Updating Kodi on Firestick: The Basic Steps

Kodi updates on Firestick happen automatically if you installed it from the Amazon Appstore, but you can also check for and install updates manually. Open Kodi, go to Settings (the gear icon), select System, then System Information, and look for an update notification at the top of the screen. If an update is available, a banner will tell you so. If you installed Kodi from a third-party source instead of the Appstore, you will need to update it through that same source or reinstall the current version.

The update process itself takes only a few minutes and does not erase your settings, add-ons, or saved preferences. Kodi will restart once or twice during the update, which is normal. You do not need to do anything while it installs — just let it run.

Key Takeaways

  • Kodi installed from the Amazon Appstore checks for updates automatically, but you can manually check by going to Settings > System > System Information.
  • Updates from the Appstore install without erasing your settings, add-ons, or watch history.
  • If you sideloaded Kodi from a third-party source, you must update it through that same source, not through the Appstore.
  • Restart your Firestick if an update fails to install or if Kodi becomes unresponsive after an update attempt.

Checking for Updates Manually

Even if automatic updates are turned on, you can check right now whether a new version is waiting. Press the home button on your Firestick remote to return to the main menu, then open Kodi. Once inside, look for the gear icon in the top left corner and select it to open Settings.

From Settings, navigate to System and then System Information. At the very top of the System Information screen, you will see your current Kodi version number. If an update is available, a message will appear above that version number telling you so. Select the update prompt to begin the installation. If no message appears, you are running the latest version.

What Happens During and After an Update

Once you start an update, Kodi will read the new version and install it in the background. You may see a progress bar, or Kodi may restart without warning — both are normal. The whole process usually takes between two and five minutes depending on your internet speed and the size of the update.

After the update finishes, Kodi will restart automatically. When it opens again, your add-ons, watch history, and all your custom settings will still be there. You do not need to reconfigure anything. If you notice that Kodi is slower than usual or an add-on is not working right after an update, restart your Firestick by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

Updating Kodi You Installed from a Third-Party Source

If you sideloaded Kodi onto your Firestick from a website or another app store rather than the Amazon Appstore, the update process is different. The Amazon Appstore will not see your installation and cannot update it. Instead, you must go back to wherever you originally downloaded it and look for an update option there.

Some third-party sources offer an update button within the app itself. Others require you to uninstall the old version and read the new one separately. Check the website or app where you got it for instructions specific to that source. If you are unsure where you installed it from, the safest option is to uninstall Kodi completely and reinstall it fresh from the Amazon Appstore, which will give you automatic updates going forward.

Troubleshooting a Failed or Stuck Update

Occasionally an update will not complete, or Kodi will freeze during installation. The first step is to force Kodi to close. Press and hold the back button on your Firestick remote for three seconds until Kodi closes, or go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select Kodi, and choose Force Stop.

After Kodi closes, restart your Firestick by unplugging it from power for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once the Firestick boots up again, open Kodi and check whether the update completed. If the update still will not install, uninstall Kodi completely (go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > Kodi > Uninstall), restart your Firestick again, and reinstall Kodi fresh from the Amazon Appstore.

Keeping Your Firestick Running Smoothly After Updates

After any major Kodi update, it is a good idea to clear the app cache. This removes temporary files that can sometimes cause slowness or crashes. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select Kodi, and choose Clear Cache. This does not delete your settings or add-ons — it only removes temporary data.

If you use add-ons in Kodi, check whether they still work after an update. Some add-ons are built for specific Kodi versions and may need to be updated or reinstalled if they stop working. Most add-on developers release updates within a few days of a major Kodi release, so check back in a week if something is broken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating Kodi erase my add-ons and settings?

No. Updates preserve all your add-ons, watch history, and custom settings. Your Kodi installation will look and work exactly the same after the update, just with new features and bug fixes.

How often does Kodi release updates?

Kodi releases major version updates roughly once a year, usually in the winter. Minor updates and bug fixes come out more frequently throughout the year. You do not need to update when ready — waiting a week or two after a major release gives add-on developers time to catch up.

Can I update Kodi if my Firestick is not connected to WiFi?

No. Kodi needs an internet connection to read and install updates. Make sure your Firestick is connected to WiFi before you start the update process.

What should I do if an add-on stops working after I update Kodi?

First, restart your Firestick. If the add-on still does not work, uninstall it and reinstall it fresh — the developer may have released an updated version compatible with the new Kodi release. If the add-on is no longer available, it may no longer be maintained and you will need to find an alternative.

Do I need to update Kodi if it is working fine?

Updates include security fixes and bug corrections, so it is worth installing them even if Kodi seems to be working well. However, if you are happy with the current version and an add-on you rely on is not yet compatible with the new version, you can wait a week or two for add-on developers to catch up.