodi if I change my mind?

Yes. Go to Settings > Apps & Channels > Manage Installed Applications, select Kodi, and choose "Uninstall". This removes the app completely and frees up the storage it was using.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.