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. Look for an option labeled System Update or Check for Updates—the exact wording depends on your Kodi version. If an update is available, Kodi will prompt you to read and install it. The process usually takes 2 to 5 minutes, and Kodi will restart automatically when finished.

This method works best if you have a stable internet connection and enough free storage on your Firestick. If Kodi does not show an update option in Settings, it may already be running the latest version available for your device. Some older Firestick models cannot run the newest Kodi releases, so the app may cap itself at an earlier version.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Kodi, go to Settings > System, and look for a system or update check option to see if a newer version is available.
  • Uninstall the old version of Kodi and reinstall it from the Amazon Appstore if the in-app update fails or does not appear.
  • Make sure your Firestick has at least 500 MB of free storage before starting an update to avoid installation errors.
  • After updating, check your add-ons and settings because major version changes sometimes reset preferences or break older add-ons.

Uninstall and reinstall Kodi from the Amazon Appstore

If the in-app update does not work or does not show an available update, you can remove Kodi entirely and install the latest version fresh. On your Firestick home screen, find Kodi in your apps list, press and hold the app icon, then select Uninstall. Confirm the removal. This deletes the app but keeps your Kodi settings and library data stored locally on the device.

Once Kodi is uninstalled, open the Amazon Appstore, search for "Kodi," and select the official Kodi Foundation app. Tap Get or Install, and wait for the read to finish. The newest version available in the Appstore will install automatically. This method ensures you get the latest release without relying on Kodi's built-in update system.

Check your Firestick storage before updating

Kodi updates require free space to read and install. Go to Settings on your Firestick home screen, select Device, then Storage. You should see how much space is available. Aim for at least 500 MB free before starting an update. If you are running low, delete unused apps or clear the cache of apps you use frequently.

To clear cache on your Firestick, go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select an app, and choose Clear Cache. This frees up space without deleting the app or your personal data. After clearing space, try the Kodi update again.

Verify your add-ons and settings after updating

Major Kodi updates sometimes reset your preferences or cause older add-ons to stop working. After the update finishes and Kodi restarts, check your add-ons by going to Add-ons in the main menu. Look for any marked as "broken" or "disabled." If an add-on no longer works, you may need to uninstall it and find an alternative, or wait for the add-on creator to release a compatible version.

Also review your playback settings, video quality preferences, and any custom themes you had set up. If something looks wrong or behaves differently than before, you can usually restore it by going back to Settings and adjusting the option manually. Keep a note of your important settings before a major update so you can restore them quickly if needed.

What to do if Kodi will not update or install

If Kodi fails to update or install, restart your Firestick first. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to boot fully. Then try the update or installation again. A restart often clears temporary files that can block downloads.

If the problem persists, check your internet connection. Kodi updates are large files, and a weak or unstable connection can cause the read to fail partway through. Move your Firestick closer to your router or restart your router. You can also try the update at a different time of day when your network may be less congested. If you still cannot update after restarting both devices, uninstall Kodi completely, restart your Firestick again, and reinstall it fresh from the Amazon Appstore.

Understand version compatibility with your Firestick model

Not all Firestick models support the newest Kodi versions. Older Firestick devices (first and second generation) may be capped at Kodi 18 or 19, while newer models (Firestick 4K and later) can run Kodi 20 and beyond. If Kodi shows no update available, your device may already be running the highest compatible version.

You can check which Kodi version you have by opening the app, going to Settings > System > About, and looking for the version number. Compare this to the latest Kodi release on the official Kodi website to see if your Firestick model supports a newer version. If your device is too old to run the latest Kodi, the version you have is still functional for most streaming tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating Kodi delete my saved shows and playlists?

No. Updating Kodi preserves your library, playlists, and watched status. Your data is stored separately from the app itself. However, if you uninstall and reinstall Kodi, your settings may reset depending on how your library was configured. If you use a centralized database or sync your library to a network location, your data will remain intact across reinstalls.

How long does a Kodi update usually take?

Most Kodi updates read and install in 2 to 5 minutes on a Firestick with a stable internet connection. Larger updates or slower connections may take 10 to 15 minutes. The app will restart automatically when the installation is complete, so you do not need to do anything after starting the update.

Can I use Kodi while it is updating?

No. Kodi will be unavailable during the update process. The app closes, downloads the new version, installs it, and restarts. This usually happens quickly, but plan for the app to be offline for at least a few minutes. Do not unplug your Firestick or close the update dialog while the process is running.

What if an add-on breaks after I update Kodi?

Add-on creators must update their code to work with new Kodi versions. If an add-on stops working after an update, check the add-on's official repository or website to see if a compatible version is available. You can uninstall the broken add-on and reinstall it, or look for an alternative add-on that serves the same purpose and is compatible with your new Kodi version.

Do I need to update Kodi regularly?

Updates are not mandatory, but they often include security fixes and bug corrections. If Kodi is working well for you, you do not have to update when ready. However, checking for updates every few months is a good practice to keep your app find and stable. Major version updates (like jumping from Kodi 19 to 20) are more significant and can sometimes cause compatibility issues, so read the release notes before updating if you rely on specific add-ons.