Update Kodi directly from the app when a new version is available

Kodi on Firestick checks for updates automatically, and the simplest path is to let the app tell you when one is ready. Open Kodi, go to Settings (the gear icon), then System, then System Information. At the top you will see your current Kodi version. If an update is waiting, Kodi will show a notification on the home screen or in the settings menu.

When you see the update prompt, select it and Kodi will read and install the new version while you wait — usually three to five minutes depending on your internet speed. Your settings, add-ons, and library will stay intact. After installation finishes, Kodi will ask you to restart the app. Select yes, and you are done.

This method works only if Kodi can reach its update servers from your Firestick. If your Firestick is on a network that blocks certain traffic, or if Kodi's servers are temporarily down, the in-app update will not appear.

Key Takeaways

  • The easiest update path is opening Kodi, going to Settings > System > System Information, and selecting the update notification if one appears.
  • In-app updates preserve your settings, add-ons, and library without requiring you to reinstall Kodi from scratch.
  • If no update appears in the app, your Firestick may be blocking Kodi's update servers, or you may already be on the latest version.
  • Uninstalling and reinstalling Kodi from the Amazon Appstore is a backup method if the in-app update fails or does not appear.
  • Always check your current Kodi version before updating to confirm you are not already on the newest release.

Reinstall Kodi from the Amazon Appstore if the in-app update does not work

If Kodi does not show an update notification after checking System Information, or if the in-app update fails partway through, you can remove Kodi and install it fresh from the Amazon Appstore. This erases your Kodi settings and add-ons, so use this method only after the in-app update has genuinely failed.

Go to Settings on your Firestick home screen, select Applications, then Manage Installed Applications. Find Kodi in the list, select it, and choose Uninstall. Confirm the removal. Then open the Amazon Appstore, search for Kodi, and select Install. The Appstore will read and install the latest version available in that store.

After installation finishes, open Kodi and set it up as if it were new. You will need to add your media sources, configure your add-ons, and restore any custom settings you had before. If you kept notes on which add-ons you used and where your media folders were located, the rebuild will go faster.

Check whether your Firestick model can run the latest Kodi version

Older Firestick models — particularly the first-generation Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite — may not support the newest Kodi releases. Kodi 21 and later require more processing power and memory than these older devices have. If your Firestick is several years old and Kodi will not update past version 20, this is usually why.

You can check your Firestick model by going to Settings on the home screen, selecting About, and looking for the device name. First-generation sticks say "Fire TV Stick" or "Fire TV Stick Lite" without a year. Second-generation and newer models include the year, such as "Fire TV Stick (2020)" or "Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023)".

If your device is older and Kodi stops updating, you have two choices: keep using the older Kodi version (which will still work for most purposes), or upgrade to a newer Firestick model that supports current Kodi releases. Older Kodi versions remain stable and functional; they straightforward do not receive new features or security patches.

Verify your internet connection before updating

Kodi updates read over your network, so a weak or unstable connection can interrupt the process and leave the update incomplete. Before you start, run a speed test on your Firestick or another device on the same network. You need at least 5 Mbps read speed for a reliable update.

If your Firestick is far from your router or in a room with thick walls, move it closer temporarily or connect it to your network via a wired Ethernet adapter (available separately from Amazon). A wired connection is more stable than Wi-Fi and will reduce the chance of the update stalling halfway through.

If the update fails due to connection loss, Kodi will usually resume from where it stopped the next time you try. You do not need to start completely over.

Understand what changes between Kodi versions

Major Kodi updates (such as moving from version 20 to version 21) bring new features, a redesigned interface, and changes to how add-ons work. Some add-ons that worked in the old version may not work in the new one until their creators update them. Minor updates (such as 21.0 to 21.1) fix bugs and security issues without changing the interface.

Before updating to a major new version, check whether the add-ons you rely on have been updated by their creators. You can do this by visiting the add-on's official page or repository. If a critical add-on has not been updated and you depend on it, you may want to wait a few weeks for the creator to catch up.

After any update, test your most-used add-ons and media sources to confirm they still work. If an add-on breaks, you can uninstall it from Kodi's add-on manager and look for an alternative.

Troubleshoot a stuck or failed update

If Kodi appears to freeze during an update or the update seems to hang for more than ten minutes, force-close the app. Press and hold the home button on your Firestick remote, then select Settings from the menu that appears. Go to Applications > Manage Installed Applications, find Kodi, and select Force Stop. Wait thirty seconds, then open Kodi again.

Kodi will usually resume the update from where it paused. If it does not, and the in-app update continues to fail, use the reinstall method described above: uninstall Kodi completely and install it fresh from the Amazon Appstore. This is more reliable than trying to fix a partially failed update.

If reinstalling also fails, the problem may be with your network or with Amazon's servers. Wait a few hours and try again, or move your Firestick to a location with a stronger Wi-Fi signal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating Kodi erase my add-ons and settings?

In-app updates preserve your add-ons, settings, and library. Only if you uninstall Kodi completely and reinstall it will you lose those things. If you must reinstall, write down which add-ons you use and where your media folders are located so you can rebuild quickly.

How often does Kodi release new versions?

Kodi releases major versions (such as version 21) roughly once per year. Minor updates and bug fixes come out more frequently, sometimes monthly. You do not have to update every time a new version appears; older versions remain functional.

Can I downgrade Kodi to an older version if the new one does not work?

Downgrading is not straightforward because Kodi's database format changes between major versions. If a new version causes problems, uninstall it and reinstall the older version from the Amazon Appstore. You may lose some settings in the process.

What should I do if Kodi says "update available" but will not read it?

Check your internet connection first — you need at least 5 Mbps. If the connection is strong, restart your Firestick and try again. If the update still will not start, uninstall Kodi and reinstall it from the Amazon Appstore, which will give you the latest version available in that store.

Is it safe to update Kodi while I am using an add-on?

Close all add-ons and return to Kodi's home screen before updating. Updates work best when Kodi is idle. If you update while an add-on is running, the update may fail or the add-on may become unstable.